Communications Minister Anika Wells down plays speculation over government’s gambling reforms

The communications minister has played down speculation the government could ditch its gambling reforms instead of collaborating on changes.

Labor’s proposed legislation has been condemned by the Coalition and Greens, removing any chance the bill could pass the Senate unamended.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the reforms are “some ways off” being abandoned altogether, saying it was normal for there to be pushback to the changes.

“This is rolling along exactly as any other piece of legislation normally does,” Ms Wells said.

The minister confirmed she was having “constructive discussions”with the coalition and the Greens but hasn’t seen any amendments from either party.

“We’d love to see this passed,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously warned of a return to the status quo if the changes didn’t pass.

Acting Opposition Leader Jane Hume said she was waiting to see how the bill plays out in the Senate.

“There’ll be plenty of amendments to this legislation that will come even from the government,” she said.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was adamant any changes must not get rid of the gambling industry.

“People have to take responsibility for their own actions, and I hear this constantly all the time that people do get caught up in gambling,” she told News24.

Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young told reporters on Tuesday she was open to working with anyone to create stronger gambling advertising laws.

Under the federal government’s proposal, gambling ads on TV would be limited to no more than three per hour between 6am and 8.30pm and be banned from live sport broadcasts.

Gambling ads would be banned from stadiums and player jerseys, but the government has been criticised for not implementing a total ban, as recommended in a report by late Labor MP Peta Murphy in 2023.

The peak body for gambling companies has sought to clarify evidence provided to a senate inquiry into the proposed legislation on Monday.

Former NRL player Luke Bateman shared his experience of being offered free illicit drugs, alcohol and trips across the country aged 23 as a form of coercion from betting agencies to keep gambling.

Reports surfaced on Thursday that he worked for a NSW bookmaker offering inducements two years later.

Responsible Wagering Australia chief Kai Cantwell told ABC Radio it is a “clear conflict” which should have been disclosed before Mr Bateman gave evidence.

“That’s not to discount the fact that Mr Bateman clearly also experienced gambling harm,” he said.

“There is a clear conflict here.”

Bateman told the Australian Financial Review he was still deep in his gambling addiction at the time and took the first job that came up after leaving the NRL.