Live: Pocock accuses gambling lobby of trying to discredit former NRL player

live Federal politics live: Pocock accuses gambling lobby of trying to discredit former NRL player ACT senator David Pocock has accused the gambling lobby of trying to discredit a former NRL player's testimony to a Senate inquiry into Labor's gambling advertising legislation. Follow all the updates in our live blog. Submit a comment or question Live updates Fri 7 Aug 2026 at 7:15am David Pocock accuses gambling lobby of trying to discredit former NRL player David Pocock has accused the gambling lobby of trying to discredit a former NRL player who alleged a gambling company offered him drugs. Responsible Wagering Australia has questioned why Luke Bateman didn't disclose his previous work for a NSW betting company. The Albanese government is facing internal pressure to strengthen its gambling reforms, with more MPs calling for sweeping amendments. But speaking to ABC Radio National Breakfast, the independent ACT has defended Bateman and says his experience in the industry makes him reliable. "I think most people would probably hear that and say, well, clearly this guy was one an addict, lost everything he'd earned during a professional rugby league career, then worked in the industry for six months. He probably knows what he's talking about," Pocock says. "Clearly, this is an industry feeling the heat. They know that the tide has turned and they are trying everything they can to not have the kind of legislation that Australians want." Pocock says Labor MPs have contacted him expressing concerns about the government's gambling advertising legislation. Fri 7 Aug 2026 at 7:07am Good morning 👋 Hello and welcome to our federal politics live blog! It's great to have you join us early this Friday morning. I'm Josh Boscaini joining you live from Parliament House in Canberra, here and ready to bring you all of today's federal politics news. I'm not sure what today could bring us so let's get into the day and see what it brings us! Loading