Take Note Debate

Gambling

Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026

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

At a glance

Senators from the Australian Greens criticised the government for refusing to answer a question regarding gambling legislation. They argued that the administration had failed to implement key recommendations from the Murphy review, including bans on advertising and inducements. The speakers contended that the government prioritised industry interests over public safety and democratic expectations. The motion to take note of the Minister's answer was agreed to.

Outcome

Question agreed to.

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

Hanson-Young moved the motion to take note of the Minister for Foreign Affairs' refusal to answer a question about gambling. Hanson-Young argued that the government had failed to act on recommendations from the Murphy review, specifically regarding bans on gambling advertising and inducements. Hanson-Young also noted the absence of a national regulator as a significant policy failure. Hanson-Young claimed that the Labor Party accepted donations and benefits from the gambling industry, which influenced their legislative inaction.