Labor, Coalition deal to pass gambling reform a ‘pathetic’ move: MP

An expected deal between Labor and the Coalition to pass the government’s controversial gambling reforms has been branded “pathetic” by a Teal MP.

Passage of the Bill through the Senate is contingent on support from the opposition after the Greens withdrew support for the legislation in its current form, citing a need to enact a full online ban and the banning of all inducements.

The proposed reforms include a new opt-out register for gambling ads funded by a levy applied on wagering operators. Restrictions will also be applied on inducements, a partial ban on advertising, as well as the limiting of commissions for agents.

It comes after a Senate inquiry heard illegal drugs, sex workers and other inducements were allegedly offered by Sportsbet and Tabcorp to a young gambler – a claim both betting companies deny.

But Independent MP Sophie Scamps criticised Labor and the Coalition’s expected deal as “piecemeal” and “weak” in a statement.

“Australians are the biggest losers to gambling in the world and over 400 die by suicide each year linked to gambling addiction,” Dr Scamps said.

“Yet the major parties will crow about doing a deal that will be ineffective and which prioritises the profits of gambling corporations over the wellbeing of Australians.

This sentiment was echoed by critics of the legislation, including independent senator David Pocock who warned the crackdown did not go far enough, after a Labor-majority committee recommended the Bill be passed.

Originally published as Labor, Coalition deal to pass gambling reform a ‘pathetic’ move: MP