Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

I'm very pleased to advise colleagues that the Turnbull government's new rules on gambling advertising in live sport will commence on 30 March. These new rules, as you would know, Mr President, will significantly enhance the existing restrictions on gambling advertising, with a particular focus on live sport in children's hours.

Last week, the Australian Communications and Media Authority registered the three revised broadcasting codes of practice to give effect to the new rules on free-to-air television, subscription TV and commercial radio. These new restrictions were announced last year as part of our comprehensive and holistic media reform package, and the government asked broadcasters to implement them voluntarily through amendments to their codes of practice. Revised codes were released for public consultation late last year, and ACMA has worked closely with the broadcasting peak bodies to achieve registration of codes in time for commencement at the end of this month. I do want to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Free TV Australia, Commercial Radio Australia and the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association for working constructively with ACMA to draft and implement these new rules. SBS, for their part, will implement their own code to implement the restrictions and have advised the government that they will observe the new rules from 30 March.

These new restrictions will establish a clear safe zone for parents and carers so that families can have confidence that children won't be exposed to gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts in children's hours.