The Australian government has formally introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 to parliament, triggering immediate criticism from multiple political factions.
The bill was tabled on 2 July 2026, with most of its measures having already been announced earlier in the year by the Labor government.
Despite broad public support for tighter gambling regulation across Australia, the legislation has drawn fire from opposition parties, crossbench MPs, and the Greens.
Critics argue the bill falls well short of the sweeping reforms recommended by the Murphy Inquiry into online gambling, which had called for far more aggressive action.
Sarah Henderson, communications spokeswoman for the coalition of the Liberal Party and National Party, called for “meaningful” changes to reduce gambling harm, rather than “just headlines.”
Henderson stated: “While we are continuing to work through the details in good faith, it’s no surprise we have concerns about the government’s bill, which should be referred to a Senate inquiry.”
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie went further, attempting to suspend parliamentary business in a bid to force an immediate debate on the proposed legislation.
Wilkie declared: “This parliament is a fellow traveller with the gambling companies, the media companies and the sporting codes who are like jackals feeding on the carcass of gambling addicts.”
He added bluntly: “This is intolerable. I call on the government to put aside that rubbish bill that was tabled today.”
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy also attacked the reforms, describing the legislation as a “capitulation to the gambling lobby” and arguing it falls short on advertising restrictions, inducements, and protections for children and young people.
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie, one of several coalition MPs pushing for tougher restrictions, said she and her colleagues wanted “to see more happen” on gambling advertising.
McKenzie added: “We want to see people protected… we have to do what we can to protect young people.”
The bill proposes a ban on wagering advertising during live sport and tighter restrictions on gambling advertising across television, radio, and online platforms.
It would also prohibit online keno and foreign matched lottery products, while strengthening the BetStop national self-exclusion register.
The legislation further expands enforcement powers targeting illegal offshore gambling operators, a persistent challenge for Australian regulators.
If passed, the majority of reforms are expected to come into force on 1 January 2027, with some measures subject to transitional arrangements as the industry adjusts.
The bill now enters the formal parliamentary debate process, where it faces a difficult path given the volume of opposition it has already attracted from across the political spectrum.
