Bill Debate · Second Reading

Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban Gambling Ads) Bill 2024; Second Reading

Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Australian Greens' bill to implement a comprehensive ban on all online gambling advertising. The Greens and Independent Senator David Pocock supported the legislation, arguing it was necessary to protect young people and address the national gambling harm crisis, citing the recommendations of the late Peta Murphy's inquiry. The Labor government opposed the bill, stating that while they are committed to reform, they require more time for consultation to ensure policies are effective and do not have unintended consequences, highlighting existing measures like the BetStop register and credit card bans. The Liberal Party also opposed the bill, criticising the Greens for previously voting against a partial ban on ads during live sport and accusing the government of inaction. No amendments were moved, and the bill was not passed.

Outcome

The bill was not passed.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA) (Australian Greens) Greens

Senator Hanson-Young supported the bill, arguing it would implement a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising across all media to protect children and families from harm. Hanson-Young noted that the proposal aligned with the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy, which had bipartisan support. Hanson-Young criticised the government for delaying action despite promises and offered a compromise to ban online ads and restrict broadcast ads around sports events. Hanson-Young highlighted that Australians lose over $32 billion annually to gambling, the highest per capita loss globally, and argued that advertising normalises gambling and targets vulnerable young people.

Opposition response

Sarah Henderson (VIC) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Senator Henderson opposed the bill, characterising it as hypocritical given the Greens' previous vote against the Coalition's bill to ban gambling ads during live sport. Henderson argued that the government had failed to act on the issue for over 18 months since the Murphy report was tabled. Henderson criticised the Prime Minister for lacking leadership and being influenced by gambling industry lobbyists and sporting codes. Henderson also attacked the government's broader record, citing economic mismanagement and other legislative failures, and argued that the Greens' bill was a political stunt rather than a genuine policy solution.

Karen Grogan (SA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Senator Grogan opposed the bill, stating that the government takes the issue seriously but requires more time to develop effective policy through consultation. Grogan argued that rushed legislation could lead to unintended consequences, citing the 2018 Coalition reforms which resulted in a spike in online gambling ads. Grogan highlighted existing government actions, including banning credit cards for online gambling, implementing customer ID verification, strengthening video game classifications, and launching the BetStop national self-exclusion register. Grogan emphasised that the government would only progress advertising reform legislation once consultations were concluded and a robust policy model was established.
David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind support

Senator Pocock supported the bill, framing gambling advertising as a public health issue that normalises betting for young people. Pocock praised the comprehensive nature of the Peta Murphy inquiry and its recommendations, which had broad parliamentary support. Pocock shared personal stories from individuals affected by gambling harm to illustrate the devastating social impact. Pocock criticised the government for appearing to adopt arguments from the gambling industry, such as the claim that bans drive consumers to offshore providers, which he disputed by citing evidence from other jurisdictions.
Lisa Darmanin (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Senator Darmanin opposed the bill, reiterating the government's commitment to reducing gambling harm through careful, evidence-based reform. Darmanin argued that poorly designed policies could shift advertising to other platforms, increasing exposure in family-friendly spaces. Darmanin listed the government's existing harm reduction measures, including the BetStop register and credit card bans, as significant steps forward. Darmanin emphasised the need to address the saturation of ads across digital platforms and social media, stating that the government is working through the complexities of the Murphy report recommendations to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes.
Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Senator Hodgins-May supported the bill, arguing that the government had failed to act on the Murphy report's recommendation to ban gambling ads within three years. Hodgins-May criticised the Labor government for accepting donations from the gambling industry and delaying legislation ahead of the election. Hodgins-May highlighted the pervasive nature of gambling advertising, noting its presence in children's programming and online games, and argued that this exposure contributes to addiction among young people. Hodgins-May urged the government to take decisive action to protect Australians from the harms of gambling advertising.