Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026

Ms WELLS (Lilley—Minister for Sport and Minister for Communications) (12:01): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill is a companion to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which is expected to introduce new restrictions on inducement-based marketing and establish the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register. This bill ensures that the costs of administering, operating and enforcing those reforms, should they be needed, can be recovered from the wagering industry.

Government has listened carefully to the evidence presented during the recent Senate inquiry and through ongoing stakeholder engagement. We are particularly concerned by evidence about wagering inducements and the role these practices can play in encouraging gambling and exacerbating gambling-related harm. It is expected that the government's reforms will respond to these concerns by introducing new restrictions on inducement-based marketing and establishing the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register, which will provide Australians with a 'one-stop shop' to opt out of seeing wagering advertising on online platforms.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority will be responsible for implementing and enforcing these reforms, including monitoring compliance with the new restrictions and establishing and administering the opt-out register. This bill enables the ACMA to recover the costs of those activities through a levy imposed on licensed interactive wagering service providers.

It is appropriate that the wagering industry, rather than taxpayers, bears the costs of regulating these activities. The levy established by this bill is intended solely to recover the costs associated with administering, operating and enforcing these reforms. I commend the bill to the House and look forward to members contributions.

Debate adjourned.