Australian gambling reform bill to face Senate enquiry
The bills passage through parliament has been delayed amid intense debate over measures for gambling advertising.
Australia.- The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 has been formally introduced to the House of Representatives but will not advance for now. The legislation will go to a Senate inquiry, which is expected to report in mid-August, putting the government’s target of implementing the reforms on January 1, 2027, at risk.
The legislation includes restrictions on gambling advertising across television, radio, online platforms and live sports broadcasts, but several MPs argue that it falls short of the recommendations made by the 2023 You Win Some, You Lose More inquiry led by the late Labour MP Peta Murphy.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie described the proposal as inadequate and called on the government to replace it with stronger reforms, but his motion to suspend parliamentary business to force an immediate debate was unsuccessful.
Liberal MPs Simon Kennedy, Zoe McKenzie and Andrew Wallace also argued that stronger restrictions on gambling advertising should be considered. The Greens maintained that the proposal does not sufficiently address gambling-related harm and has reiterated its support for a full ban on gambling advertising.
Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the legislation, describing it as a significant step to reduce gambling harm and children’s exposure to betting advertisements. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also urged Parliament to support the bill, saying the government had worked with broadcasters and sporting organisations to develop effective and practical reforms.
