The Albanese government faces mounting pressure to implement a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements as its response to a landmark parliamentary inquiry remains undecided.
Government Deliberations Continue
Communications Minister Anika Wells continues to work on the government's official response to recommendations calling for a total ban on wagering ads, with no final decision reached according to sources familiar with the matter. The delayed response comes nearly two years after the death of late MP Peta Murphy, who chaired the parliamentary committee that originally proposed the sweeping reforms.
The Australian Financial Review reported that the government might resist implementing a complete prohibition on online gambling advertisements, partly citing the recently announced under-16s social media ban as sufficient protection for children. However, Guardian Australia understands that Wells remains engaged in consultations with stakeholders, acknowledging community concerns about gambling harm.
Crossbench and Advocates React
Crossbench politicians and gambling harm advocates have expressed alarm at suggestions the government might retreat from Murphy's key recommendation of a total advertising ban following a three-year transition period.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young warned that "going soft on banning digital and online advertising will leave families vulnerable to the gambling industry vultures." The Greens plan to push for a Senate committee investigation into gambling reforms when parliament returns.
Independent MP Kate Chaney, who served on Murphy's committee, described anything less than a full ban as "a clear capitulation" and "a betrayal of families who are already paying the price."
Tim Costello, chief advocate of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, challenged the government's apparent reasoning, noting that even if children couldn't access gambling ads online through social media restrictions, they would still encounter them through television broadcasts and physical banners at sporting grounds.
Political Divisions and Industry Response
While numerous federal Labor MPs reportedly support strong action on gambling advertising, expectations are growing that the government's eventual announcement may fall short of Murphy's comprehensive recommendations.
Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh criticised the government's pace, stating the Coalition was still formulating its gambling policy but needed a government position to respond to properly. The Coalition previously took a policy to the 2025 election proposing to ban wagering ads for one hour before and after sporting matches.
From the gambling industry, Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, argued that a blanket ban would not reduce wagering but would instead drive Australian gamblers toward unregulated offshore platforms. "Our view is clear that any reforms should reduce the overall volume of advertising and limit exposure for kids and vulnerable people," Cantwell stated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously expressed concerns about "unintended consequences" of a total ban while defending the government's other gambling harm reduction measures, including the BetStop self-exclusion register and banning credit cards for wagering.
Some stakeholders now anticipate an announcement on the government's final position could emerge by early 2026, though the communications minister's office continues to consider feedback from all interested parties.
