MEDIA STATEMENT 2 April 2026
Today’s announcement by the Albanese Government on gambling reform is a step in the right direction but comes after years of delay and it still falls short of the meaningful change Australians have been calling for.
I have been very clear on this issue for some time. Gambling harm is a serious public health issue in this country, and we must always start from the principle of protecting Australians, especially our children.
Australians are losing more than $30 billion a year to gambling. That is not just a statistic. That is real harm being felt in households, relationships and communities right across our nation.
I welcome measures that aim to reduce children’s exposure to gambling advertising, including limits on ads during live sport and restrictions across television, radio and online platforms. These are positive steps.
But let’s be honest, partial bans do not solve the problem. They have never solved the problem.
Right now, too many children are still growing up thinking gambling is simply part of sport. When kids as young as 12 already know which betting company they would use, we know the system is failing them.
Sport should be about participation, aspiration and community. It should not be saturated with odds, markets and betting promotions.
I have sat down with Australians who have lived through gambling addiction. Their stories are confronting and deeply personal. This is not just about policy or economics. This is about people.
Around 80 per cent of Australians want stronger action on gambling advertising, and they are right to expect more than half measures.
We found a way to tackle tobacco advertising in this country, and we should be approaching gambling harm with that same level of seriousness.
The Government says it wants to break the link between sport and gambling. On that, they are absolutely right. But this package does not go far enough to achieve that outcome.
We also need stronger enforcement. Too often, these companies treat fines and penalties as simply the cost of doing business.
There is a clear case for a tougher national framework, stronger regulation and treating gambling harm as the public health issue that it is.
I will continue to push for meaningful reform that protects families, supports vulnerable Australians and ensures the next generation can enjoy sport without being targeted by gambling companies.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
