Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Monday 17 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026, which aims to fund the regulation of wagering reforms through industry levies. Minister Anika Wells introduced the bill as a companion measure to broader gambling reforms, arguing that the wagering industry should bear the costs of enforcement rather than taxpayers. The bill empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority to recover expenses associated with administering new restrictions on inducement-based marketing and operating an advertising opt-out register. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
   See who spoke

3. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

4. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

5. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, focusing on proposals for a phased advertising ban and the establishment of a national gambling regulator. Senator David Pocock and Greens senators argued for stricter measures based on the Murphy report, while the government defended the legislation as a balanced approach that maintained industry viability. Critics highlighted concerns regarding inadequate protection for vulnerable Australians and insufficient regulatory enforcement capabilities. The government maintained that existing reforms and enhanced powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority were sufficient to reduce harm.

   Outcome: The amendments were not passed, with a division result of 11 in favour and 29 against.

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6. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate

   The Senate considered detailed amendments to three gambling reform bills under time limits. The Australian Greens moved extensive amendments to ban wagering advertising content, prohibit wagering inducements such as sign-up bonuses, and restrict gambling ads on SBS. Senator David Pocock opposed specific sections regarding notable persons and record-keeping. The Jacqui Lambie Network proposed regulating gambling-like elements in computer games, requiring R18+ classification for loot boxes. Most Greens amendments were defeated, while some were passed. The Jacqui Lambie Network amendment was negatived.

   Outcome: Division 6 was not passed (11-24), Division 7 was not passed (11-24), Division 8 was passed (29-13), Division 10 was not passed (12-32), Division 11 was passed (32-9), Division 12 was not passed (10-30), Division 13 was passed (39-21), Division 14 was not passed (21-39), Division 15 was passed (31-12), Division 16 was not passed (12-28), and Division 17 was passed (37-13).

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7. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a package of bills aimed at reducing gambling harm through advertising restrictions and enhanced enforcement, with the government and coalition supporting the legislation for its bipartisan safeguards. The Greens, an independent senator, and a crossbench Liberal senator opposed the bills, arguing they failed to implement key Murphy report recommendations such as a total advertising ban and a national regulator. Senator Pocock moved a second reading amendment calling for a conscience vote to highlight these deficiencies, while the Nationals acknowledged the bill's imperfections but emphasized balancing harm reduction with personal responsibility. The debate concluded with Senator Scarr announcing he would cross the floor to support the amendments.

   Outcome: Senator Scarr announced he would cross the floor to support the amendments.

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