Zoe Daniel (Goldstein, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Communications. AFL fans and several players have declared they want gambling ads banned from screens. Ex-Collingwood great Nathan Buckley has challenged the government to lead, comparing today's gambling industry to the tobacco industry of old. With teenagers gambling online, knowing more about 'multis' than the sport they're watching, will you read the play and ban gambling ads on TV and online?

Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question, and I acknowledge her continuing advocacy on this important issue. The government recognises the importance of gambling promotions being presented in a responsible manner. Whilst the Commonwealth responsibility in this sector is shared between me and the Minister for Social Services, it is the communications portfolio which regulates the types of online gambling services that can be provided to Australians—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will cease interjecting.

Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

and for overseeing the gambling advertising rules for the broadcasting sector. For the benefit of members, the current rules relating to the scheduling and content of advertisements on TV are contained in the co-regulatory broadcasting codes of practice. These codes are developed under the Broadcasting Services Act by industry groups in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Generally, the codes prohibit gambling advertising during programs that are principally directed at children, and they limit when advertisements can be shown during live sporting events. The content of gambling advertisements is further governed by the self-regulatory codes of practice developed by the Australian Association of National Advertisers, and that includes its wagering code.

This government is committed to ensuring harm minimisation operates within a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections, including through the continued implementation of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. A key part of the framework is consistent gambling messaging, which requires stronger messaging about the risks and potential harm of gambling in all advertisements. These new taglines will actually be implemented across all platforms by 30 March.

The government recognises there is ongoing community concern about the harms associated with online gambling. It is timely that this parliament should consider what more can be done to address this issue, and that's why we have established an inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, which is being conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs. The committee is considering the effectiveness of the current gambling advertising restrictions on children's exposure to gambling products and services, amongst a range of other issues. I can assure the House that the government will fully consider the committee's recommendations when it releases its final report.