On Monday 24th November 2025, I questioned Labor to pressure them to ban gambling ads
Transcript:
Ms WATSON-BROWN: It has now been almost 2½ years since the Murphy report recommended banning gambling advertising. In that time, Australians have lost well over $60 billion. Why are you putting the interests of Sportsbet ahead of the interests of ordinary Australians?
The SPEAKER: That was the question to the Minister for Communications? You'll need to indicate, Member for Ryan, who the question is to.
Ms WATSON-BROWN: The Minister for Communications. Thank you very much, Speaker.
The SPEAKER: The Minister for Communications will be able to address that—the topic of the question she was asked.
Ms WELLS (Lilley—Minister for Sport and Minister for Communications) (15:03): Thank you very much for the question, Member for Ryan. As you would have heard before, the government has delivered the most significant online-wagering harm-reduction initiatives of the past decade, including launching BetStop and banning the use of credit cards for online wagering. BetStop is the most significant gambling reform of the past decade, and it was this government, the Albanese government, that delivered these reforms. We're really proud of the positive impact that they're having. I am pleased to inform the House of Representatives that BetStop has now officially reached 51,079 registrations, and 38 per cent of those registering have chosen a lifetime ban. That is over 50,000 people who have been able to block access to all phone and online gambling providers. I've had meetings with harm-reduction advocates, broadcasters and sporting codes as we seek to further minimise the harms of gambling, and I have not met with any gambling companies.