Labor members are preparing to push for stronger gambling harm reforms at the party’s 50th national conference in Adelaide, amid concerns that the Albanese government’s recent measures fall short of what advocates and many party members want.
Multiple Labor sources say amendments are being discussed to strengthen the party’s draft national platform, particularly by establishing a national gambling regulator or expanding the powers and resources of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Supporters argue that Australia’s state-based regulatory system has led to inconsistent rules, weak enforcement and significant gaps in consumer protection.
The push is described as broadly supported across Labor’s factions, rank-and-file membership and unions. While the draft platform already commits Labor to addressing gambling harms and wagering inducements, critics note that the government’s announced reforms do not create a national watchdog or impose a complete ban on gambling advertising.
Independent Curtin MP Kate Chaney is seeking to influence the debate through a digital advertising campaign targeting delegates attending the conference. The advertisements, funded through public fundraising efforts led by Chaney, call on Labor members to support a full ban on gambling advertising.
Chaney also criticised the way Labor’s policy decisions are being managed, accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of having “stitched up” the party’s internal processes. She suggested the conference’s 400 delegates would be expected to approve a pre-determined platform rather than participate in a genuine policy contest.
“Labor's national conference is shaping up to be a scripted mock combat performance choreographed for entertainment purposes — more intellectual WWE than UFC,” she said.
The conference has faced wider criticism for being tightly controlled, although Labor defenders argue that detailed negotiations through the National Policy Forum produce better policies than last-minute disputes on the conference floor.
Gambling reform is one of several contentious issues expected to dominate the gathering. Delegates are also considering proposals for a tax on gas exports, increased local government funding, broader Medicare access to dental care, compulsory superannuation for workers under 18 and an independent aviation oversight body.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten has backed renewed debate on taxing future gas contracts, while some unions and delegates argue Australians should receive a greater return from natural resources. Prime Minister Albanese has rejected suggestions that the current draft platform commits Labor to introducing such a tax.
Local councils are also campaigning to lift federal funding to 1 per cent of Commonwealth revenue, an issue Labor insiders believe could lead to a floor fight. Other proposals, including dental coverage and aviation regulation, may be negotiated privately before formal debate.
Artificial intelligence is another emerging point of disagreement. Labor’s draft platform calls for AI companies to comply with Australian laws and values and for workers to be consulted about automation-related workplace changes. However, further amendments are expected on job security, energy consumption, national resilience and sovereign technological capability.
The conference will therefore test whether Labor delegates can meaningfully reshape the party’s platform, particularly on gambling reform, or whether, as Chaney argues, the outcome has already been largely determined.