A recent AGR analysis shows that 32 parliamentarians have accepted 60 gifts during the current session of parliament, including tickets to prestigious events, races, dinners, and sporting shows. Some of these gifts have gone to key figures involved in deciding the fate of gambling regulations.
The AGR’s findings were uncovered using a new tool called the Influence Engine, which allows users to easily search for terms in the federal register of interests.
The AGR claims that the real scale of these gifts is likely underreported, as only items worth more than A$300 are required to be disclosed.“This is likely just the tip of the iceberg,” the AGR stated.
Tabcorp, one of the Australia’s largest wagering companies, was the most frequent gift giver, responsible for 19 entries in the federal register of interests.
Key decision-makers targeted
Of the 60 gifts recorded, 25 were received by cabinet ministers and shadow spokespeople, including Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, who is overseeing the decision on whether to ban gambling advertising.
Rowland reportedly accepted hospitality for herself and four others to an Australia vs. UK rugby match in 2022, as well as hospitality for five people at the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival, both from betting giant Tabcorp.
In August, Rowland refuted claims of holding inappropriate meetings with gambling industry executives.
The administration has also come under fire from politicians amid reports that it plans to “weaken” a widely anticipated ban on gambling advertising.
Other high-profile recipients include Cabinet Minister Bill Shorten, who has publicly opposed a ban on gambling ads.
Shorten accepted hospitality at the Melbourne Cup from Tabcorp and at the Australian Open from Sportsbet.
Tabcorp, one of the Australia’s largest wagering companies, was the most frequent gift giver, responsible for 19 entries in the federal register of interests.
Hidden lobbying
AGR chief advocate Tim Costello (pictured) condemned the gambling industry’s “charm offensive,” calling it a “hidden and undemocratic opportunity to lobby against critical gambling reforms.” “These results show how our political system can be exploited by the rich and powerful to lobby in secret against popular changes such as the proposed gambling ad ban, to the detriment of the Australian community,” Costello said
Last month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that no decision has been made on gambling advertising reform, contradicting recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
