Greens reject gambling ad opt-out bill as technically unfeasible 'smokescreen'

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has condemned the Australian Government’s proposed gambling advertising reform bill as a “smokescreen”, announcing the Greens will not support the legislation. The bill, introduced on Monday, proposes a “one-stop shop” online opt-out register for gambling advertisements, which the government hopes to pass with Coalition support this week.

Hanson-Young argued the opt-out mechanism is technically unfeasible and does not account for how the internet functions. During an appearance on ABC’s 7.30 on Monday, she stated that the government has not explained how the register would operate, describing the proposal as something that “beggar[s] belief” from any serious policy brain.

Government sources have admitted the opt-out measure would be complex, yet no detailed explanation of its operational mechanics has been provided. Hanson-Young noted that the government was informed a stronger “opt-in” system—which would require active consent to view ads and effectively ban gambling advertisements—was rejected because it would be too restrictive.

Labor hopes to pass the bill with Coalition support, but Hanson-Young criticised Liberal leader Angus Taylor as a “weak leader” who has been “spooked” by Pauline Hanson and One Nation. She alleged that Taylor is ignoring “good people in the Liberal Party” who want the law to go further, suggesting his leadership decisions are being influenced by external political pressures.

The Senator’s comments highlight the political tensions within the Coalition regarding the strength of the proposed reforms. While the government maintains the opt-out model is the viable path forward, the Greens’ rejection and the Coalition’s internal divisions pose challenges to the bill’s passage.