Independent MP Monique Ryan has moved to suspend standing orders in the House of Representatives to force a debate on gambling reform, accusing the government of a 'thousand days of inaction' that has caused widespread harm.
Motion Details and Crossbench Support
Ryan, backed by fellow crossbencher Kate Chaney, tabled a motion noting that gambling advertising causes 'significant health and financial harm to more than 3 million Australians.' The motion criticises the government's lack of public consultation on the draft gambling reform bill and highlights open letters from crossbench and Liberal Party members, including former prime minister John Howard, who argue the proposed bill does not go far enough.
'A thousand days of harm, a thousand days of inaction,' Ryan told the House. She accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of a 'strategic play' by releasing the government's response to the Murphy review during the budget lockup, when journalists and MPs were occupied, to minimise media coverage and avoid public scrutiny.
Government Response and Political Dynamics
While the Greens secured Coalition support to move a suspension of standing orders in the Senate, the government holds the numbers in the House and is expected to vote against Ryan's motion. Ryan said the public should 'not be expected to accept opaque lawmaking and inadequate public and expert consultation.' The motion comes after years of campaigning from the crossbench and opposition for stronger gambling advertising restrictions.
