Media Statement 27 June 2025
Two years on from Murphy Report: Federal Government silent on gambling reform while gambling harm continues to wreak havoc Tomorrow marks two years since the tabling of the 'Murphy Report', the most significant Federal inquiry into online gambling and the harm it causes in Australian communities. Chaired by the late Peta Murphy MP, the committee's report issued 31 unanimously supported recommendations to reduce harm, protect children and apply a long overdue public health approach to gambling in this country.
Two years later, the Federal Government has failed to act on any of the report's recommendations. Ms Murphy warned, "Gambling advertising and simulated gambling through video games is grooming children and young people to gamble and encourages riskier behaviour. The torrent of advertising is inescapable. It is manipulating an impressionable and vulnerable audience." The Committee called for a phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising within three years, a crackdown on illegal betting platforms and stronger consumer protections — including mandatory identity checks, a legislated duty of care and bans on inducements. Despite growing public concern and worsening harm, there has been no meaningful reform. Instead: • Gambling ads continue to flood sports broadcasts, social media feeds and gaming platforms • Children are being groomed into gambling before they finish school • Support services are stretched and families are bearing the cost of industry profits • Billions of dollars have been lost, along with lives, relationships and community well being Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron, says the Government's failure to act is deeply disappointing. "The Murphy Report laid out a bipartisan road map to tackle gambling harm. Two years on, the silence from Canberra is deafening. While the government hesitates, lives are being torn apart. We urgently need leadership not lobbying, to protect Australians from the destructive impact of online gambling. "It is time to put people before profit. The recommendations are ready. The evidence is overwhelming. What we need now is moral courage and political will translated into real and proportionate action." Wesley Mission continues to advocate for systemic gambling reform to minimise gambling harm, including a national ban on gambling advertising and stronger protections for children and vulnerable people.
