Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (15:48)

When we talk about men's health, we often think about the physical side of it—things like getting checked, staying active and eating right. But one of the biggest challenges facing men today is something that's much harder to see. It's the mental toll that gambling takes on too many of our mates, our sons and our fathers.

Gambling can start as some harmless fun, with a few bets on the weekend or a punt on the footy, but for some blokes it becomes something much darker. It leads to stress, shame, financial trouble and broken relationships. It can push people to breaking point and tear families apart. As Special Envoy for Men's Health, I have met men who have lost everything to gambling and are too embarrassed to tell their families; men who thought they were alone when they are not, who just need someone to listen and lend them a hand.

That is why the Albanese Labor government takes gambling harm very seriously. It's not just about the money, it's about mental health, families, community and giving people back control over their lives.

Since 2022, we have delivered the most significant gambling harm reduction reforms in more than a decade. We have banned the use of credit cards for online wagering, so no-one is gambling with borrowed money. We have launched BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, giving people a real way to block themselves from every licensed online betting service in this country. We have made wagering companies send customers monthly statements, showing them exactly how much they have won or lost. We have funded specialist financial counselling to support people who are struggling with gambling harm. We have introduced mandatory ID checks for online betting accounts, national staff training and new evidence based advertising taglines to stop companies from downplaying risks and exploiting vulnerable Australians.

We have also taken steps to protect young people. The new minimum classifications for video games means those that simulate gambling are now rated R-plus, and games with loot boxes must be rated M. Parents and carers can now see what their kids are being exposed to and make informed choices about games being played in their homes.

These reforms are already working. As of September 2025, nearly 50,000 Australians have registered with BetStop. Around 80 per cent are aged 40 or under, and almost 40 per cent have chosen to exclude themselves for life. That tells us many Australians, especially young men, are looking for help and want a way out, want a fresh start.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has also blocked more than 1,300 illegal gambling websites since 2019. These dodgy sites often target those vulnerable people, and shutting them down helps protect Aussies from serious harm. We know gambling harm does not just affect the individual; it affects families, workplaces, the whole community. For every person experiencing problem gambling, up to six others are directly impacted. Around three million Australians are being hurt by somebody else's gambling. That is why we are investing in prevention and support services across the country, through targeted funding and ensuring that people affected by gambling have access to help when they need it. We are also improving transparency across the industry, but making operators accountable and ensuring consumers have better information. We are helping people make informed choices.

All of this is about giving Australians, particularly men, the tools and the support they need to take back control. We know blokes are reluctant to ask for help. They often feel they have to handle everything on their own, but asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do. The more we talk about gambling and its impact on mental health, the more we break down the stigma that keeps men silent and isolated. Every time we take a step to reduce gambling harm, it's a step towards better mental health outcomes for men and for everyone. It means fewer families are torn apart, fewer sleepless nights, fewer blokes feeling trapped with nowhere to turn. There is more work to do, but we know we're on the right track. We're delivering real reforms that are making a difference because every Australian deserves to live a healthy and well life.