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A Senate inquiry into the Albanese government’s gambling laws has heard allegations that betting companies and casinos are providing big spending punters with drugs, free accommodation and escorts. Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello told Monday’s hearing he was preparing to give a character reference to a man being detained in Sydney’s Silverwater prison, who was allegedly targeted by promoters. The man is preparing to plead guilty to charges over theft of more than $12m, Costello said. Costello alleged to the hearing that gambling companies including TAB and Sportsbet offered the man drugs, escorts, and free accommodation. He was given free accommodation at Star Casino.
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Laurie Daley has ended months of speculation by officially quitting his role as NSW State of Origin coach, AAP reports. The NSWRL on Monday paid tribute to “true blue” Daley while announcing he would be stepping down after NSW successfully won back the shield from Queensland following a turbulent 2026 campaign. The Blues claimed the series 2-1 after becoming only the fourth team in Origin history to win a decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said: NSWRL owes a massive debt of gratitude to Laurie for the service he has given to his state as both a player and a coach. He has also led NSW to arguably two of the greatest Origin series wins of all time as a coach, after ending Queensland’s eight-year winning streak in 2014 and overcoming adversity to steer the Blues home in 2026.
Angus Taylor on leave this week Opposition leader Angus Taylor is on leave for most of this week, his office has announced, with deputy leader Jane Hume acting in his stead. Taylor will be on leave from today until Thursday, a spokesperson advised today. Prime minister Anthony Albanese is also on leave this week, his office announced last week, returning to work Thursday and with Richard Marles as acting PM in the interim. Hume was set to hold a press conference this morning in Brisbane.
A Senate inquiry into the Albanese government’s gambling laws has heard allegations that betting companies and casinos are providing big spending punters with drugs, free accommodation and escorts. Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello told Monday’s hearing he was preparing to give a character reference to a man being detained in Sydney’s Silverwater prison, who was allegedly targeted by promoters. The man is preparing to plead guilty to charges over theft of more than $12m, Costello said. Costello alleged to the hearing that gambling companies including TAB and Sportsbet offered the man drugs, escorts, and free accommodation. He was given free accommodation at Star Casino.
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