Australian MP Defends Support for Gambling Reform Bill

Belyea Says Reform Should Not Wait for a “Perfect” Bill

Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea has defended her support for the federal government’s gambling reform package, which passed Parliament in mid-August.

The The Australian legislation has faced criticism for not addressing all 31 recommendations from an anti-gambling inquiry chaired by former Dunkley MP Peta Murphy, who died in 2023. Murphy’s husband, Rod Glover, has also expressed concerns about the scope and timing of the reforms.

In an open letter published last week, Belyea said she believed the legislation contained enough measures to justify supporting it while acknowledging that further reforms would still be needed.

“Supporting this Bill does not mean I believe the gambling reform agenda is finished or everything has been achieved. It means I believe enough has been achieved in this Bill to make supporting it the right decision now,” Belyea said.

Measures Target Gambling Advertising and Inducements

Belyea highlighted several provisions included in the legislation, including measures aimed at reducing exposure to gambling advertising among children and young people.

She also pointed to a ban on inducements and referral commissions, stronger self-exclusion measures through BetStop, action against illegal offshore gambling operators, and measures addressing emerging gambling products and regulatory loopholes.

“I believe reducing exposure to gambling advertising, limiting inducements, strengthening self exclusion measures and closing regulatory loopholes all matter,” Belyea said.

According to the MP, the reforms will also establish a framework for reviewing the measures and making further improvements over time.

A Phased Approach to Gambling Reform

Belyea also referred to the recommendations of Murphy’s inquiry, saying one of the 31 proposals specifically outlined a phased approach to gambling reform.

“This context matters. Peta knew gambling reform was never going to be achieved through one announcement or one piece of legislation,” Belyea said.

She described public health reform as a process involving research, advocacy, negotiation, implementation and evaluation.

Belyea added that she had pushed for stronger measures in areas where she believed the initial proposals did not go far enough, particularly restrictions on gambling companies offering inducements and commissions and rules governing gambling advertising where children and young people could be exposed.

“Ultimately, these reforms are about improving the lives of people. That is why I support this Bill,” Belyea said.