Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Australian Centre for Disease Control Amendment (Gambling as a Public Health Issue) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned a bill to formally recognise gambling harm as a public health issue within the Australian Centre for Disease Control. Independent members Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney argued that gambling causes severe social and health costs, including mental health issues and financial hardship, which require a systemic public health response rather than individual responsibility. They criticised the government for failing to act on the Murphy report recommendations over nearly 1,000 days. The speakers highlighted the predatory nature of the gambling industry and the need for evidence-based policy changes.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Monique Ryan (Kooyong) (Independent) Ind

Ryan moved the second reading motion, arguing that gambling is a serious public health crisis causing significant psychosocial harm, including mental health conditions and suicide. Ryan noted that Australians lose $32 billion annually, with vulnerable groups such as young people and Indigenous Australians disproportionately affected. The bill seeks to empower public health experts to produce evidence-based reports on gambling harms, shifting the focus from individual fault to systemic change. Ryan criticised the government for ignoring the 31 recommendations of the Murphy report tabled in June 2023, stating that no action had been taken in the subsequent 978 days.