2024-12-12
The Albanese Government & NRL should rule out exporting and broadcasting Australian gambling ads into Papua New Guinea and the Pacific as part of the rugby expansion deal, according to the Greens.
The Greens 'Ban Gambling Ads Bill' implements a full gambling ad ban as recommended by the cross-party Peta Murphy Inquiry and will be before the Parliament in February
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:
“Let’s export our love of sport, not gambling ads and addiction to PNG and the Pacific family.
“Sports betting and gambling ads are killing the spirit of sport. Australian sport lovers overwhelmingly want gambling ads banned and parents want their kids protected from the harms of gambling grooming.
“The Australian Government and NRL boss Peter V’landys should rule out exporting gambling ads to the Pacific.
”The gambling lobby sucks billions of dollars out of the pockets of vulnerable families and communities. Without a strong ban on gambling ads, the parasites in the gambling industry will be looking to do the same in the Pacific.
”We have an opportunity to be a good neighbour, and this should mean sharing our love of sport, not our dangerous and harmful gambling addiction.
"Labor used to support a ban on gambling ads and not only have they walked away from that but it appears they are prepared to spread this virus to our neighbours in the region. It should be ruled out by the both the Australian and PNG Governments and sporting officials."
The Albanese Government has said it will commit $600 million over 10 years to expanding the NRL in PNG.