The Australian Labor government has delayed its gambling advertising reforms, which were initially planned for 2024, now set for 2025. This delay has sparked concern among reform advocates, who worry the government is failing to address the societal impact of gambling ads.
Internal Disagreements and Industry Pushback
The postponement has been attributed to a mix of conflicting priorities and a lack of support in parliament. According to reports, resistance from sports organizations was a key reason for the shift. Sports Minister Anika Wells explained, “On the flip side, I have national sporting organizations, professional codes worried about how this will impact the viability of their financial models.”
The government’s delay has drawn criticism from several quarters, with anti-gambling groups accusing it of caving to industry pressure. MP Andrew Wilkie said the delay was a sign the government was “scared stiff” of gambling companies and broadcasters.
Originally based on the 2023 Murphy Report, the proposed reforms aimed at curbing gambling ads were supposed to reduce their prevalence, particularly around live sports events. The government’s new approach may involve banning gambling ads before and after live sports broadcasts, limiting them to two per hour during other programming, and enforcing blackouts during children’s shows. However, the gambling industry has advocated for a more lenient approach, suggesting shorter blackout periods.
Despite the pushback, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland reassured the public that the government is still committed to crafting a balanced solution. “We understand the concerns of both the public and the industries involved. Our goal is to craft legislation that reduces harm while balancing economic realities,” she said.
The delay could potentially harm the government’s credibility, with political analysts warning that failure to deliver reform might alienate voters. Professor Mark Kenny from the Australian National University noted, “Failure to deliver meaningful reform could alienate a significant portion of its voter base.”
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