Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026, Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026
Senator CHISHOLM (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Resources and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (18:42): Senator Pocock, I'm happy to talk you through what the government wants to achieve through these bits of legislation. As I've mentioned repeatedly, this is the strongest ever action that any government has taken to tackle the harms of gambling.
As part of our extensive consultation, we've listened to a range of views across the community and we've also ensured that we are taking action to do that. I've mentioned what we've done in regard to inducements and the work that's been happening there. I've also mentioned the amendments that we're making to identify and protect those potentially vulnerable customers.
On advertisements, there's an expectation that what you see on TV should match the experience online. To meet this, we'll enshrine the current protections through the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice into law and extend them to online streaming services. This means restrictions on gambling ads online will match those for broadcast, with the cap starting at 5 am.
The rules that are in place for advertising during children's shows will also be enshrined in law. This was always the intention of the bill, but it is now in black and white in the legislation. We'll also extend the blackout of gambling ads before live sport from five to 15 minutes.
For services subject to the triple-lock system, the opt-out choice must be displayed prominently so people can make an informed choice. We are providing further choice for Australians by ensuring the wagering opt-out register, a one-stop shop where people can choose not to see gambling ads and have it applied across their online services. These reforms are delivering real action to protect Australians from gambling harm.
The amendments make the reforms stronger where Australians need protection most while ensuring that new rules are practical, enforceable and delivering. Overall and to sum up, we're protecting children from the harms of gambling, we're reducing the saturation of targeted wagering advertising and we're making those who profit from gambling pay for the protections to help keep people safe.