The Australian government’s decision to delay plans for gambling advertisement reforms has ignited frustration in parliament and raised questions about the conflicting views among its ministers. The proposed measures, originally recommended by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy in a parliamentary report, aimed for a comprehensive ban on gambling ads. However, 18 months later, the government has yet to act on these recommendations, leaving advocates for reform increasingly disheartened.

Two key ministers offered contrasting reasons for the delay, underscoring divisions within the government. Competition Minister Andrew Leigh, a vocal supporter of a total gambling ad ban and a close friend of Peta Murphy, insisted that the government was ready to proceed but lacked sufficient support in the Senate. Speaking to ABC News Canberra, he emphasized, “If we thought the numbers were there, we’d put it to the parliament immediately. The fact that the numbers aren’t there says everything about the way in which the opposition is moving into blocking mode.” Leigh also dismissed claims of government inaction as cowardice, calling such suggestions “offensive” given the significant effort put into progressing gambling reforms.

In contrast, Sports Minister Anika Wells argued that the delay stemmed from the need for further work on the proposal. Addressing concerns from both the gambling industry and sporting organizations, Wells highlighted the complex implications of such a ban. “I’ve got concerns about how this is impacting sport integrity and how this is impacting our athletes,” she said. She added that the government was carefully weighing the potential impact on the financial viability of sports leagues and organizations.

Labor’s Internal Struggles

The Labor Party remains divided over the scope of the proposed restrictions. While a segment of the caucus supports a full ban in line with Murphy’s recommendations, others, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have leaned towards a partial ban. Despite these internal disagreements, the government’s hesitation to act has been met with fierce criticism from opposition parties and independent lawmakers.

The Coalition, although yet to announce a formal stance, has previously supported restrictions on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts. Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman lambasted the government for its delays, accusing Prime Minister Albanese of bowing to pressure from major sporting organizations and media companies. “The golden thread that runs through the Albanese government is weakness and indecision,” Coleman asserted.

Similarly, the Greens have continued to advocate for a complete ban, with Senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemning the government’s lack of action. “Everyone can see that Labor have caved [to the gambling industry],” she said in a statement.

Independent Senator David Pocock echoed these sentiments, describing the government’s approach as “absolutely gutless.” He pointed to the significant harm caused by gambling, noting that Australians lose an estimated $25 billion annually, the highest per capita loss in the world. “In 18 months, they can’t get their act together to actually legislate something,” Pocock said.

The Path Forward

While the federal government has postponed the gambling ad restrictions to 2025, many lawmakers and stakeholders are pushing for faster action. Independent MP Zoe Daniel criticized the government’s lack of courage in addressing the issue, stating, “It would appear that the government has given up on the idea of legislating or acting on, or indeed even responding to, the recommendations of the late Peta Murphy’s report.”

As debates continue, the government faces mounting pressure to reconcile the differing perspectives within its ranks and deliver meaningful reform. With Australians increasingly concerned about the societal harm caused by gambling, the issue is expected to remain a focal point in future parliamentary discussions and elections.