AMA joins call to ban gambling ads at Parliament House Roundtable
The gambling Roundtable was held at Parliament House this week.
AMA ACT President and AMA Federal Councillor Dr Kerrie Aust joined a powerful coalition of voices at Parliament House on Thursday, 28 August, calling on the federal government to act on long-standing recommendations to ban gambling advertising and address gambling harm.
The roundtable, convened by Senator David Pocock, brought together experts, advocates, and people with lived experience — including Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja — to highlight the urgent need for reform. The event follows the landmark 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy, which delivered 31 unanimous recommendations, including treating gambling as a public health issue and banning gambling ads during sports broadcasts.
Dr Aust reinforced the AMA’s position, stating: “We want kids and young people playing sport and having their heroes without a constant stream of gambling advertising.” She also emphasised the health harms of gambling, including its links to mental illness, substance use, family breakdown, and financial distress.
The AMA has long advocated for stronger regulation, including the establishment of an independent gambling regulator and tighter controls on advertising and inducements targeting children. Despite these calls and the inquiry’s findings, the government has yet to respond — prompting renewed pressure from health professionals and community leaders.
The roundtable aimed to build parliamentary understanding and momentum for reform. Dr Aust’s message was clear: gambling harm is a health issue, and the time for action is now.
