A David and Goliath Tale: A Time for Bravery

The Australia Institute

2 February 2026

"When I read Tim’s chapter in the book Brave; the silent suffering that had been my family's secret, danced across the pages with staggering clarity.

With magnanimity and resolve, Peta Murphy and Tim Costello have taken up guerrilla warfare against the gambling industry, who line the pockets of our state and federal governments and thank god.

Tim and Peta's fight has been fought, not for themselves, but for the Australian families, like mine, who lose every day.

A David and Goliath tale.

This is leadership. This is bravery. Vale Peta Murphy. "

You can buy A Time for Bravery from The Australia Institute here:

The company was told a gambler was banned. A new account was opened minutes later.

Sydney Morning Herald

29 January 2026

Picklebet let a self-excluded person open a new gambling account just two minutes after being told they were banned. It’s one of six companies, including Tabcorp, found by ACMA to have breached self-exclusion rules.

ACMA’s Carolyn Lidgerwood said: “Self-exclusion only works if wagering providers follow the rules.”

This isn’t a system flaw - it’s a failure of regulation. People experiencing gambling harm deserve real protection.

We need tougher legislation - not more industry excuses.

A Time for Bravery - What Happens When Australians Choose Courage? We’re living through a moment that demands bold action - against inequality, fossil fuel dependence and deepening threats to democracy. A powerful new book, A Time for Bravery, edited by Anna Chang and Alice Grundy, asks: what does courage look like in Australia today?

The Australia Institute

26 January 2026

With contributions from politicians, advocates, academics and more - including The Alliance’s own Tim Costello AO - this collection reminds us that change begins with brave choices.

Tim writes: “It takes bravery to stand up to a ruthless and predatory multi-billion industry, particularly when it is backed by media and politicians. It takes bravery because so many are against you.”

Labor MPs demand urgent action on gambling ad ban

The Guardian

2 February 2026

Frustration is growing inside Labor as MPs push Minister Anika Wells to act on gambling ad reforms. Despite public support and 949 days since the Murphy Report, there's still no government response. Labor MP Jerome Laxale says gambling reform is “unfinished business for this government” and adds: “We owe it to the communities impacted every day by gambling harm to keep this issue on the national agenda and deliver real change.”

It's time for leadership, not delay.

Watered down policies in Tasmania not enough

ABC Radio Hobart

26 January 2026

Alliance Voices Advocate Mark Kempster joins ABC Mornings with David Reilly to unpack why mandatory pre-commitment is essential to stop people chasing losses - and why walking away from this reform is a failure for public health.

They also dive into the Deloitte report that clearly outlines the steps needed to reduce gambling harm.

Let’s make pokies-free venues the norm, not the exception

ABC News

23 January 2026

When Mitch Crum removed the last of five pokies from his Sydney pub, he expected relief - instead, he faced months of red tape, confusion and unexpected costs.

Voices Advocate Mark wishes it were easier, and is calling out the broader impact of pokies in our communities: "When I organise a social outing, I look for a venue without poker machines. Why should my friends, family, or their kids be exposed to a product designed to exploit them?
Every time a child sees gambling normalised, the trap is set a little deeper - and that's exactly what these companies are counting on. We wouldn't let our kids watch us smoke. Why do we let them watch us gamble?" It's time to support venues that want out.