Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to 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—

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

Order! Well, the Prime Minister was talking about the race that the member had raised, and that's obviously being directly relevant. But, out of respect for the member for Ryan, I'll give her the call.

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

Order! The member for Ryan is entitled to raise her point of order just like any other member. If the member wishes to do so, she is allowed to do so under the standing orders, and everyone should understand that. But mentioning something in part of the question is obviously going to invite some comment, and that's being directly relevant. If you don't wish that to be raised, perhaps in future you might not mention that in part of the question. The Prime Minister has 44 seconds remaining.

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

That was literally what most of the question was. That was the whole context of the member's question, and I've addressed that. I've also said a number of times when I've been asked questions that gambling is a major problem affecting Australian families, and we take it seriously, which is why our responses are considered and thought through, including any unintended consequences which are there. We'll continue to introduce measures to back up the measures that we've already put in place, which have been more extensive than those of any government since Federation.