Nationals MP Pat Conaghan Raises Concerns Over Gambling Reforms in Parliamentary Address

Pat Conaghan, the Nationals member for Cowper, addressed the House of Representatives with a direct critique of proposed gambling reforms in August 2026, and he pointed to findings from a recent parliamentary inquiry that examined industry practices. The speech came at a time when Labor, the Coalition, and the Greens continued negotiations on measures to restrict gambling advertising, limit inducements, and regulate promotions on streaming platforms.

Details from the Inquiry Findings

The parliamentary inquiry documented testimony from former rugby league player Luke Bateman, who described instances where gambling company promoters provided him with cocaine and alcohol during promotional activities, and the report noted that these companies exercised no duty of care toward participants. Conaghan referenced these specific allegations while questioning the effectiveness of the current reform proposals, and he highlighted the need for stronger accountability measures based on the evidence presented to the inquiry.

Observers noted that the inquiry report compiled statements from multiple witnesses, yet Bateman's account stood out because it detailed direct interactions with industry representatives. The findings indicated that such practices occurred without adequate safeguards, and Conaghan used this information to challenge the scope of the ongoing discussions between the major parties.

Context of Cross-Party Negotiations

Negotiations between Labor, the Coalition, and the Greens have focused on tightening rules around gambling advertising and inducements, along with oversight of streaming services that carry promotional content. Conaghan's intervention occurred amid these talks, and he expressed skepticism about whether the proposed changes would address the issues raised in the inquiry. Parliamentary records show that the discussions aim to introduce tighter restrictions, yet the Nationals MP argued that the reforms fell short in several areas tied to the evidence from former athletes and other witnesses.

Those following the process have seen how the inquiry's documentation of promoter conduct, including the supply of substances without corresponding care responsibilities, has become a reference point in the debate. Conaghan connected these details to broader concerns about regulatory gaps, and the speech underscored divisions within the Coalition on the extent of government intervention in gambling operations.

Key Elements of the Speech

During his address Conaghan posed pointed questions about the purpose of the reforms, and he cited the inquiry's coverage of Bateman's experiences to illustrate what he viewed as systemic shortcomings. The MP drew attention to the lack of duty of care described in the testimony, and he suggested that any new rules must incorporate stronger protections for individuals involved in promotional events. Parliamentary transcripts indicate that the speech referenced the inquiry findings directly, linking them to the current negotiations on advertising limits and inducement bans.

Additional inquiry details revealed patterns of engagement between gambling operators and high-profile figures in sports, and Bateman's statements formed one part of a larger set of submissions. Conaghan's remarks aligned with these points by calling for reforms that address the specific practices documented, while the ongoing talks between Labor, Coalition members, and the Greens continued to shape the final shape of any legislation.

Parliamentary Response and Next Steps

Other members responded to Conaghan's points by reiterating the goals of teh cross-party negotiations, which include curbs on advertising visibility and restrictions on promotional inducements across platforms. The Greens have advocated for comprehensive changes that extend to streaming services, and Labor has emphasized balanced implementation that considers industry impacts. Coalition positions have shown internal variation, with some members supporting stricter measures and others favoring more limited adjustments.

The inquiry's focus on duty of care issues, as illustrated through Bateman's account, remains a reference in these exchanges, and further committee work is expected to inform the final proposals. Data from the inquiry process shows multiple witness contributions, yet the emphasis on promoter conduct has persisted as a central element in the discussion.

Conclusion

Pat Conaghan's speech in the House of Representatives brought parliamentary inquiry findings on gambling industry practices into the center of reform debates in August 2026. The reference to Luke Bateman's testimony about cocaine and alcohol supplies without duty of care added specific context to negotiations involving Labor, the Coalition, and the Greens on advertising rules, inducements, and streaming regulations. Parliamentary records continue to reflect these exchanges as parties work toward agreed measures.