Labor and the Coalition are expected to finalize a deal on gambling legislation after party rooms meet. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the proposed opt-out register for gambling advertising would be revenue neutral, as the gambling industry would cover implementation costs.
Chalmers characterized the government's proposals as "very substantial changes" that would make it easier for people to opt out of advertising while strengthening the regulator's enforcement powers on inducements. He acknowledged public concerns about inducements and said the regulator had an important role in cracking down on the practice.
Independent lawmaker Sophie Scamps criticized the reforms as "weak, piecemeal, pathetic," according to the live coverage. The extent of her objections was not immediately detailed.
Chalmers also raised concerns about the implementation of aged care reforms, saying automation had made conditions worse for older Australians. He expressed serious concerns about whether similar automation used in disability support assessments could produce flawed results comparable to those in aged care, where he noted 250,000 older Australians were reassessed.