Claims by the Coalition Government that a moratorium on Internet gambling will allay community concerns about gambling is misleading, the Shadow Minister assisting on Information Technology, Senator Kate Lundy said today.
“A moratorium or ban on Internet gambling will simply send on-line gamblers offshore or underground – it will not solve community apprehension about gambling in Australia”, Senator Lundy said.
“Evidence presented to Netbets, a Senate inquiry into online gambling and the Productivity Commission report make it clear that a moratorium or ban will not adequately protect Australian citizens from dodgy Web sites that will potentially rip them off.
“What is needed is federal leadership to regulate gambling sites online -not blanket bans that falsely imply that the Internet itself can be effectively controlled.
“The Coalition is using the Internet as a scapegoat for their lack of leadership and failure to genuinely address consumer protection issues and social concerns surrounding online gambling.
“In contrast, the ALP supports a federal role in coordinating strict licensing and regulation of Australian online gambling sites. We recognise the policy challenges of the Internet requires leadership and responsible management of Internet policy – not just rhetoric – to arrive at a practical and workable solution”
“The Coalition’s online gambling moratorium is irresponsible and demonstrates that the Government lacks an understanding of the Internet”, Senator Lundy said.
Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
