The Greens have offered the Albanese Government a pragmatic pathway to tackle the harms of gambling advertising with new laws this fortnight.
The Greens have today released a letter sent to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland last week in which the party offered Labor a compromise: to ban gambling ads online, ban ads before and after sport and during kids viewing times, and to create a cap of 2 ads per television program, mirroring the Government's earlier position.
The new offer heaps pressure on the Albanese Government. The Greens have offered to to amend their Ban Gambling Ads bill which is scheduled to be before the Senate on Wednesday morning for debate.
Greens Communications Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
"Gambling ad reform is the unfinished business of this parliament. The public want this done before the election and the Government should listen and act.
"We're offering a pragmatic pathway here and there is just enough time to get it done. On Wednesday, the Senate will debate and vote on the Greens' bill to ban gambling ads. All sides should back it.
"We will support legislation this week to ban gambling ads online and implement some broadcast restrictions before and after sport and during kids viewing times.
"This offer is consistent with the Albanese Government's previous promises.
"If the Government is serious about preventing gambling harm and protecting our kids they will jump at this offer.
"Australians want gambling ads banned and stakeholders are desperate for action.
"The Albanese Government shouldn't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The Greens have compromised and Labor should too.
"The Greens will push for a full gambling ad ban in the next parliament but in the meantime we should work together for the sake of our kids and communities.
"Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation than earth and we need our politicians to act."
