Australian Government criticised over timing of gambling reform response

MPs and reform advocates have accused the Albanese government of trying to “bury” its long-awaited reply to the Murphy inquiry.

Australia.- The Australian government has been criticised for formally responding to the “You win some, you lose more” gambling inquiry on federal budget day. Independent MPs and senators have accused the Labour Party of attempting to avoid scrutiny.

The response to the 2023 report led by late Labour MP Peta Murphy was released while journalists were inside the federal budget lock-up, where media representatives are given early access to budget documents but cannot use phones or internet access until the treasurer’s speech is delivered.

Independent senator David Pocock described the timing as “cowardly and disrespectful” since the government released the document on a day when journalists were unable to immediately report on it.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused the government of trying to “bury” the announcement during one of the busiest political news days of the year, while Kate Chaney said the timing showed the government was attempting to avoid public scrutiny.

The Murphy inquiry made 31 recommendations aimed at reducing gambling harm, including a full ban on gambling advertising and the creation of a national gambling regulator. In its response, the Albanese government said it “notes” the recommendations and outlines its reform package announced in April, which includes a ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 6am and 8.30pm, limiting television ads to three per hour outside sporting events and prohibiting gambling advertising inside stadiums and on sports jerseys.

The reforms also introduce restrictions on radio and online wagering advertisements, new rules for influencers and celebrity endorsements, and stronger promotion of the BetStop self-exclusion register. Critics argued the reforms fall short of the inquiry’s recommendations because they do not introduce a total advertising ban or establish a national regulator.

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MPs and reform advocates have accused the Albanese government of trying to “bury” its long-awaited reply to the Murphy inquiry. Australia.- The Australian government has been criticised for formally responding to the “You win some, you lose more” gambling inquiry on federal budget day. Independent MPs and senators have accused the Labour Party of attempting…