Against the odds: Chaney believes the government could still change its mind on gambling (15 Aug 2024)
Article summary: This article explores the Albanese government’s controversial decision to forego a total ban on gambling advertising, despite a unanimous recommendation from a parliamentary committee chaired by the late Peta Murphy. This decision has provoked frustration among anti-gambling advocates, journalists, and even former prime ministers, who view the move as a capitulation to vested interests. Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin, is particularly involved in this issue, having served as the sole independent member on the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs that made the recommendation.
Chaney, who emerged as a prominent figure during the 2022 teal wave by winning her Perth seat from the Liberals, wasn’t surprised by the government’s reluctance. She noted that the committee had been “very positive and very constructive” throughout the process, but she had sensed early on that the government was leaning towards a partial ban—a solution that experts testified would be ineffective. Chaney expressed her disappointment, revealing that she had seen through freedom of information requests that the Communications Minister had been meeting with groups financially invested in the gambling industry, which added to her scepticism.
Chaney’s experience over the past 14 months has reinforced her concerns about the two-party system. She criticised the major parties for being influenced by gambling companies, broadcasters, and sports organisations, and argued that these influences lead to decisions that are not necessarily in the best interest of the community. Chaney emphasised the vital role of the crossbench in holding the major parties accountable, and she remains hopeful that the Labor government might still respond to community backlash, as there are reports of a potential delay in the final decision.
Despite the setbacks, Chaney remains committed to the idea that independents can enact meaningful change, even if they lack the balance of power. She pointed to the long campaign by Indi MP Helen Haines for a federal anti-corruption commission as an example of how persistence can eventually yield results, even if the outcomes aren’t immediate or as powerful as hoped. Chaney believes that the process of nudging the system and shifting the conversation is valuable, even if it doesn’t always result in legislative victories.
Chaney’s dedication to democratic reform is evident in her work on electoral matters, having proposed two private member’s bills, including the Fair and Transparent Elections Bill. She attributes her passion for systemic thinking to her decade-long tenure on the board of the non-profit organisation Next25. Chaney argues that the current political system is overly focused on winning elections rather than on the long-term future of the country. She believes that Parliament still has the potential to serve the nation’s future if it can evolve beyond being merely a waiting room for the executive branch.
Looking ahead to the next election, Chaney insists that her decisions are not driven by the need to win votes but by her commitment to representing her community’s views. She recently changed her stance on the contentious issue of live sheep exports, which has been a hot topic in Western Australia. After initially supporting a ban, Chaney reversed her position based on feedback from her electorate. She explains that this change was part of her responsibility as a community independent to listen to her constituents, something she argues major party MPs are less able to do.
Chaney draws a parallel between listening to her electorate and winning votes but insists that her role involves more than simply following public opinion. She emphasises the importance of using her judgement, weighing various community opinions, and considering expert advice. She hopes that the Labor government might still reconsider its position on the gambling ad ban, suggesting that taking a stronger stance could be a significant legacy for the Albanese administration.
In conclusion, while the Albanese government’s current stance on gambling advertising is disappointing to many, including Kate Chaney, there is still hope that community pressure might lead to a change. Chaney remains committed to her role as an independent MP, advocating for democratic reform and continuing to push for changes that reflect the best interests of her constituents.
