Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Birrell expressed disappointment at the three-year delay in responding to the Murphy report and argued the bill was manifestly inadequate. Birrell supported stronger protections for children and vulnerable people but raised concerns about the impact on the racing industry and free-to-air broadcasting. Birrell suggested that an opt-in system for streaming services would be preferable to opt-out, and called for clearer and easier opt-out mechanisms if the latter was chosen.

Rebello contended that the legislation failed to satisfy the criteria of being focused, grounded in proof, and able to lower damage without undue effects. Rebello condemned the advertising limit as inadequate and pointed to the absence of measures regarding gambling incentives. Rebello firmly rejected the prohibition on overseas matched lotteries, claiming it was unsupported by data and would eliminate employment in his constituency, particularly at The Lottery Office. Rebello advocated for oversight instead of bans and pressed the government to lift the restriction on foreign matched lotteries.

Chesters supported the comprehensive reforms, acknowledging the time required to turn committee recommendations into legislation. Chesters shared personal experiences of growing up with a gambler and emphasised the need to stop the normalisation of gambling for children. Chesters highlighted the ban on ads during live sport, restrictions on celebrity endorsements, and the prohibition of online keno. Chesters argued the bill would help families enjoy sport without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

Chaffey shared a personal story of his mother's gambling addiction and the resulting family trauma. Chaffey argued that while adults should have choice, the government had an obligation to protect vulnerable people, particularly children. Chaffey criticised the bill for not going far enough in addressing inducements and protecting young people from targeted marketing. Chaffey stated that the legislation was a missed opportunity to implement stronger measures to prevent gambling harm.

Le argued that the bill fell short of the Murphy report recommendations, adopting only three of the 31 suggestions. Le highlighted the severe gambling harm in his electorate, particularly in Fairfield, and criticised the advertising cap and racing exemptions. Le called for a phased comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, action on inducements, and a national precommitment framework. Le also emphasised the need for gambling help services in languages other than English to support multicultural communities.

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Tehan argued that the legislation must balance protecting vulnerable people and children with preserving the racing industry, which provides significant employment in regional areas. Tehan contended that prohibition would fail and drive gambling offshore or towards organised crime, while also infringing on the rights of adults to spend their money as they choose. Tehan suggested that the government's initial attempt did not achieve the correct balance and called for sensible changes that protect at-risk individuals without crippling the industry. Tehan emphasised the social and economic value of race meetings in his electorate and urged parliament to find a middle ground that supports both harm reduction and industry viability.

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Conaghan criticised the bill for failing to implement the 31 unanimous recommendations from the Murphy report, which he argued were designed to stop predatory practices by online wagering services. Conaghan cited evidence from the inquiry regarding the severe harm caused to individuals and families by these services, including cases of suicide and financial ruin. Conaghan asserted that the current bill watered down previous coalition positions and would not effectively protect vulnerable people from inducements and targeting. Conaghan urged the government to adopt the full Murphy recommendations to provide necessary barriers against predatory behaviour without eliminating gambling entirely.