Gambling ad ban under scrutiny in Labor caucus meeting

As the Australian government grapples with how to address gambling advertising, Labor is engaged in intense internal negotiations over proposed reforms.

On Monday, Labor backbenchers were briefed on the government’s proposal, which would limit gambling ads to two per hour on each channel until 10pm.

The plan also includes banning gambling ads during children’s programs and in the hour surrounding live sports events.

Despite these measures, the proposal falls short of a comprehensive ban advocated by late Labor MP Peta Murphy and supported by former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull.

The proposed reforms are being scrutinised for their potential impact on regional media outlets such as WIN and Prime, which have already faced financial difficulties and closed several bureaus.

With a federal election approaching, the government is wary of policies that could further harm these struggling regional broadcasters.

Frontbencher Bill Shorten expressed reservations about a total advertising ban, citing concerns that it could adversely affect commercial media companies already battling financial pressures from digital giants like Facebook.

“Free-to-air media is in diabolical trouble,” Shorten told the ABC’s Q+A.

His stance highlights a significant divide within the party regarding how best to address gambling advertising without undermining regional media.

• LABOR SOFTENING STANCE ON TOTAL GAMBLING AD BAN

The government’s proposed reforms did not come up for discussion in Labor’s caucus meeting on Monday, which would have set the stage for the reforms to be sent to the lower house for further consideration.

Instead, the reforms are expected to be reviewed by the cabinet and discussed in caucus meetings scheduled for next week.

In the midst of this, lobbying efforts are intensifying.

Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform is in Canberra, urging the government to consider stronger measures before finalising the proposal.

The government has yet to respond to a parliamentary inquiry into the harm caused by online gambling, a report initially recommended by Murphy in 2022.

Adding to the pressure, the Greens have vowed to push for a Senate vote on Thursday, urging Labor to honour Murphy’s legacy by implementing a full ban on gambling ads.

Meanwhile, some Labor backbenchers argue that a bold stance is necessary, even if it risks alienating sporting codes and television networks that rely on ad revenue.

As the debate continues, the government faces the challenge of balancing effective reform against potential economic repercussions and political pushback.

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