Greens Accuse Major Parties of 'Smokescreen' in Gambling Ad Deal

The Australian Greens have condemned a bipartisan agreem…

The Australian Greens have condemned a bipartisan agreement on gambling advertising reforms as a 'smokescreen', arguing that the proposed opt-out mechanism fails to address the realities of online platforms. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the party's spokesperson for the issue, said the approach does not acknowledge 'how the internet actually works', suggesting that users would still be exposed to harmful advertising despite the changes.

The criticism comes as Coalition and Labor members finalise a deal to amend the government's legislation on online wagering advertisements. After a late-night meeting of Coalition party members on Tuesday, both major parties are set to endorse a package of changes that they argue will reduce the reach of such ads, though details of the agreement remain under wraps.

Senator Hanson-Young, speaking to reporters in Canberra, accused the major parties of prioritising political expediency over public health. 'This is a smokescreen designed to make it look like they're acting while leaving the industry's worst practices untouched,' she said. 'An opt-out model places the burden on individuals to shield themselves, rather than holding platforms and betting companies accountable for their aggressive marketing.'

The government has defended the deal as a

The government has defended the deal as a 'balanced' approach, with sources indicating it includes provisions for a partial ban during live sports broadcasts and stricter age-verification protocols. However, advocacy groups have joined the Greens in warning that the measures do not go far enough, pointing to research showing that Australians see among the highest rates of gambling ads globally.

As the legislative process moves forward, the debate has also drawn attention to broader challenges facing the nation. In a separate address, a government spokesperson framed the gambling reforms as part of a wider strategy to adapt to technological change, emphasising the need for Australia to 'use AI' to boost productivity while also 'building around it' to capture economic value. Yet critics argue that such rhetoric does little to address the immediate social harms of unregulated digital advertising.

With the bill set for a vote later this week, the Greens have vowed to introduce their own amendments, including a full ban on online wagering ads. But with support from both major parties, the current deal appears likely to pass, leaving campaigners to question whether it truly marks a turning point or merely a symbolic gesture.