Labor could shelve gambling bill rather than accept major changes
The Australian Labor government is considering abandoning its proposed gambling advertising crackdown rather than accepting significant amendments from the opposition and crossbenchers. The bill currently lacks sufficient support in parliament, leaving the government to choose between the status quo or a failed reform attempt.
Why it matters
It highlights the political friction surrounding gambling regulation and the challenges of passing public health-focused legislation in a divided parliament.
David Pocock has been one of the government's strongest critics, calling their gambling restriction proposals weak. ( ABC News: Adam Kennedy )
Labor is unlikely to entertain major changes to its gambling ad crackdown despite the bill being friendless in parliament.
The Coalition has said the legislation must be "significantly amended" to win its support, while the Greens and crossbench are also pushing the federal government to go further.
A gambling harm advocate has warned it would be "brave" for the Labor Party to walk away from the reforms altogether.
Link copied Share Share article Labor would consider shelving its proposed crackdown on gambling advertising rather than agree to substantially change the bill, leaving advocates at risk of ending up empty-handed.
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