Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability) Share this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government is out in the cold when it comes to a lack of commitment to the reduction of gambling harm. The opposition leader took leadership on this issue nearly two years ago. The coalition's position is to ban gambling ads one hour before, during and one hour after live sports broadcasts.

Our bill was put to the Senate, but Labor and the Greens voted against it. Last week, the Greens put forward their own bill, and Independents in both the House and Senate have come forward with their own positions on gambling. Everyone is activated about this issue except for the Prime Minister. It is like the Prime Minister is dog paddling in the slow lane while everyone else is in an Olympic race to end gambling harm.

The Labor government have been sitting on a report from their own committee inquiry since 2023, yet all they seem to be able to do is decide to wait until after the election. The government could have supported our commonsense bill back in 2023.

A coalition government would ensure that families enjoying the broadcast of their favourite sporting event will be protected from gambling ads, which we know cause harm, particularly to children. The Albanese Labor government is failing Australian families by doing nothing. It has been clear over the last week in particular that, even though everyone else is coming to the table and everyone else has a plan, the Albanese Labor government has no plan at all.

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