Australia’s proposed overhaul of gambling advertising laws has run into significant political resistance, with Coalition and Greens MPs joining forces to argue that the legislation does not go far enough to address gambling-related harm.

The federal government’s Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 was introduced this week, but instead of a smooth legislative path, it has immediately triggered demands for a Senate inquiry and calls for tougher restrictions from across the political spectrum.

The bill comes three years after a parliamentary inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy recommended a far more extensive approach, including a full phase-out of gambling advertising. Instead, the current proposal focuses on incremental restrictions, including a cap of three gambling advertisements per hour on television between 6:00am and 8:30pm, a ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, and tighter controls on online advertising targeting minors.

Calls for Stronger Action From Coalition MPs

At least six Liberal MPs raised concerns during a party room meeting on Tuesday, with several arguing that the government’s proposal does not adequately address gambling harm. Among them, MP Simon Kennedy highlighted personal experiences connected to gambling addiction, describing how he had attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings with a former teacher.

Kennedy said gambling “has shifted from entertainment to industrial-scale harm for too many Australians,” and described the legislation as “a capitulation to the gambling lobby.”

He added that the bill falls short in several key areas, including inducements, advertising restrictions, and protections for younger audiences.

Andrew Wallace, another Liberal MP, also argued that the legislation does not go far enough. He pointed to earlier Coalition proposals under former opposition leader Peter Dutton, which included banning gambling advertisements one hour before and after sporting matches, suggesting that approach would have been more stringent.

Wallace described the current bill as having “so many holes through it” and referred to it as a “half-arsed way of dealing with some of the damage that gambling causes Australians.”

Greens Demand Inquiry and Stronger Protections

The Greens have also voiced strong opposition, with communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young calling the legislation insufficient and pushing for it to be referred to a Senate committee for further review.

According to The Sydney Morning-Herald, Hanson-Young said the reforms do not reflect the findings of the Murphy report and argued that the government has failed to act on expert recommendations. She described the proposal as a “half-arsed measure that will not protect families” and urged the government to “grow a spine” and take a tougher stance on gambling companies and media organisations benefiting from advertising revenue.

Independent MPs have also joined criticism, with concerns raised that the legislation has been shaped too heavily by industry stakeholders rather than public harm reduction goals.

Government Defends Reform Package

Communications Minister Anika Wells has defended the legislation, describing it as a “very significant package” developed over several years of consultation. She stressed that the government’s priority is implementation rather than further delay.

Wells argued that additional inquiries risk slowing down reforms that have already been extensively discussed. The government is aiming for the measures to take effect from 1 January 2027.

Despite defending the bill, she acknowledged that views remain deeply divided across parliament and industry, particularly on the scale and timing of restrictions.

With both the Coalition and Greens signalling opposition in its current form, the bill is now likely to face a Senate inquiry during the parliamentary break. That process could delay its passage further, especially as crossbench MPs also weigh potential amendments.

The legislation would introduce restrictions on television, radio, online platforms, and sports venues, including bans on celebrity endorsements and advertising during live sports. It also includes provisions targeting online wagering promotions and introduces changes to broader gambling marketing practices.

However, critics argue that the package still falls short of the full advertising ban recommended in earlier parliamentary reviews, leaving its final form uncertain as negotiations continue.