Victoria’s gaming minister has told her federal Labor colleagues it would be “nothing short of disgraceful” if the Albanese government didn’t implement every recommendation from a gambling inquiry chaired by the late Peta Murphy.
The comments come after the prime minister confirmed gambling advertisements would remain on television for years to come despite a high-profile campaign led by Murphy – the former federal MP for Dunkley – calling for a blanket ban.
Gaming Minister Melissa Horne.Credit: Joe Armao
Murphy died in December from breast cancer. Her widower has since told The Age his wife would not have stomached the arguments put forward in recent days that reform was too hard because of lost revenue for media and sporting companies.
Asked about the federal government’s stance, Victorian Gaming Minister Melissa Horne said Murphy was one of her oldest and dearest friends.
“The work that she did on those gaming reforms was absolutely so important,” Horne said on Thursday. “It is nothing short of disgraceful if the federal government does not adopt each and every one of those recommendations.
“We know, and I know as the gambling minister, that the biggest irritant, particularly for parents, is that normalisation of gambling for young people. Gaming companies are absolutely predatory with this.
“I really call on the federal government to implement … those recommendations.”
However, the state government has not formed an official position on the laws, which have not been detailed publicly.
Premier Jacinta Allan said it was clear more action needed to be taken to reduce gambling harm, but it was up to the Albanese government to work through the specifics.
“Over the last couple of weeks, like almost every family across the nation, our TV has been on a lot,” Allan said. “A lot of Olympics. A lot of footy. Over that period of time, my kids have started asking questions about those ads that they’re seeing on TV, the betting ads.
“So we’re having that conversation in our household, like I’m sure many, many others have. This is a concern to families, to people around the state, and around the country.”
On Wednesday, Nine News reported modelling from the gaming industry that estimated the AFL could lose more than $120 million in revenue if gambling advertisements were banned.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC the same day the federal government was still working through issues with sporting codes.
“My government has done more in two years to restrict gambling than any previous government has done,” he said. “More than the previous government did in its 10 years through measures like BetStop by banning credit cards for online gaming as well, so that people aren’t just building up debt.
“We have a range of measures that we’ve done already. We know there’s more to do, and we’re setting about doing that.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.