Labor’s gambling reforms more about optics than impact |
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s address to the nation on April 1 was billed as being about measures to combat the war-driven fuel crisis ahead of Labor’s budget.
Albanese was seeking a Churchill moment as public anger rose over soaring fuel prices and daily reports of empty bowsers. But his talk about “resilience”, “progressive patriotism” and “national potential”, aimed at tradies, truckies and essential workers, was more Warren G Harding. Those hoping for decisive leadership and immediate financial relief were left disappointed.
The biggest cop-out, however, was his surprise announcement about gambling reform, which was tacked on to his “We’re all in this together” oratory.
The late Labor MP Peta Murphy’s watershed 2023 report You Win Some, You Lose More received unanimous bi-partisan support and a 70% public approval rating. It laid out 31 recommendations and handed Labor a roadmap to kick its addiction to gaming.
Murphy’s report focused on addressing the serious harm sports sports betting advertising was doing to children. Its key recommendations included a full gambling ad ban, outlawing predatory business models and appointing a national regulator.
But........