00:01In addition to betting agencies Sportsbet and Tabcorp, the gambling industry's peak body
00:09group Responsible Wagering Australia is also due to give evidence these groups have been
00:14invited to essentially provide their feedback on the government's proposed changes to gambling
00:22advertising to limit TV ads to three per hour, ban it completely during live sports broadcasts
00:29and on radio during school pick-up and drop-off times, but there's no question these companies
00:36will face questions around really shocking allegations that were alleged yesterday, including
00:44the use of inducements like bonus bets, booze, escorts, even illicit drugs to keep problem
00:54gamblers on the books.
00:57We also heard from someone with lived experience, former NRL player Luke Bateman, that these companies
01:04engaged in that kind of conduct knowing that he had a problem with gambling and that this
01:11was routine behaviour.
01:14We heard from Agriculture Minister Julie Collins earlier today who described the kinds of wrongdoing
01:21that the inquiry heard of yesterday as already illegal, Acting Prime Minister Richard Mars
01:27said the allegations were shocking and appalling but didn't respond to calls for the government
01:35to toughen the legislation as it relates to inducements.
01:40We've looked at this issue in detail over a long period of time.
01:45There is a balance that has to be struck here and we intend to reach that balance, but in the
01:52process we've engaged in the toughest set of reforms in respect of gambling and gambling
01:58advertising that we have seen.
02:00So, the government also referencing its opt out service BetStop, but what advocates have
02:06consistently said is that the existing provisions to protect problem gamblers simply aren't enough,
02:14so this is something that the government will now be under pressure to look at.
02:18Sarah, the legislation needs the support of the Greens or the Coalition in the Senate.
02:22Is either looking likely?
02:23The Greens have categorically ruled out supporting this legislation in its current form.
02:29They're seeking a range of amendments.
02:32The Coalition, which is the other option through the Senate, has also raised concerns, particularly
02:37around kids still being exposed to gambling ads during late-night sports matches.
02:42So, we've also heard from Liberal MP Simon Kennedy that he wants his party to push Labor
02:49to strengthen these laws.
02:51Because acting Liberal leader Jane Hume has said that she wants to wait for this inquiry
02:57to hand back recommendations to the Parliament before the Coalition lands on a final position.
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