Delays in Australian Gambling Ad Reforms Spark Outrage
Advocates for gambling harm prevention in Australia have expressed deep frustration over delays in implementing reforms to gambling advertising. The government has yet to act on recommendations made 18 months ago, calling for a total ban on wagering ads, leaving campaigners disheartened by the prolonged inaction.
Apology for Delays
The office of Communications Minister Michelle Rowland recently issued an apology to those impacted by problem gambling. The apology came in response to inquiries from Mark Kempster, a former gambling addict and member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, who has been a vocal advocate for removing gambling ads.
Despite previous commitments to announce reforms by the end of 2024, the government has confirmed that no action will be taken this year, and a timeline for introducing legislation remains unclear. Rowland’s office emphasized the complexity of the issue, noting that decisions of this nature require approval from the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Advocates Call for Immediate Action
Advocates like Mark Kempster have expressed frustration at the government’s lack of urgency. “To wait up to 20 months for any type of response and actions surely can not be acceptable,” Kempster stated.
Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, criticized the delay, calling it a “failure” to protect vulnerable Australians: “It takes backbone to protect children in this nation against very powerful vested interests. The failure to show that backbone has let Australians down.”
The delay has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including David Coleman, who accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of lacking the courage to confront influential stakeholders like sporting leagues and media companies. The government has not directly addressed these allegations, but Sport Minister Anika Wells cited the financial interests of sporting codes as a factor influencing the postponement of reforms.
