Question time response - gambling reform

Question – Member for Ryan, Ms Elizabeth Watson-Brown

Today on the ABC one the pioneers of online sports betting, Stewart Kenny, said in relation to gambling advertisements: "If you want to protect the children, you go ahead with a total ban. If you want to protect bookmaker profits, you go ahead with a partial ban.” 

Minister - who do you want to protect?

Answer - Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

I thank the Member for her question, and the imputations in it. I make it very clear Mr Speaker - it's taken a Labor Government to not only embark on the most thorough review of an area in need - overdue need - for reform, than any other Government. 

It’s also a Labor Government that is standing up to a number of very well resourced, vested interests, who do not want change. This is a Government that is being consultative, evidence based, and committed to three things: Firstly - to ensure that we break the normalisation between gambling and sport. Secondly - that we protect children. Thirdly - that we focus on the saturation of ads and the fact that they are targeted at one of the most vulnerable cohorts in Australia - namely young men aged 18 to 35. 

We are doing that Mr Speaker in an orderly, consultative manner. We are doing this in a way that is evidence based, and the member - I am happy to stand corrected - has never sought a briefing on this matter directly with me, but my door is always open.