Australia's Labor government and Coalition near deal on gambling advertising reform

Australia's two major political forces appear to be moving toward common ground on gambling advertising regulation. According to public broadcaster ABC, the governing Labor party and the opposition Coalition are poised to reach a deal on gambling reforms.

A key element behind the progress is a new opt-out register for online advertising introduced by Communications Minister Anika Wells. The register would allow individuals to remove themselves from receiving online gambling advertisements.

As part of the process, a list of proposed amendments is set to be brought before internal party meetings — a full caucus meeting and a party room meeting — where members typically discuss and endorse their party's position before any formal steps forward.

Specific details about the content of the amendments or the final scope of the reform have not been disclosed. The development was reported as part of the "Canberra Playbook" political newsletter, which tracks developments in Australian federal politics.

Gambling advertising regulation has been a subject of ongoing debate in Australia, amid growing public and political concern over its effects, particularly regarding online betting promotion. The reported movement toward a bipartisan arrangement suggests both major parties are seeking a shared approach to the issue, though a final agreement has not yet been confirmed and discussions remain at the internal party stage.