Federal frontbencher defends $19k in donations from Sportsbet

The Communications Minister denies any wrongdoing over a campaign donation from one of the nation’s biggest gambling companies.

Michelle Rowland, who has been under fire for accepting $19,000 in donations from online gaming company, says she won’t take any further money now that she is the responsible Minister.

Appearing on ABC TV’s Q&A program on Monday night, Ms Rowland was asked by an audience member if a minister can make decisions in the interests of the community if they’ve taken money from a lobby group.

It was revealed earlier this month that Sportsbet had paid for a campaign dinner and made a subsequent donation to Ms Rowland’s election campaign heading into last May

s federal election, totalling about $19,000.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has defended her position on accepting donations from Sportsbet. Picture NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

The payments weren’t disclosed by Labor because they fell below the reporting threshold.

Ms Rowland, who’s communications portfolio also has responsibility for gaming, said she had followed guidelines. but would not accept further money.

“I will not take money from Sportsbet … I'm now the minister, I will not take money from Sportsbet,” Ms Rowland.

She said the donation from Sportsbet had not affected her decisions as minister.

“I ask that you judge that on the evidence. The evidence is that we have had a strong track record on harm minimisation supporting the establishment of a national consumer protection network.”

She also flagged support for changes to the disclosure rules.

“The disclosure rules, as they exist at any point in time, have always been complied with by myself, including disclosures to the parliament and the ministerial code of conduct.

Where do we draw the line between political donations and public interest? #QandApic.twitter.com/wMJRyJMHGU

— QandA (@QandA) February 20, 2023

Ms Rowland’s shadow counterpart David Coleman was also part of Monday’s Q&A panel.

Host Stan Grant revealed the Coalition as a whole accepted more than $100k in donations from Sportsbet ahead of the election.

Asked if he would accept money from gambling companies, Mr Coleman said: “We follow the rules, there’s a review actually of the donation rules happening right now under the joint standing committee on electoral matters — ”

Stan Grant put a similar question to shadow Communications Minister David Coleman. Picture: ABC

He was interrupted by Mr Grant, who asked “but are you happy taking money from Sportsbet?”

Mr Coleman responded “I think what we should do is allow that committee to do its reviews,” to some laughter from the Q&A audience.

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie called out Ms Rowland in parliament earlier in February, demanding she resign or be sacked over the matter.

Originally published as Federal frontbencher defends $19k in donations from Sportsbet