Labor MP accuses government of pandering to gambling lobbyists
Mike Freelander, a Labor backbencher and chair of the parliamentary health policy committee, has fiercely criticised the federal government for what he describes as “disgusting” practices regarding the proposed ban on gambling advertisements.
Freelander’s comments come amid mounting frustration from advocates who are demanding a full prohibition on gambling ads across television and social media.
He has accused the government of giving a head start to gambling, sporting and television lobbyists, who have been actively campaigning against stricter limits.
Freelander’s outrage stems from the revelation that the gambling industry was briefed on proposed changes well before members of Labor’s caucus.
According to him, the Sydney Morning Herald accurately reported the details of these proposals two weeks ago, which have now been confirmed by communications department officials.
“That’s pretty bad form, whereas everyone else has been told it’s secret and you can’t talk about it,” Freelander said.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is championing a set of proposals that would restrict gambling ads to two slots per hour, ban them during live sports events, and impose limits during programming targeted at children.
Despite Rowland’s and Albanese’s support, the plan has been criticised as inadequate by Freelander and addiction experts who argue that only a total ban can effectively shield vulnerable populations, especially children, from the harmful effects of gambling.
Freelander’s remarks highlight a growing rift within the Labor Party and between the government and major stakeholders, including commercial TV networks and prominent sporting codes like the NRL and AFL.
This internal conflict comes at a time when gambling reform is increasingly becoming a contentious issue ahead of the federal election.
In response, Prime Minister Albanese defended the government’s record on gambling reform during an interview on ABC’s AM.
He pointed to recent measures such as the national self-exclusion register, BetStop, and the ban on credit card use for online gambling.
Albanese also emphasised the government’s commitment to consulting with stakeholders to ensure reforms are both effective and feasible.
“We are a political party with members who are very passionate about ideas,” he said.
“We will make a difference. The status quo is completely unacceptable.”
In contrast, National Party leader David Littleproud has expressed support for more aggressive policies, denouncing gambling ads and betting odds being pushed in front of children.
Littleproud’s comments reflect a broader concern about the normalisation of gambling through advertising, a sentiment echoed by campaigners like Tim Costello.
Costello, a prominent advocate for gambling reform, criticised the government’s approach, describing a recent briefing by Rowland’s department as “farcical”.
He accused the government of favouring the gambling industry in its consultations and undermining efforts to address what he views as a critical health issue.
The Greens are backing an alternative proposal from the Australia Institute, which suggests imposing a 1.4 percent levy on annual gambling revenue to compensate for the potential loss in advertising income.
This proposal aims to balance the need for advertising restrictions with the financial implications for media outlets.