Responding to reports today that the Prime Minister is expected to announce new legislation on gambling advertising, Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
"Gambling reform is not serious if it doesn't hit gambling companies where it hurts by cracking down on online advertising and inducements.
"It's taken the Albanese Government far too long to respond to the massive community concern about gambling harm in our communities. Now that it sounds like they are ready to do it, they must get it right and include online and digital advertising.
"The reported plan from the Albanese Government appears to fall short of the real reform needed to stand up to the gambling lobby and protect Australians but we will await the details of the proposal.
"Any reform must genuinely reflect the key recommendations of the Murphy Report and respond to the real harm that gambling is causing to families across Australia.
"Online advertising is where the real harm and where gambling promotion to young people has exploded - so any changes will need to meaningfully address this to protect Australians of all ages from the predatory behaviour of gambling companies.
"The Government's own review called for a total ban on gambling ads, not half-measures that leave Australians exposed to the gambling vultures.
"Going soft on banning digital and online advertising hands the advantage to gambling companies and leaves families paying the price.
"Australians lose more to gambling per person than any other country. The long awaited reform must do enough to protect children and vulnerable Australians.
"The Greens look forward to seeing the detail and working constructively to ensure the final approach reduces gambling harm and delivers the protections Australian families deserve.
