A Tasmanian MLC is calling on the state government to proceed with its own ban on gambling advertising in sporting venues, alongside new federal reforms announced this week.
Independent MLC Meg Webb welcomed the federal government’s package, which takes effect from January 2027, but said Tasmania should stick to its earlier timeline.
“It is great to see the prime minister catch up to the Legislative Council on these crucial reforms to get gambling out of our sporting lives,” she said.
“But that does not let Premier Jeremy Rockliff off the hook.”
The Legislative Council passed Webb’s motion on December 2 last year calling for a complete ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship across all state-owned venues.
This would include the proposed Macquarie Point stadium and on players’ uniforms.
The motion set a December 2026 deadline and requires a progress report by June.
Webb said the state government should honour that vote.
“There is no good reason for the Rockliff government to stall the proposed state ban, especially now the federal government has acknowledged the public harm currently being caused and the need for action,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the federal reforms on Thursday.
They include a ban on gambling ads during live daytime sport on television and a cap of three ads per hour between 6am and 8:30pm.
Gambling branding will also be banned at sports venues and on uniforms.
The package stops short of the full advertising ban recommended by the 2023 parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harm.
Treasurer Eric Abetz said the state government supports a “nationally consistent approach” to implementing the federal reforms by January 2027.
“We will work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to ensure the national reforms are implemented in an effective and consistent manner,” he said.
