QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (14:54): I thank the member for Mackellar for her question. The legislation that was introduced into the parliament today follows on from the previous work that my government has done—more work than has been done by any government since Federation to crack down on gambling. This legislation will make an enormous difference.

It restricts advertising of gambling. It makes sure that people can opt out of receiving gambling—it addresses issues of online gambling advertising as well. It addresses the issue of overseas and international companies and makes sure that they can be excluded.

It addresses also issues that have never been addressed, such as—I forget whether it was the member for Mackellar or the member for Warringah—giving Manly Warringah a home turf. The ground there at Brookvale Oval, as I call it, was of course sponsored by a gambling company, so every time there's a game on there you see that constant advertising around the ground.

What our legislation will do is make sure that future contracts can't be issued with things such as advertising on jerseys or advertising on grounds. We have sat down and worked constructively with the antigambling sector, we've worked constructively as well with the commercial broadcasters and we've worked constructively with sporting organisations to make sure that we can minimise harms and to make sure that reforms are practical.

That's what governments have to do—receive appropriate advice. This is good reform. This is a major step forward, and the parliament should vote for it.

If they don't, then they do have the option of the status quo. Honourable members interjecting— Mr ALBANESE: You do have that option. But what we will do is take the strongest possible action that any government has taken in history.

The SPEAKER: The minister for employment and the minister for infrastructure will not be interjecting any more during question time.