top of page

4 in 5 Australians back action on harmful gambling, alcohol, unhealthy food ads as new campaign calls on Federal Govt to give us an ad break

4 Mar 2026

New polling shows overwhelming public support to curb pervasive gambling, alcohol and unhealthy food advertising, as over 130 key organisations and leaders call on the Federal Government to seize this opportunity to protect children and improve long-term health outcomes.


Launched today, the national public health campaign, Give us an ad break, warns that relentless marketing of harmful products is driving increased consumption — and with it rising rates of cancer, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mental ill health and financial hardship.

“Whether browsing online, scrolling your feed or watching sport, Australians, including children, are constantly exposed to ads for harmful products like alcohol,” Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education CEO Ayla Chorley said.
“There is resounding community support for putting common sense limits on how these multi-million dollar companies can promote their products.”

Under the current system, alcohol, gambling and unhealthy food companies are largely left to make their own rules about where, when and how they can advertise.


The Give us an ad break campaign is calling for the Federal Government to introduce a new piece of legislation – a Harmful Products Marketing Act.


The proposed law, modelled on Australia’s world-leading tobacco legislation, would set clear, enforceable rules about when, where and how harmful products can be marketed, particularly where children are exposed, ensuring they can grow up free from relentless pressure to consume harmful products. 


More than 130 organisations and leaders across health, sport, social services and research have signed a statement released today, joining the call to the Federal Government to prioritise community wellbeing – not industry profit.


The move has strong community support, with polling undertaken in February finding 4 in 5 Australians want less advertising for gambling, alcohol and unhealthy foods, and are concerned about the harm caused by these ads.*


“We hear from parents who simply want their children to enjoy sport without being surrounded by alcohol ads, and from people who feel targeted wherever they go, online and offline,” Ms Chorley said.
“These companies collect extensive personal data to tailor advertising enticing people to buy more, which makes it very hard for people trying to cut out, or cut back.”

VicHealth CEO Professor Anna Peeters AM said reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing is one of the most powerful steps towards improving the nation’s long-term health. 

 “The environments our children grow up in shape their health for life. Right now, those environments are saturated with advertising for products linked to cancer, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and financial harm across the community. Reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing is one of the most effective prevention levers available. It is practical, evidence-based and will deliver benefits for generations,” she said.
Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas said, “Gambling losses in Australia, which are the world’s highest per capita, not only have a financial impact but unleash immense social harm each day across our communities.”
“The companies spend millions on marketing because they know it will result in profits through both short term sales and long-term normalisation of their harmful products, so they can hook in generations to come.
“They sell an idealised and glamourised experience because showing the reality wouldn’t make them money. But when products are harmful, the result is just that: harm.
“We’re calling on the government to step up and implement legislation that gives Aussies a fair go. Australia has led the way before; let’s do it again.”
Food For Health Alliance Executive Manager Jane Martin said, “These companies target children and young people with unhealthy food ads in places they know they’ll see, like during prime time TV shows, at bus stops, and online.

“We know this advertising works, influencing our kids’ behaviour, what they eat, want and ask for – and it’s putting their future health at stake. We know the community wants to see this change. We have a chance now to set the stage for a better, healthier future.”

media@agr.org.au – 07 2115 0820

CONTACT

ACNC-Registered-Charity-Logo_RGB.png
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • LinkedIn

Have questions about our work or want to make a general inquiry? Please fill out the form below. 👇

If you have lived experience of gambling harm or are an affected other, visit our Voices page.

Thanks for submitting!

Our Community House

552 Victoria St, Wurundjeri Country,
North Melbourne 3051, VIC

 

Email: info@agr.org.au

Phone: (03) 9999 7372

Media

For all media enquiries, please contact 

Phone: 07 2115 0820
Email: media@agr.org.au 

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact: Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | Lifeline 131 114

PRIVACY POLICY

ALL CONTENT IS © ALLIANCE FOR GAMBLING REFORM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. CREATED BY NNCREATIVE

The Alliance for Gambling Reform acknowledges we are living and working on Aboriginal land. We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and pay respect to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging.

© 2022 by Alliance for Gambling Reform. Proudly created with NNCreative

bottom of page