Misinformation bill killed; gambling ad reform kicked down the road

Television networks and social media giants are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning, as proposed reforms to gambling advertising and plans to give ASIC tighter controls over online content have been removed from the Albanese government’s 2024 ‘to-do’ list.

The Albanese Government has 76 bills to get through parliament during the final sitting week of the year, and a number have either been removed or delayed. If Albanese calls an early election, it may make this Labor’s final sitting week in government.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland confirmed that the government does not plan to introduced legislation around gambling advertising this week, despite promising to do so before Christmas.