Australians hold the title for the highest gambling losses globally. In the previous year, they forfeited $34.8 billion through betting. This figure surpasses the amount Australian households allocate for electricity and gas ($29.5 billion) or alcohol ($26.8 billion), indicating a significant issue.
This situation isn't due to any ingrained trait of Australian society that drives a fascination with wagering on trivial matters. Instead, it stems from a harmful gambling sector that successive administrations have hesitated to confront.
Annually, the gambling sector wreaks havoc on lives and is even strategizing to broaden its influence by appealing to new groups, including young women.
In 2023, following a legislative investigation into online gambling (the "Murphy review"), there appeared to be a possibility for reform. The inquiry consisted of politicians from the Labor, Liberal, and National parties, alongside independent member Kate Chaney. Despite their usual rivalries, the bipartisan committee unanimously supported 31 proposals aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm, such as a gradual prohibition on online gambling advertisements.
Yet, in spite of holding a significant majority in the lower house and earlier commitments to honor the legacy of the late committee chair Peta Murphy, the Albanese administration has failed to act on any of these suggestions. Initial reports hinted that the government was contemplating a limited ban instead, like prohibiting gambling promotions on social media and preventing their broadcast within one hour of sports events.
However, as reported by The Australian Financial Review, the Albanese administration might exploit its intended ban on social media for those under 16 as justification to abandon the already diluted reforms.
This exemplifies sheer political timidity. The notion that a ban on social media will effectively prevent youth from gambling is far-fetched. Given the alarming statistic that nearly one in three Australians aged 12-17 engages in gambling—before they are even old enough to legally place bets—the government should be actively working to stop young Australians from picking up a gambling addiction.
Polling from the Australia Institute reveals that there is overwhelming support for regulating gambling advertisements. A substantial 81 percent of Australians favor a ban on gambling ads across social media and digital platforms. Even more advocate for stricter actions; about 76 percent support a comprehensive ban on such advertisements to be rolled out over three years.
Gambling reform enjoys backing from both the general public and a bipartisan committee.
However, the Albanese government appears to be quite hesitant about pursuing reform. This week, the Parliamentary Friends of Gambling Harm Reduction reestablished itself to reignite efforts for gambling reform. Formed in 2023, this group serves as a neutral platform for interacting with advocates and promoting awareness about gambling-related harm. The latest list of participants reveals an eclectic mix, including Greens senator Barbara Pocock, independents like Rebekha Sharkie and Andrew Wilkie, members of Labor, and even right-wing Coalition senators Sarah Henderson and Jacinta Nampijnpa Price. Quite a surprising combination, isn't it?
If the federal government delays action, it risks being outpaced by the states. The Western Australian government is currently assessing its gambling regulations with the intention of reforming laws.
In Australia, gambling is not federally regulated (altering this is another suggestion from the Murphy review), but states have the authority to control gambling, including the regulation of its advertising. The consultation document for Western Australia's intended reforms highlights research indicating that gambling advertisements are so widespread in the state that they are "inevitable. " It mentions the need for advertising reform as if the Commonwealth might genuinely follow through on the Murphy review recommendations.
Nevertheless, Western Australia doesn't need to postpone. Its consultation document presents three potential measures to limit gambling advertising, including a complete advertising prohibition that aligns with the Murphy review. The state can proceed with these changes regardless of federal actions, potentially leading the nation in gambling reform. Given recent events in Parliament, it wouldn't be wise to wait for the Commonwealth to take any steps.
During Question Time on Tuesday, Wilkie, a long-time advocate for gambling reform, inquired if Albanese would permit government members to vote freely on the matter. Albanese, uh, denied the request.
Soon after, Chaney, who is also part of the Murphy review committee, posed a similar question to the Prime Minister. This time, the PM stated that he couldn't simply "wave a wand and fix things right away with a single piece of legislation. " But given the strong desire for reform from Labor and the wider parliament, why not attempt to make it happen?
This week, Labor MP Dr. Mike Freelander expressed that a prohibition on gambling advertising could pass through parliament via a conscience vote.
This is certainly accurate. Surveys indicate that Australians are in favor of reform, and the backing from Labor, Coalition, and independent members of the Murphy review committee suggests there is broad consensus among our parliamentarians that Australia should take action against gambling.
The primary obstacle is the Albanese government itself.
0 Comments