New minister for communications portfolio, where broadcast thought bubbles linger

Queensland MP Anika Wells is taking over as communications minister for the Albanese government's second term.

A federal cabinet reshuffle saw Mark Dreyfus dumped as attorney-general—and from the cabinet altogether—with Michelle Rowland assuming that role and leaving her old post vacant.

The prime minister says Minister Wells is keeping her existing sport portfolio because the Brisbane 2032 Games is on the horizon.

This dovetails with communications; the Albanese government expanded Australia's anti-siphoning list in its first term to protect 2,500 events including more women's sport.

It also made changes to prevent digital platforms from getting coverage rights ahead of television broadcasters, although the industry's peak body says the laws leave open a legal loophole.

Other broadcasting reforms have been left on the to-do list for a second term.

A promised 'News Bargaining Incentive' to succeed the old code for digital platforms wasn't legislated before the election.

And local content quotas for streaming platforms flagged in 2023 have since been criticised as a trade barrier by the US government as the Trump administration looks to get even with retaliatory tariffs.

Donald Trump has since announced his intention to put a 100 per cent tariff on films made outside the US.

On sports betting, the federal government has been so slow to act that the industry has started to self-regulate.

In February, Sportsbet announced it would stop producing 'live odds' segments for AFL and NRL broadcasts in response to "community sentiment", with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting the sector had already cut its advertising by 40 per cent.

Of course, it's anyone's guess as to how this term of government will shape up.

Although, Sportsbet is already taking bets on if Anthony Albanese will make it to the next election as Labor leader.