Live: Taylor issues ultimatum to PM over NDIS and widows' tax

The federal government has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the NDIS and widows' tax, as opposition MPs from the Labor and Liberal parties abstained from supporting the government's gambling reforms. Pat Conaghan and Andrew Wallace, both Coalition MPs, crossed the floor to vote against the bill, which aims to introduce an opt-out model for online gambling ads and restrict gambling ads during children's programming.

The legislation will now proceed to the Senate, where the Coalition will support its passage through parliament. Meanwhile, an inquiry into Australia's infected blood scandal is set to commence, after a referral from a committee. The inquiry will examine the scale and circumstances of the contamination, as well as the adequacy of safeguards at the time, with a view to providing survivors with answers and an apology.

Shadow Technology Minister Aaron Violi has warned that reducing the cost of cigarettes by 75 per cent will not end the illicit tobacco industry, as the criminal organizations behind it have established infrastructure. Independent Senator David Pocock has expressed concern that vested interests are exerting pressure on the major parties over gambling advertising legislation.