Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Dr Monique Ryan, Indi MP for Kooyong, Update from Canberra + Australia’s Addiction Gambling Commercials

Macca and Kenny talk to Dr Monique Ryan, Indi MP for Kooyong, Update from Canberra + Australia’s Addiction Gambling Commercials

As of late 2025 and early 2026, Dr. Monique Ryan, independent MP for Kooyong, has continued to heavily advocate for a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia, positioning the issue as a critical public health crisis. 

• Continued Pressure: Dr. Ryan has been consistent in challenging the Albanese Government over its delay in acting on the “Murphy Report” (June 2023), which recommended a comprehensive ban on online gambling ads.
• “Hard to Understand” Delay: She has highlighted the irony of the government moving to ban social media for children while failing to implement a similar ban on online gambling advertising that targets young people.
• Resignation from Parliamentary Sports Club: In October 2025, Dr. Ryan resigned from the Parliamentary Sports Club to protest its association with the gambling industry, stating the industry is “predatory and insidious”.
• Focus on Public Health: She argues that gambling addiction is a public health issue similar to drug addiction, driving domestic violence, family breakdown, and financial ruin.
• 2026 Legislative Focus: Her recent activities in 2026 have also centered on criticizing the government’s handling of HECS debt (Job-Ready Graduates scheme) and advocating for safer digital spaces.
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  Australia’s Gambling Commercials Crisis
• • The Problem: Australia is noted to have the highest per-capita gambling losses in the world, with roughly $32 billion lost annually.
  • Targeting Children: Dr. Ryan has stated that children are being targeted by betting ads on social media, creating a “generation primed for addiction”.
  • Call for Total Ban: She supports a total ban on gambling advertising across TV, radio, social media, and on sports uniforms.
  • Government Response: Despite overwhelming public support (reported at 85%) for a ban, the government has been accused of acting too slowly due to pressure from media companies and sporting codes that profit from gambling partnerships. 
  Dr. Ryan continues to urge the government to adopt all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report to reduce the impact of gambling on Australian families. 

   

The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Dr Monique Ryan, Indi MP for Kooyong, Update from Canberra + Australia’s Addiction Gambling Commercials appeared first on Saturday Magazine.