I’ve been inundated with emails and calls over the past few weeks from people across the country who want to see a ban on all gambling ads.
Unfortunately, it seems the Albanese Government will likely go ahead with a partial ban. We know from previous reforms that partial bans don’t reduce ads, they just move the ads around. We have a partial ban right now - and it hasn’t worked.
While I haven’t seen the final proposal myself and other crossbenchers did receive what I have to say was a pretty underwhelming briefing from Minister Rowland about the government’s plans.
From what we have been told so far, there’s no indication yet that the ban would:
- Stop celebrity endorsements, which research tells us is the most effective way to target children
- Stop ads on streaming services, like Netflix or 9Now
- Stop ads during family programs on TV, like Lego Masters, MasterChef or GoggleBox
- Stop gambling logos from appearing on jerseys and on stadium signage
These are significant loopholes that the online gambling industry will exploit to continue marketing their products to children.
I moved what’s called an urgency motion in the senate in the last sitting fortnight calling on the parliament to support a phased-in, three-year, total ban on gambling advertising as was recommended by the Murphy Review.
Disappointingly, both Labor and the Coalition, along with Senators Tyrrell & Babet voted against my motion while Senator Rennick crossed the floor to support, alongside the Greens, and Senators Van, Lambie and Payman.
The most disturbing thing I’ve seen in this debate is the Prime Minister repeating some dodgy claims by the gambling industry that “banning ads will drive people to gamble offshore” - I recorded a video about this here.
This did not happen in Norway when it stopped ads. It did not happen in Spain. It did not happen in Belgium. It’s a dud claim by the gambling industry, and the PM should not be giving it airtime. Former Irish gambling company CEO Stewart Kenny really belled the cat on this one and thoroughly debunked these claims in a cracking interview on the ABC which you can listen to here, or get the short version here.
The majority of Australians want a full ban and want a better future for the next generation. I’ll keep pushing as hard as I can, but ultimately what is required is for the Government to have some courage and do what’s right for people, not for multinational gambling companies profiting off suffering in our community.
I’m working on another big piece of advocacy to increase the pressure on the government to do the right thing here and I look forward to sharing that with you in coming weeks.