Labor under pressure from within to act on gambling reform as one-year anniversary of landmark report nears (20 June 2024)
Article summary: The Albanese government faces increasing pressure from crossbenchers, gambling harm advocates, and even some Labor insiders to expedite action on gambling reform. This comes as the one-year anniversary of Peta Murphy’s landmark gambling report, which included 31 recommendations, approaches without a government response.
Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin and a participant in the Murphy inquiry, criticised the government for inaction, urging it to stand up to gambling companies, media, and sporting codes. Chaney emphasised that the government has “sat on this report for 12 months” and called for immediate action.
Rev Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, expressed community anger over ongoing gambling ads and pressed for urgent government action. His letter to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland indicated plans for a public campaign to coincide with the report's anniversary, highlighting the need for comprehensive gambling harm reforms.
Labor MPs, including Susan Templeman, who succeeded Murphy as committee chair, also expressed a keen interest in the government’s plans. Templeman intends to formally propose urging the government to table its response, acknowledging the significant work of the late Peta Murphy.
Independent Senator David Pocock and MP Andrew Wilkie echoed the sentiment, accusing the government of lacking the courage to confront the powerful gambling industry. Meanwhile, gambling industry representatives have expressed a desire for clarity on the government’s stance before the next election.
The government maintains its commitment to minimising harms from online wagering, with a spokesperson for Rowland confirming ongoing engagement with health experts and industry stakeholders. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not specified a timeline for the response, stressing the complexity of the issue and the need to avoid unintended consequences like driving gambling offshore.
Jodie Belyea, Murphy’s successor as MP for Dunkley, continues to advocate for the report’s findings, urging colleagues to honour Murphy’s legacy by implementing necessary reforms to protect Australians from gambling harm.
