Former Liberal MP condemns Coalition for backing gambling reforms that ‘let down’ vulnerable Australians

Former Liberal MP Jenny Ware has sharply criticized her former Coalition colleagues for supporting new gambling legislation, arguing that it fails to adequately protect vulnerable Australians. Ware, who served on a 2023 inquiry that recommended a complete ban on wagering advertising and inducements, called gambling a public health crisis requiring a more robust political response. She stated that the parliament's decision to not fully implement the inquiry's recommendations amounts to "political convenience dressed up as consensus." The legislation, passed by the government, introduces measures such as limiting TV ads to three per hour during specific times, requiring online ads to be age-restricted with an opt-out option, and phasing out advertising in sports venues and on jerseys. New restrictions on celebrity endorsements and employee commissions are also included. However, the government opted against a full ban on online gambling ads and inducements, a key recommendation from the late Labor MP Peta Murphy's inquiry. Ware expressed disappointment that the "full suite" of Murphy's recommendations, including a national gambling regulator, was not enacted. She praised a few Coalition members who voted against the bill and urged for stronger action on gambling reform, emphasizing that "Australians deserve better on gambling reform that should meet the scale of the harm."

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Vulnerable Australians deserve better than political convenience dressed up as consensus.