Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government's recent response to the Murphy report was long overdue—889 days late. But, when the document was finally tabled, it didn't respond to each recommendation. Instead, it simply announced its own proposals. That doesn't pass the pub test. I met one mother who shared her son's story. He was trying to battle his gambling addiction. He had excused himself from all the pubs and everywhere around the area to stop that gambling addiction, and he felt he was hounded by ads wherever he turned—on his favourite podcasts, radio and TV. He couldn't escape it. Those are the stories behind our cultural crisis that demands decisive and brave leadership.

My community agrees that stronger action is needed. In a recent survey of 320 Wentworth residents, 90 per cent said it was very important to them that the government takes action to limit gambling advertising. When asked about the government's proposed reforms, 78 per cent were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, and 53 per cent have no confidence at all that these changes will make a difference. When asked to choose their top two priorities when creating reform, 75 per cent identified the same two: protecting vulnerable people and reducing children's exposure. Instead of the opt-out model the government is proposing, 87 per cent of my community would prefer a complete ban. These results are unambiguous—from this survey and from the conversations I'm having in the community. Australians are dumbfounded that decisive action hasn't come sooner. It's time the government showed courage.