MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Ms BRISKEY (Maribyrnong) (15:59): Gambling harm affects too many Australians and too many people in my electorate of Maribyrnong. With my background in mental health, I recognise the importance of supporting people when they need it. Behind every statistic is a story of someone struggling quietly, a family under stress, a young person drawn in before they truly understand the risks.

This Labor government recognises that and we're acting, because protecting Australians from gambling harm isn't about stopping people from enjoying a bet; it's about making sure that, when they do, it's safe, responsible and fair. It is a complex challenge demanding a considered and thorough approach. That matters deeply in Maribyrnong, a community with a proud and longstanding racing heritage.

I want to recognise that we are the home to Flemington and the race that stops the nation and to Moonee Valley with the Cox Plate—Australia's most iconic races and racecourses, which are part of our identity. Both of those are enjoying right now the celebration of the Spring Racing Carnival. These tracks and racing clubs provide jobs for trainers, jockeys, stable hands and hospitality staff, supporting local businesses and bringing the energy and excitement into the heart of our community.

But the way Australians gamble has changed. What was once a punt at the track or a flutter on Cup Day has become a 24-hour industry that lives in our phones, in our pockets and across every sporting home. With that shift has come growing harm, particularly to young Australians.

In 2023-24, Australians lost around $32.2 billion in gambling. More than $8 billion came from wagering online. It is estimated that more than three million Australians feel the flow-on effects of gambling harm.

That is why this government has delivered the most significant online wagering harm-reduction reforms that we've seen in over a decade—practical reforms designed to reduce harm and restore fairness. We know that gambling harm can have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. That is why this government has taken decisive and practical action to give Australians more control and more protection.

We have banned the use of credit cards for online wagering because no-one should be gambling with money they do not have. We've launched BetStop the National Self-Exclusion Register, allowing Australians to exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering services for as little as three months or for life. Since its launch in August 2023, more than 49,000 Australians have registered, with 31,000 active exclusions and almost 40 per cent choosing a lifetime ban.

These statistics are powerful stories about people taking back control. We've also required monthly activity statements from betting companies, so customers can clearly see what they've won and lost. We've introduced nationally consistent staff training, mandatory customer ID verification and new, evidence based responsible gambling taglines to replace the marketing spin that once dominated wagering ads.

We've provided direct funding for specialist financial counselling, supporting people and families affected by problem gambling. And we've taken steps to protect young Australians through classification reform, ensuring video games with simulated gambling now carry an 18-plus rating and that those with loot boxes are rated M, so parents know what their children are being exposed to.

These reforms are grounded in evidence, guided by compassion and led by the Minister for Communications, who has made protecting Australians online a clear priority. Since 2019, ACMA has blocked more than 1,300 illegal gambling websites, cutting off dangerous offshore operators from targeting Australians. The independent review of BetStop is well underway to ensure the system continues to work effectively, adapt to new changes and challenges and remain a reliable tool for Australians seeking protection.

The people of Maribyrnong can be proud of our racing history—proud of the tradition, the sport and the sense of community it brings. But we can also be honest about the risks that arise from gambling, which has moved beyond the racetrack and into every corner of daily life. Right across Australia we're working hard to build a future where people can enjoy the things they love, like racing and sport, without the hidden harms that come with them.

We recognise there is more to do, and we remain steadfast and clear eyed on doing that important work.