Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Gambling

Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Hodgins-May moved a motion to take note of the Minister's answers regarding Labor MPs attending the Midwinter Ball, which was sponsored by gambling corporations. The Senator argued that the government failed to provide transparency about whether ministers accepted hospitality from the industry while introducing gambling legislation. She contended that this lack of accountability indicated corporate influence over policy, resulting in weakened reforms. The Senate agreed to the motion, noting the government's evasion on these matters.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens

Hodgins-May argued that the government failed to confirm whether Labor MPs accepted free tickets or hospitality from gambling corporations at the Midwinter Ball. Hodgins-May stated that attending such events while introducing gambling reform legislation demonstrated a conflict of interest and corporate capture. The Senator claimed that the government's refusal to disclose attendees of high-cost fundraisers indicated a lack of transparency and accountability. Hodgins-May asserted that these interactions contributed to the weakening of proposed gambling laws, which failed to address the significant harm caused to Australians.