Independents call for Labor to extend gambling ad ban to podcasts

Crossbench MPs have called on the government to extend a proposed gambling advertising ban on social media platforms to podcasts as Labor continues to consult on its watered-down reform package.

The fate of a substantial piece of gambling advertising revenue raked in by audio platforms like Spotify has yet to be covered by the government during briefings with media companies and gambling reform advocates held over the past two weeks.

During a briefing with members of the crossbench on Monday night, Labor did not clearly break out plans for audio streaming services under its broader gambling ad reform package, according to people with knowledge of the briefing.

“I feel strongly that a ban, or at least the restrictions envisaged by the Government, should apply to all media including podcasts,” independent MP Andrew Wilkie said.

Independent MP Allegra Spender said the evidence was “clear that partial bans don’t work”, calling for the major parties to allow a free vote on the legislation amid some discontent on Labor’s backbench.