‘Nothing wrong with someone having a punt’ – Albanese staunch on policy approach but signals wagering changes

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled amendments are likely to be made to the government’s wagering reform legislation, but any changes will be driven by policy which preserves Australians’ right to “having a punt”.  

In his first extensive comments since meeting with Opposition leader Angus Taylor earlier this week to discuss how to get the wagering advertising reforms through parliament, Albanese was asked about the government’s relationship with the wagering industry.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has questioned whether individuals in the government had been “improperly influenced by individuals in the private sector”. He has written to the National Anti-Corruption Commission with his claims, but did not name any individuals or parliamentarians or name any companies.

Albanese rejected any suggestion that the government’s position had been improperly influenced, arguing that the debate should focus on evidence and policy rather than accusations.

He also insisted any amendments will be based on achieving the right policy outcome rather than politics.

“I expect there will be amendments to the legislation that I hope receive the support of the entire parliament,” the Prime Minister said.

What those amendments may be has not been confirmed.

Among those rumoured to be considered are restrictions on inducements, or generosities as the industry calls them, although a ban on bonus bets and the like seems unlikely. There may also be moves to curtail the use of VIP managers, but the exact legal framework for that is unclear.

 “What we need to do in a debate like this, that can be emotional, is to make sure that we get the policy right. And our Government is determined to get the policy right,” he said.

In a defence of the government’s approach, Albanese sought to distinguish between recreational gambling and gambling addiction, arguing reform efforts must focus on reducing harm without preventing Australians from making their own choices.

“I’ve said before, and some have been critical of it, but I stand by my view that there is nothing wrong with someone having a punt on a Saturday in the pub,” he said.

“What there is something wrong with, is if people are addicted to any form of activity.”

The Prime Minister said members across the parliament held genuine views on gambling reform and warned against attributing improper motives to those involved in the debate.

“Have a consideration of the debate based upon substance, rather than motives,” he said.

He also noted that the most significant source of gambling harm in Australia remains poker machines, which are regulated by state and territory governments rather than the Commonwealth.

The intervention suggests the government is still negotiating the final shape of its gambling reform package.

However, the Prime Minister made clear Labor intends any changes to be judged on their effectiveness in tackling problem gambling while preserving the ability of Australians to gamble responsibly and legally.