Nationals MP Pat Conaghan Questions Scope of Gambling Reform Bill in House of Representatives
Written by Sam Walter · Aug 17, 2026
Nationals MP Pat Conaghan Questions Scope of Gambling Reform Bill in House of Representatives
During proceedings in Australia's House of Representatives on 13 August 2026, Nationals MP Pat Conaghan presented a detailed address that focused on the Albanese government's gambling reform bill and its relation to findings from an earlier parliamentary inquiry. Conaghan described the legislation as a watered-down version of recommendations contained in the 2023 report titled You Win Some, You Lose More, which outlined 31 specific proposals for addressing gambling-related harm.
The speech drew attention to several areas where the bill diverged from those earlier suggestions. Conaghan pointed to the absence of provisions that would restrict online gambling advertising, the persistence of inducements offered by betting operators, and the omission of required reviews that would assess the effectiveness of harm reduction measures. These points were presented alongside references to testimony given during inquiry hearings held earlier in the same month.
Key Points Raised During the Address
Conaghan outlined gaps in the proposed framework by referencing the inquiry's conclusions on advertising restrictions and inducement practices. The MP noted that the bill did not incorporate measures to limit promotional activities that target individuals already experiencing gambling difficulties. He also observed that the legislation lacked mandates for periodic evaluations of harm minimisation strategies, leaving open questions about accountability and measurable outcomes.
Testimony from former rugby league player Luke Bateman formed part of the material cited in the address. Bateman described encounters with gambling promoters who supplied cocaine and alcohol during promotional activities, actions that occurred without any accompanying duty of care protocols. This account was presented as one example of practices that the inquiry had examined in its review of industry conduct.
Context From the 2023 Inquiry
The parliamentary inquiry that produced the 2023 report examined multiple aspects of gambling regulation, including the reach of digital advertising and the use of incentives by betting companies. Its recommendations addressed both preventive steps and mechanisms for ongoing assessment of policy impacts. Conaghan's speech connected these elements directly to the current bill, noting where alignment appeared limited.
Parliamentary records show that the inquiry received submissions and oral evidence across several months, covering topics such as regulatory oversight of online platforms and the responsibilities of operators toward customers. The report's 31 recommendations reflected those inputs and aimed to establish clearer standards across jurisdictions.
Details on the Cited Testimony
Bateman's statements, delivered during the August 2026 inquiry sessions, described specific promotional events where gambling companies provided alcohol and other substances. He indicated that these activities lacked safeguards for participants and occurred in settings tied to sports-related marketing. Conaghan incorporated these details to illustrate the types of conduct the bill did not explicitly target through new controls.
The MP's remarks also referenced broader patterns identified in the inquiry process, such as the rapid expansion of online betting channels and the ways inducements could influence user behaviour. These observations remained grounded in the documented evidence presented to the committee rather than new claims introduced during the House address.
Legislative Background and Next Steps
The gambling reform bill under discussion forms part of ongoing efforts to update regulatory settings following the 2023 inquiry. Government statements have described the legislation as a response to several of the inquiry's findings, although the extent of that response remains a point of discussion among members across parties. Conaghan's intervention occurred during debate on the bill's provisions, which include changes to advertising rules and consumer protection requirements.
Further consideration of the legislation is scheduled in subsequent parliamentary sittings. Records from the inquiry, including transcripts of Bateman's testimony, remain available through official parliamentary channels for reference during these debates.
Conclusion
The address by Pat Conaghan on 13 August 2026 placed specific emphasis on differences between the introduced bill and the full set of recommendations from the 2023 inquiry. By drawing on recent testimony, including accounts from Luke Bateman, the speech highlighted particular regulatory areas still under discussion. Parliamentary proceedings on the bill continue, with documentation from the inquiry serving as reference material for members examining the proposed measures.