Australia’s gambling reforms enter crucial week
Parliament returns after its winter break with Labour under pressure to strengthen its gambling bill.
Australia.- The gambling reform debate in Australia s set for a decisive week after Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said over the weekend that her party would not support the government’s bill in its current form. She warned that the Greens could seek to advance their own legislation if Labour does not agree to stronger measures.
Hanson-Young has identified restrictions on betting inducements as a key condition for the Greens’ support, calling for promotions such as bonus bets, deposit matches and other incentives to be banned. The Greens want an an opt-in system for gambling advertising online. That position follows a Senate inquiry that heard allegations about betting companies offering a range of perks to high-value customers, claims that operators have rejected.
The government is also negotiating with the Coalition, which has also said it will not support the bill without amendments. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said the Coalition wants stronger protections for children. The opposition is expected to present proposed changes during parliamentary debate.
In its current form, the bill would limit gambling advertising on free-to-air television to three ads per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, restrict radio advertising during school drop-off and pick-up periods,and ban betting logos on players’ uniforms and inside sports venues. Labour has defended its proposal as a significant step forward but has indicated it is open to “sensible amendments”.
