Liberal MP Murray Watt, who serves as the federal environment minister, strongly condemned betting industry practices following testimony by former rugby player Luke Bateman. Watt stated that offering illegal drugs is a clear crime and that those involved in such criminal behaviour must face the consequences.
Bateman made serious allegations against betting companies during an inquiry by the parliamentary committee on betting reform. According to his account, representatives of these companies provided him with cocaine and alcohol during the period when he was an active athlete.
The former rugby player also stated that he attended private events hosted by betting companies. On these occasions, he said, senior executives of betting companies used illegal drugs alongside clients.
These statements come in the context of growing public interest in the regulation of the betting industry in Australia, where there is increasing demand for stricter player protection measures and greater transparency in business operations. Bateman's testimony has further spurred debate on ethical standards in this sector.
Murray Watt confirmed that such behaviour would be taken seriously, emphasising that providing substances as a means of attracting clients constitutes a criminal offence. His statement comes in response to growing public pressure for the industry to be cleansed of alleged corrupt practices.
