The Australian government has postponed plans to impose restrictions on gambling advertisements, leading to criticism and confusion due to contradictory explanations from various ministers.
The bill was expected to be introduced during the last parliamentary session of the year but was not, leaving its future uncertain.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Competition Minister Andrew Leigh told ABC Radio Canberra that the government lacks sufficient support in the Senate to pass the proposed legislation.
Leigh refuted accusations of inaction and attributed the delay to a lack of bipartisan support.
By contrast, Sports Minister Anika Wells said the bill needs further refinement and expressed concerns about how to balance the financial dependence of sports organizations on advertising with the need to address gambling harms.
Wells stated that more work is needed to ensure the policy is effective and fair.
The legislation was postponed following a 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late MP Peta Murphy, which unanimously recommended a complete ban on gambling advertising.
It is worth noting that although there was initial bipartisan agreement, the Labor Party subsequently experienced internal divisions. While some members advocated for a total ban, others, including the Prime Minister, favored a more moderate approach.
Advocacy groups and opposition leaders criticized the government's handling of the issue. Shadow Minister for Communications David Coleman accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of succumbing to pressure from sports organizations and media companies, while the Greens reiterated their call for a total ban on gambling ads.
The broader debate reflects developments in the international situation. In Serbia, the Green-Left Front has called for a total ban on gambling advertisements, citing concerns about their impact on vulnerable groups. The Serbian government has introduced some restrictions, but critics argue they are insufficient.
As the proposed reforms in Australia remain stalled, advocates continue to call for decisive action to address the social impacts of gambling advertising. The timeline for the government's next steps remains unclear.
