Pressure Mounts on Communications Minister to Respond to Gambling Advertising Ban Inquiry
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is facing increasing pressure from various stakeholders in the gambling industry to disclose her stance on a parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation for a ban on betting product advertisements.
Documents obtained by this publication reveal that Rowland and her team have held meetings with sporting codes, gambling companies, and anti-gambling organizations, some of which did not formally submit to the inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is under pressure to respond to a committee report on gambling.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Since the tabling of the inquiry’s report on June 28, which recommended a phased ban over three years, Rowland’s office has engaged with 54 stakeholders, including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Crown, Sportsbet, broadcasters, and tech giants like Meta and Google.
In the two weeks following the report’s release, Richard Windeyer, Deputy Secretary of the Communications Department, reached out to tech companies such as Snapchat, Facebook, Google, and TikTok to gather information on the potential financial impact, volume of affected ads, and alternative solutions if a ban were implemented.
Government Response Awaited
“The government is currently reviewing the report and will provide a comprehensive response by the end of the year,” stated Windeyer in an email on July 13. “While the committee’s recommendations do not reflect government policy at this time, they serve as a public reference point.”
A spokesperson for Rowland confirmed that the government would announce its response in due course.
“As we develop our policy, the government is examining restrictions and engaging with stakeholders, including harm-reduction advocates, health experts, and industry,” they added.
Following the recent passing of Peta Murphy, there have been calls from within the Labor Party and independent MPs for Rowland to honor her advocacy by implementing the ban.
Calls for Prompt Action
Independent MP Zoe Daniel, who introduced a bill to ban gambling advertising earlier this year, criticized Rowland for not responding to the report and accepting its evidence-based recommendations before Christmas.
“Is she planning to drop it out during the silly season when she hopes no one’s looking while they’re at the beach or distracted by the cricket?” Daniel questioned.
Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel: “Is she planning to drop it out during the silly season when she hopes no one’s looking.”Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Samantha Thomas, a professor of public health at Deakin University, who also met with Rowland, emphasized that children would be the most affected if a complete ban on gambling advertisements is not implemented.
“There is a clear distinction between those who prioritize their economic interests, such as broadcasters and sports codes, and those who are dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of the community,” Thomas stated.
Urgent Action Needed to Protect Children
“We need a swift and decisive response. The longer we delay, the more Australian children will be exposed to the predatory marketing tactics of the gambling industry,” Thomas added.
A spokesperson for Responsible Wagering Australia, a peak body representing wagering service providers, acknowledged the changing community sentiment towards gambling ads but expressed opposition to a ban.
“Implementing blanket bans would be an extreme overreach, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for sports and broadcasters. This funding supports regional broadcasters, local and professional sports, sports integrity programs, and Australian content,” the spokesperson argued.
However, anti-gambling advocates including the Salvation Army, Suicide Prevention Australia, and Anglicare have urged Rowland and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to accept the recommendations of the report.
Author’s Quote
“We know that broadcasters and sports codes have dusted off the scripts they used when tobacco advertising was banned,” wrote the joint letter from anti-gambling advocates on December 4. “A three-year phase-in of the ban will give all sports and broadcasters ample opportunity to identify alternative revenue sources.”
Author’s Conclusion
The pressure is mounting on Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to respond to the parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation for a ban on gambling advertisements. With stakeholders from various sides of the gambling debate urging action, the government’s comprehensive response is eagerly awaited. The potential impact on children and the economic interests of broadcasters and sports codes are among the key considerations in this contentious issue.
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George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
