Independent MP Kate Chaney has publicly endorsed Nine Entertainment’s position that any federal ban on gambling advertisements should include financial compensation for affected media companies and be applied uniformly across the advertising landscape. Nine’s chair, Catherine West, recently advocated for government support in the event of advertising restrictions, stating that although gambling ads form a relatively minor part of overall media revenue, their removal could still impact operations. Chaney concurred, describing the issue as one with feasible solutions rather than a complex dilemma, contrary to how the Albanese government is presenting it.
Chaney’s support for Nine’s stance is consistent with her broader advocacy on gambling reform. She was a key member of the parliamentary committee that, in mid-2023, released significant recommendations calling for restrictions on gambling advertisements. The committee, chaired by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, sought to address growing public concern over the societal harms of gambling, particularly its aggressive advertising during sports broadcasts and other family-friendly programming.
In a further step to offset potential revenue losses for media organisations and sports codes, Chaney proposed a 0.5% levy on every dollar wagered. This idea aligns with recommendations from the Murphy-led committee as well as policy suggestions from both the Australia Institute and the Public Health Association of Australia. The levy, Chaney argues, would not only help fund replacement revenue streams for media outlets but also finance public health messaging campaigns that could take the place of gambling advertisements.
Speaking to Guardian Australia, Chaney articulated her frustration with how the Albanese government is framing the issue. “I have a problem with the gambling debate being framed by the Albanese government as a difficult balancing act between companies who want gambling revenue, and everyday Australians,” she said. “If it’s about media revenue, that’s a problem that can be solved.” Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among reform advocates that the focus should remain on protecting the public, particularly vulnerable groups, from the adverse effects of gambling exposure, rather than on preserving corporate advertising income.
Chaney’s intervention adds pressure on the federal government to take decisive action on gambling reform while also offering a roadmap for how to navigate the transition away from gambling sponsorships and advertisements. By backing compensation mechanisms and proposing a specific funding model, Chaney is advocating for a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance economic interests with the public health imperative.
While Nine Entertainment’s request for compensation may have been expected from a business perspective, Chaney’s endorsement as an independent MP—who has no direct ties to commercial broadcasters—adds weight to the argument that the advertising industry should not bear the burden alone. Her stance suggests a growing cross-party consensus on the need to act decisively on gambling, particularly in the wake of increasing community concern and the strong recommendations from the committee report.