Dr Charles Livingstone from Monash University talks with Jennifer about the new gambling legislation just passed by the federal parliament (Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026).
While it was meant to build on the late Peta Murphy’s landmark parliamentary inquiry report (You Win Some, You Lose More), this legislation will do little to reduce gambling harm. In fact, the substantial compromises in the legislation are clearly designed to protect the lucrative revenue stream for the gambling industry (sports betting), major sport codes and commercial broadcasters.
As recommended in the Peta Murphy inquiry report, Charles argues we need to eliminate all forms of gambling advertising, ban inducements to gamble, and establish a new national gambling regulator.
Genuine change will come about through a groundswell of protest from the community, and listeners can contact their local federal MP to push for change.
Jennifer Borrell & Jacques Boulet
