[Greens-Media] Greens finishing the job on gambling ads in sport

[Lawson, Damien (A. Bandt, MP)]

Media Release

Adam Bandt MP
Deputy Leader, Australian Greens
Federal Member for Melbourne

27 May 2013

Greens finishing the job on gambling ads in sport

Greens Deputy Leader, Adam Bandt MP, said that today he will introduce the Greens’ bill to restrict gambling ads in sport into the House of Representatives.

“The Greens have led the charge to restrict gambling ads in sport and now it is up to us to finish the job,” said Mr Bandt.

“While Labor’s proposed changes to the broadcast of gambling advertisements are a good first step, they only deal with part of the problem.”

“We cannot leave the gambling industry to regulate itself. We need legislation before Parliament rises not another hollow threat to the gambling industry.”

“Under Labor’s proposal you could be watching footy on TV with the kids on a Saturday afternoon and gambling ads will still appear during the breaks.”

“Labor is doing nothing to stop the discussion of odds during sports shows like the Footy Show, and it is doing nothing to end the loophole that allows gambling ads to be shows during kids’ viewing times. If we want to protect our kids from viewing sport through the prism of gambling then we need a more complete solution.”

“The Greens already have a bill before the Senate that would ban all gambling ads before 9pm; ban all odds during sport and sports related programs, like The Footy Show; and prevent gambling ads from being integrated into broadcasts. Today I will give notice that I intend to introduce the same bill into the House of Representatives.”

“The Greens care about protecting our kids from becoming the next generation of problem gamblers and we will not yield until we’ve finished the job.”

Contact: Damien Lawson 0487 900 005