Late MP's husband says Australia's gambling reform falls short of her recommendations

The husband of late Australian Labor MP Peta Murphy has criticised the government's gambling advertising reform as falling well short of the recommendations his wife made in a landmark 2023 report. Murphy died in 2023, but her report remains the benchmark against which the current reform is being measured.

Rod Glover wrote on LinkedIn that he had "mixed emotions" about the changes. While he said the reforms would reduce harm, particularly for young people and vulnerable individuals, he argued the process took too long and did not go far enough. He attributed the limited scope of the reforms largely to the considerable lobbying power of the wagering, sporting and media industries.

What the reform includes

The legislation is expected to pass the Senate by Thursday with support from the opposition Coalition. The changes include limiting television gambling ads to three per hour between 5am and 8.30pm, banning gambling ads on player jerseys and in stadiums, and prohibiting celebrities and athletes from promoting gambling. Online ads will be subject to a "triple lock" system requiring age verification, login status and an opt-out option. A one-stop opt-out register is also planned to let Australians avoid receiving gambling ads, though its design remains unclear and it could take up to 12 months to establish.

Murphy's original report called for a full ban on both gambling advertisements and inducements — neither recommendation has been fully adopted. Minister Anika Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have defended the reforms as targeting problem gambling specifically, while lawmakers from both major parties acknowledged in parliament that the changes will not satisfy everyone but described them as a significant step forward.