DUNKLEY MP Jodie Belyea has defended her decision to support the federal government’s watered-down gambling legislation, saying that “waiting for the perfect reform is not in the best interest of the community”.
The federal government’s gambling reforms have been criticised for failing to address all of the recommendations of an anti-gambling inquiry chaired by late Dunkley MP Peta Murphy. The legislation passed Parliament in mid-August.
Murphy’s husband Rod Glover is among those who have voiced concerns. He said “the package is far from everything that is needed, and it has taken too long to get here.” (“Mixed emotions on gambling reforms” The Times, 24/8/2026)
Last week, Murphy’s successor as MP for Dunkley Jodie Belyea issued an open letter about the reforms. She said “I believe reducing exposure to gambling advertising, limiting inducements, strengthening self exclusion measures and closing regulatory loopholes all matter.”
“Supporting this Bill does not mean I believe the gambling reform agenda is finished or everything has been achieved. It means I believe enough has been achieved in this Bill to make supporting it the right decision now”, Belyea said. “These reforms will reduce exposure to gambling advertising by strengthening protections for children and young people; banning inducements and referral commissions; strengthening BetStop and action against illegal offshore gambling; addressing emerging gambling products and close regulatory loopholes; and establishing a framework for reviewing the reforms and improving them over time.”
Belyea said that one of the 31 recommendations made after Murphy’s anti-gambling inquiry “outlined a phased approach to reform.”
“This context matters. Peta knew gambling reform was never going to be achieved through one announcement or one piece of legislation. Public health reform is a phased approach that requires research, advocacy, negotiation, implementation and evaluation,” Belyea said. “I have pushed for changes where I believed the initial proposals did not go far enough. I have advocated for tighter restrictions on gambling companies offering inducements and commissions, and for stronger rules around gambling advertising – particularly where children and young people may be exposed.
“Ultimately, these reforms are about improving the lives of people. That is why I support this Bill.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 15 September 2026