Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. I make this point: indeed the Melbourne Cup, I assume, is being run as we speak here, and we are here working. But I'll tell you what I don't do: I don't look down my nose at or begrudge people who, in workplaces around Australia, are watching that race today. I don't do that. They have a right to do that. I'm not sure of all the ancient history, but I reckon that people being on the back of horses and having races has been around a bit longer. It has been around a while, and people have a right to enjoy that activity if that is their choice. As for myself, I'd rather be at a footy game, but people have the right to enjoy it. I hope the member was here to listen to the member for Riverina. Whilst the content could have done some adjustment, the delivery was magnificent, and I give praise to the former Deputy Prime Minister, a former race caller, for that. I'm just surprised he's still here at three o'clock. That is the point that I make.

When it comes to gambling, we have done more in our short time in office than any government in previous history, and we will continue to take further action. I've indicated that over a long period of time. But the premise or assumption in the question was, I assume, essentially that today's Melbourne Cup should not have taken place or that people should not be allowed to have a sweep or—

See this speech in context