Labor MP Mike Freelander Calls for Stronger Gambling Reforms

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Labor MP Mike Freelander calls for 'much more' to be done on government's gambling reforms

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By Joshua Boscaini

A Labor MP has declared the federal government's gambling advertising restrictions are only a first step, arguing there is "much more" to be done to protect Australians from harm.

The Greens, Coalition and independents are also putting pressure on the government to strengthen elements of its proposed reforms, which are due to be introduced to parliament on Thursday.

Macarthur MP Mike Freelander, who is a paediatrician and also the Labor co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Reducing Gambling Harm, has told the ABC he views his party's bill as an important first step.

Read the full story from chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong in the link below.

Minister says govt is creating additional review avenue for aged care asessments

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By Joshua Boscaini

Sam Rae says the government is creating an additional option to seek a review of decisions made by an algorithm-assisted aged care tool.

The minister has announced decisions from the government's Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) can be changed in "extenuating circumstances".

Labor introduced the tool last year, arguing the algorithm-assisted tool would allow for faster and fairer aged care assessments.

But human assessors cannot override an outcome, even if they believe the decision is wrong. It has also received hundreds of complaints.

Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, the aged care minister says an older person or a family member has the option to refer the decision to a review process.

"We're creating an additional option here where, if in the assessment organisation's clinical view the needs of the older person aren't catered for through the tool, then they have this option to escalate that to the system governor," Rae says.

Anne Aly leaves door open to further gambling ad changes in future

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By Joshua Boscaini

Small Business Minister Anne Aly has left the door open to further reforms to gambling advertising laws.

Labor is expected to introduce its gambling advertising reforms to parliament today, which will allow gambling ads during half-time breaks and weather delays in sporting broadcasts after 8:30pm.

Speaking to ABC News Breakfast, Aly says the gambling ad reforms are the strongest gambling reforms any government has made.

But pressed on whether the government will take it a step further on gambling ads down the track, Aly has left the door open.

"There's always more that we can do and we're not a government that sits still. We're a government that undertakes action and that keeps on moving."

Wells accuses Coalition of giving social media companies eight weeks to 'shred documents'

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By Joshua Boscaini

The communications minister says the Coalition is giving big tech companies eight weeks to "shred documents".

Labor has introduced tougher social media laws to parliament for companies that don't comply with the under-16s social media ban.

Maximum penalties would be doubled for tech companies in breach of the laws, and the eSafety commissioner's powers will be strengthened to ensure tech companies comply.

But yesterday, the Coalition and Greens voted together in the upper house to send the bill to an inquiry.

Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, Wells says the Coalition is giving big tech companies time to prepare for court.

"I think Angus Taylor should explain why he is honestly giving big tech eight more weeks to prepare their case, eight more weeks to get their ducks in a row, potentially eight weeks to shred documents now that they know these changes are coming."

Anika Wells confirms gambling ad laws will target 'incidental' advertising on podcasts

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By Joshua Boscaini

Anika Wells has confirmed the government's gambling advertising bill will prevent former athletes and other prominent people from promoting gambling on podcasts and social media.

The federal government is expected to introduce its gambling advertising bill to parliament today.

As we've mentioned, gambling advertisements would still be permitted during half-time breaks and weather delays in sporting broadcasts after 8:30pm under the legislation.

The Coalition and Greens have voted to refer the gambling advertising bill to a Senate inquiry that will report back on August 13.

Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, the communications minister says the government is trying to ensure children don't experience gambling advertising incidentally.

"One of the things we want to do with this package of reforms is address the influence of influencers in this space. But at the heart of the package, which is really significant reform, is trying to remove the insidious effect of gambling advertising on children where they experience it incidentally," Wells says.

Chaney says Labor has 'strayed so far' from its inquiry on gambling ads

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By Joshua Boscaini

Independent MP Kate Chaney says the government has "strayed so far" from its own inquiry into changes to gambling advertising.

Labor is expected to introduce its gambling advertising legislation to parliament today, which will be a watered-down version of what former Labor MP Peta Murphy's inquiry recommended.

Under the proposal, gambling advertisements would still be permitted during half-time breaks and weather delays in sporting broadcasts after 8:30pm.

Speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, Chaney says she would really like to see inducements banned.

She says she's less hopeful the government will implement a full gambling ad ban, as recommended in the Murphy report.

"I think it does have the potential to be improved there. I think it's an opportunity for the government to make it a whole lot better than it is and actually use the parliamentary process to make the laws better," Chaney says.

Anika Wells lashes Coalition decision to send tougher social media laws to inquiry

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By Joshua Boscaini

Anika Wells has lashed the Coalition's decision to send Labor's bill to apply tougher penalties to social media companies who don't comply with the under-16s social media ban to an inquiry.

Yesterday, the Senate voted to send the government's social media and gambling advertising bills to an eight-week inquiry.

Under the bill, maximum penalties would be doubled for tech companies that breach the laws, and the eSafety Commissioner's powers would be strengthened to ensure compliance.

Speaking to Channel Seven, the communications minister doesn't seem happy and says the opposition leader needs to explain why he's sent it to an inquiry.

"It is a craven and trival decision for Angus Taylor to push this off for eight weeks to get himself through the week basically when 120,000 Australian parents asked the Australian parliament to act," Wells says.

"Until yesterday, this was a bipartisan measures proudly vetted across the world and it's on Angus Taylor to explain why a 500-word, four-page bill needs eight weeks of inquiry."

Australia to provide $2 million in funding to Venezuela after earthquakes

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By Pablo Vinales

Australia will provide $2 million in humanitarian aid for Venezuela after twin earthquakes hit the country last week.

At least 1,900 people are confirmed dead after two earthquakes devastated the northern state of La Guaira.

Yesterday, Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite met with a delegation of Venezuelan-Australians in parliament and confirmed support for the relief effort on the ground.

In a statement today, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia will direct emergency aid towards food, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela, the Australian-Venezuelan community, and all those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela," Wong says.

"Australia's humanitarian assistance will support access to food, shelter, medical care and other essential services."

Aged care minister announces change to controversial assessment tool

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By Pablo Vinales

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae has announced decisions from the government's algorithm-assisted tool, used to determine how much funding older Australians get to support living at home, can be changed in "extenuating circumstances".

The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) was introduced by the federal government last year, arguing it would allow for faster and fairer assessments.

But human assessors cannot override an outcome even if they believe the decision is wrong.

Since it came into effect, hundreds of complaints have been made, which have led to an urgent review into the system.

Rae has confirmed, after consultation with the sector and listening to feedback from older Australians, that the process will be changed.

"What we've done here, we've listened, we've consulted and we've done the policy work to make sure that we get the best outcomes for older people," Rae says.

"What this change means is that while the new assessment system is overall working well, there are outliers and there are a small number of people whose circumstances don't fit neatly into the framework.

"In those small number of circumstances, the system governor can make the necessary decisions to make sure that those people still get the appropriate care outcomes."

Rae says the government will consult with stakeholders during the parliamentary winter break and intends to legislate the changes when parliament resumes.

📷 Midwinter Ball highlights

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By Joshua Boscaini

As promised, here are some of the highlights from last night's Midwinter Ball right here at Parliament House!