MEDIA ALERT - DOORSTOP - GAMBLING REFORM

WHO: Dr Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong; David Pocock, Senator for ACT; Kate Chaney, Independent Member for Curtin; Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent Member for Mackellar; Dr Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi; Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark, Zali Steggall, Independent Member for Warringah.  

WHAT:  

“Sportsdebt”, “Ladsbroke”, “Debt365” and the harmful effect gambling companies are having on Australians.  

Australians experience some the highest per-capita gambling losses in the world, losing $31 billion every year to gambling. 

More than three-quarters of Australians support a ban on gambling advertising, so why doesn't the federal government? The legislation the Albanese Government has proposed to tackle gambling harm is too weak in its current form and fails to implement all 31 recommendations from the landmark Murphy Review.  

Today, as parliamentary debate begins on the government’s gambling bills, members of the crossbench will be wearing t-shirts featuring satirical gambling company logos while advocating for action that bans all inducements, introduces a comprehensive ban for online gambling advertising, an opt-in rather than opt-out feature for broadcast and streaming services, and establishment of a national gambling regulator.  

WHERE: Mural Hall, Parliament House  

WHEN: 10:30am Wednesday 12 August 2026   

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosie Leon-Thomas | 0455 657 546