Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

I'll be brief in my remarks, because I do understand there are more members of the crossbench still wanting to rise to speak. First of all, as is always the case, the government won't support the suspension of standing orders. But, similar to a debate that we had some months ago over the banning of Nazi symbols, where there was a private member's bill sought to be brought on for debate, the fact that we are not supporting the suspension should not be taken as the government being opposed to the principle behind actions that are being sought. I think that's shown in good faith by the Attorney-General introducing the legislation that he did immediately before this debate commenced.

On the issue before us now, I want to thank the member for Goldstein for bringing it forward in the way that she has and assure the House that the government is committed to ensuring online gambling takes place within a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections. Like many Australians, we too as a government are concerned about the extent of gambling ads and their impact, and this is one of the key reasons why the House of Reps inquiry into online gambling and its impact was established—to consider those experiencing gambling harm. That inquiry is due to report in the coming weeks, and its recommendations will underpin the government's consideration of what further reforms are required to reduce gambling harms, including to the rules around gambling advertising.

I'm encouraged by the support for change across the parliament, including the advocacy by all the members that we've heard from so far in the debate. When we do act in this area, we want to make sure that our approach is comprehensive. Importantly, we need to consider the multiple channels over which advertising is delivered, and that includes television, radio, outdoor advertising, branding and, importantly, social media. That's why the government will await the House of Reps inquiry final report before proposing changes.

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