But also have to rely upon a RW MSM cartel and ecosystem that will dog whistle ALP on every policy, issue and proposal, relentlessly

This is done through misrepresentation, which in turn develops a rowdy low info electorate encouraged (by classic PR framing) to focus on the now, at the epxnse of the past and especially future, precluding solutions.

Like UK Labour, ALP is treading very cautiously to gain a second term, understanding how easily, vs the past, they can be thrown off course by our RW MSM and influence campaigns, targeting persuadables and/or ageing voters….

It’s a great quotation, but there is an obvious answer – the voters are supposed to be focussed on the future of the country and then vote accordingly. At least, that’s the theory. What happens in practice, we all can see.

Yes, that is the real danger to Labor. Looked at dispassionately and in isolation, a decision about the extent of regulation to apply to gambling advertising is not an issue that will move all that many votes. Most voters have other worries than that. But in the current context, what this says about Labor’s horrific lack of any firm principles; its ghastly indifference to the damage done by gambling; its cynical calculation that it will gain better coverage from the media companies who make money from this; its grovelling to the lobbyists hired by vested interests while shutting the door on anyone else; the extraordinary and apparently grossly improper deployment of NDAs; the proof all this gives of Labor’s moral destitution and inability to recognise and act for the public good; all that will increase doubts about Labor’s fitness to govern at all, and that will shift votes from Labor.

Cigarette packs showed images of lung disease, cardio vascular problems, etc., so gambling ads should show images of domestic violence. suicide, homelessness, eviction, etc.
The usual problems suffered by problem gamblers.

Unfortunately, those 80% don’t get to lobby ‘our’ representatives, and don’t shovel money to them like the vested interests do.

I’m not too sure it is not a vote loser, many I know are being driven mad by the extent and utter stupidity of these gambling ads and on this and their weakness on other issues, are looking to change their vote away from labor next year.

I’m not sure I agree on that. To some, action on gambling advertising is just as important as action on climate change. And also, all these bad government decisions have an accrued effect over the three-year term.

“We’ve built these two machines that are focused on winning elections,” she says. “Where’s the machine that focuses on the future of the country?”