‘Disgusting’: Transport NSW ads spark debate

An advertising campaign on Sydney trains has raised eyebrows, now the state government has taken notice.

EXCLUSIVE

New gambling ads across NSW Transport have sparked major backlash online with the state government saying they are reconsidering the campaign following “community concern”.

In recent weeks, advertisements for the betting site PickleBet have been spotted on the side of trains, the light rail and inside carriages across Sydney.

The ads have been splattered across Sydney trains. Picture: Reddit

Images shared online have attracted hundreds of negative comments.

“Shame on you Transport NSW,” one commenter wrote, referencing the gambling ads “inside and outside” on public trains.

“It’s everywhere and impossible to escape. Gambling addiction must be absolute hell for someone trying to shake it,” another user wrote.

An e-petition was also submitted to the NSW parliament over the ads.

In a statement to news.com.au, a spokesman for Minister for Transport of New South Wales Jo Haylen said the ads were being reconsidered.

“We understand the community’s concern and are exploring what changes are possible under the existing advertising contracts,” the spokesman said.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said the organisation’s advertising suppliers had to ensure that material “complied with all applicable laws”.

The ads have also been found inside carriages. Picture: Reddit

Under the Australian Association of National Advertisers code of ethics, gambling ads are allowed in public forums so long as they don’t depict minors or specifically target minors.

Betting companies also have strict guidelines around how they advertise and must not encourage users to bet beyond their means.

The move from Transport for NSW comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was slammed for scrapping plans to pursue gambling ad reforms this week.

The ads have also been spotted on the Sydney Light Rail. Picture: TikTok

On Sunday, Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt confirmed the government would not be pursuing the long-touted reforms and said Labor would instead continue to consult on the laws.

This is despite the reforms being a key recommendation in a landmark report by late Labor MP Peta Murphy.

“This is a very difficult and complex piece of work that simply cannot be finalised in the remaining week that we have of parliament this year,” Mr Watt told reporters on Sunday.

An inquiry chaired by Peta Murphy urged parliament to ban gambling ads due it its harms to children and young people. Picture: NewsWire

“There’s an awful lot on the government’s agenda to pass this week – cost of living, support, housing relief, a range of bills to keep Australians safe, including our social media reforms – that’s going to be our focus as we continue to consult on the gambling reforms.”

The next available opportunity for parliament to debate the laws will be in February, however, this could be delayed if Mr Albanese chooses to call the federal election in January.

The Coalition has since weaponised the delay, with Peter Dutton lashing Labor for its inaction.

“This is a cowardly and craven capitulation – and just shows this government can’t get the big calls right,” Mr Dutton said.