Government listening to ‘money and power’ on gambling says independent MP

Kate Chaney, who was on the inquiry with the late Labor MP Peta Murphy that handed down the landmark ‘you win some, you lose more’ report on gambling harm, says so far it seems the talks between the Coalition and Labor on a gambling reform package are “disappointing”.

Speaking to the ABC’s RN Breakfast a little earlier, the independent MP says the government has listened to the gambling lobby instead of the evidence.

Part of the government’s proposed reforms limit online gambling ads on television to three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm.

But Chaney says the last time ads were partially banned the ads didn’t slow down, they just moved to different time slots.

In 2017, when the last round of partial restrictions came in, the money just moved around. And for example, gambling ads after 8:30 more than doubled, increased 131%. And I suspect that that’s what we’re going to see here too: is the money moving around.

I think it is about the government listening to the money and the power, not the people. The gambling companies make big political donations. They are present lobbyists in this building. We’re hearing their talking points coming out of the Prime Minister’s mouth. And the media companies and the sports codes make a lot of money out of gambling too. Unfortunately, Australians pay the cost for that. And the average Australian household loses more in gambling than they pay for in electricity. So this is our blind spot.

Independent MP Monique Ryan says Anthony Albanese’s now infamous interview with the Bush Deep podcast was pretty “cringe” and has joined critics who say the PM should apologise over his comments about the Japanese’s prime minister’s gift of melons.

Albanese told the podcast Sanae Takaichi had given him a gift of two Japanese melons, and appeared to make hand gestures in front of his chest.

Ryan told the Today Show this morning that “we can probably expect a bit better” from the PM.

I think that that whole interview was pretty cringe. Let’s face it, the Prime Minister didn’t really cover himself with glory with that And it’s disturbing to hear that the the Japanese government has expressed some concerns about it.

We’re talking about a a really special gift that the Japanese state has given to the country. And if I was the PM, I’d pick up the phone to the Japanese Prime Minister and apologise to her on on this one.

Cabinet ministers have defended the PM and called it an issue “people are trying to blow up”, while Angus Taylor yesterday said Albanese should pick up the phone to Takaichiand apologise.

Joining the panel with Ryan, shadow cabinet minister Michaelia Cash called it a “diplomatic incident”.

When the the Prime Minister’s crude and dirty podcast banter is formally raised by the Japanese government. Anthony Albanese just has an embarrassed himself. He’s embarrassed Australia. This is now a a diplomatic incident because of the the appalling behaviour of the Prime Minister.

The Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate decision is due at 2.30pm today, and the unanimous prediction is that they will hold the cash rate at 4.35% for a second meeting in a row.

Inflation is still running too hot at 3.8% in the year to June – miles above the RBA’s official 2.5% target.

But recent data shows inflation is not as high as had been expected, while unemployment is a touch higher – two signals for the RBA to sit on its hands for now.

While financial markets see virtually no chance of a hike today, they still see a nearly 50% chance of a move higher this year.

A number of economists see a November hike as the most likely next move; others reckon the next move will be down (although not until the second half of 2027).

That means all the attention will be on the statement the RBA board issues at the time of the decision, and whether the decision to hold rates is unanimous.

RBA watchers will also be listening for what message Michele Bullock, the governor, sends at her 3.30pm press conference.

Today the bank will also release its latest set of economic forecasts in the quarterly statement on monetary policy.

Experts reckon it will still show inflation heading back to target in the next 12 months, but any slippage would be a red flag that the bank might need to hike again.

The bank’s rate-setting board meets every six weeks.

Krishani Dhanji here with you, and we’re so back for another sitting fortnight after a winter break.

It’s negotiation city this week in Canberra with the government hunting for deals on its overhaul to the national disability insurance scheme, gambling reforms and news bargaining incentive. The Coalition is in the hot seat for all three of those with Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor meeting yesterday and will continue to talk over the next couple of days.

Today the Reserve Bank will also make their latest interest rates decision which we’ll all be watching with eagle eyes.

Time to stretch these (slightly) rusty fingers and let’s get cracking!