Minimising gambling harm remains a priority for government

Michelle Rowland, the federal communications minister, has underlined the government’s commitment to minimising gambling harm through further regulation of advertising.

Speaking in Question Time on Monday, Rowland said her department had been consulting with “key stakeholders” to discuss the findings of last year’s parliamentary inquiry into online gambling.

The inquiry delivered a wide range of recommendations and has led to increased support for a total ban on gambling advertising.

“Like many Australians, the government is very concerned about the extent of gambling ads and their impacts, which is one of the reasons why we established the House of Representatives inquiry into online gambling,” Rowland said.

“Now since receiving the committee’s report, we have been consulting with key stakeholders on the committee’s recommendations, and there’s over 30 of them.

“My department has met with a broad range of stakeholders including broadcasters, sporting codes, digital platforms, and I have met with a number of harm reduction advocates, public health experts, and academics.”

The federal government has come under scrutiny regarding its commitment to total gambling ad ban, with Rowland herself singled out due to her ties with the betting industry.

Last year, opposition leader Peter Dutton called for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to throw his support behind stricter regulations for gambling advertising.

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