Published on April 4, 2026
The Greens have levelled strong criticism at Prime Minister Scott Morrison following the announcement of a partial ban on gambling advertisements, describing the reforms as “laughable” and accusing him of lacking the courage to take comprehensive action against the industry.
The long-awaited measures, which have been in development for three years, aim to address the escalating concerns around gambling addiction and its effects on vulnerable Australians. However, many advocates argue the changes fall short of addressing the root issues that fuel gambling problems.
“These reforms are tokenistic at best. It’s clear the Prime Minister does not have the guts to tackle the gambling industry head-on,” said Greens spokesperson for gambling issues, Sarah Hanson-Young. She expressed disappointment that the government has failed to implement more stringent regulations, such as a complete ban on gambling ads during sports broadcasts.
The partial ban allows for limitations on advertisements during certain hours but stops short of a total prohibition. Critics argue that this half-measure will do little to curb the relentless promotion of gambling, particularly aimed at younger audiences through popular sports events.
Supporters of the reforms within the government argue they represent a step in the right direction and reflect the concerns raised . However, many stakeholders, including health experts and advocacy groups, believe that they do not go far enough to protect individuals from the dangers of gambling.
The debate around gambling reform highlights the ongoing divide in the Australian political landscape, with the Greens pushing for firmer policies while the ruling party appears cautious about alienating a lucrative industry. As gambling advertising continues to permeate Australian culture, the calls for more robust action grow louder, leaving many to question the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from gambling-related harm.
As public pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these criticisms and whether more substantial reforms will be introduced in the future.
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