Transcript - Sky News with Kieran Gilbert

Melissa McIntosh MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Federal Member for Lindsay

13 February 2025

Subject: Gambling advertising reform; Post and Boast; antisemitism issue at Bankstown Hospital; migration; Migration Act; election; Western Sydney.

Live on Sky News with Kieran Gilbert

Kieran Gilbert

Welcome back to the program. Joining me live in the studio is the Shadow communications minister, Melissa McIntosh. Thanks for your time.

There's a real sense that this could be the last sitting day before the election. You know, if the RBA cuts rates next week.

The crossbench isn't happy with the government on a range of issues from electoral reform to the lack of reform on gambling ads. You've had a crack at the government too, on that front. What do you believe the government should have done sooner when it comes to the gambling ads?

Melissa McIntosh

Thanks for having me on, Kieran. We are wrapping up the parliamentary term. It could possibly be the last sitting day. As you said, the government's had years. They’ve sat on a committee report since 2023 which made recommendations to reduce the harm of gambling. Peter Dutton came out and gave our position almost two years that there'll be no gambling advertising one hour before, during or after a live sporting event.

This is when families come together, kids are around, we want to.

Kieran Gilbert

But is that the sort of thing that your constituents have said they'd support?

Melissa McIntosh

Absolutely.

Kieran Gilbert

As opposed to a blanket ban?

Melissa McIntosh

Yes, and I think it was a reasonable position. And speaking with the industry, my whole two weeks of being in this shadow portfolio, the thing that they appreciated was our position was clear and it's been clear for a long time yet the Albanese Labor Government and particularly the Prime Minister, has made no commitment, has not made a position.

But they, like they do with all sorts of policies, they made people feel like they were going to go somewhere with this. It's almost like another broken promise to the Australian people. We've had independents coming out making their position clear. We've even had the Greens make their decision clear.

Kieran Gilbert

But they haven't given up on it though, have they? They're still pursuing reforms, albeit maybe delayed till after the election. That's the timeline now.

Melissa McIntosh

Well, we've had our position for two years. They've had plenty of time. They could just come in behind Peter's leadership on this like they did with the social media ban for kids under 16 or what they've done when it comes to ensuring that we don't have terrorism, we have strong laws for terrorism in this country.

And really importantly, Peter and the Coalition have put forward. And this is in my portfolio as well, to posting and boasting criminal acts. And I think right now, in the way things are going in this country, that is another essential bill that should be passed by the government.

Kieran Gilbert

Yes, indeed. Well, certainly that the power of online communication was exposed again yesterday with those comments made by two nurses in Western Sydney. They've been stood down. They won't be returning to New South Wales Health pending what looks like charges from New South Wales Police. What's your reaction when you saw that, that video?

Melissa McIntosh

It's outrageous and I think it's upsetting as well. And people have so much faith in our health system and there's so many wonderful nurses and doctors that do tremendous work. And you never have one thought that one of them would like to do something to harm any Australian. So the law needs to be tough on them and further consideration to our Migration Act that allows people into our country to become Australians and then to show hatred for our country.

Kieran Gilbert

You know, if the election goes the way you're hoping it will, you'll be returning and returning as a minister as opposed to a shadow minister.

Do you think that the outer suburban tactic and strategy of the Coalition and Peter Dutton is going to work sufficiently to win the election? You know better than anyone what the mood is in the outer suburbs. That's where your seat is.

Melissa McIntosh

I think the outer suburbs are a microcosm of Australia, particularly in seats like mine, and we've felt left behind. People are struggling like they've never struggled before. Working harder, but not getting anywhere. Lining up at food banks, unable to pay their mortgages, struggling with rents. So this is why I think that there's real opportunity for us in the suburbs, because they're everyday Australians, and right now it feels like the Labor government just doesn't care about them at all.

Kieran Gilbert

Melissa McIntosh, thanks for your time.

Melissa McIntosh

Thank you very much.

Kieran Gilbert

We'll see you soon.