Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being banned from social media to minimize harm, however still having the ability to be targeted by gambling advertisements.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have lamented the federal government for not acting on betting advertising, two years after a landmark report into betting damage.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary buddies of betting damage minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over kid safety when banning them from social media, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister wishes to ban teens from social networks in the name of child security, yet he refuses to face the gambling market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.


"Australians ought to ask why the prime minister has this double requirement."


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is demanding action on the problem and has called for a conscience vote on reforms to ensure they pass in a prompt way.


There are Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform bundle to be revealed before March.


The accusations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have actually stimulated disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to implement the key recommendation of phasing out online gaming marketing.


A visibly inflamed prime minister rapidly closed down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gambling marketing was appropriate, offering a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was equally terse on early morning radio, implicating the host of being "consumed about the gambling marketing" when inquired about an absence of action and the link between betting damage and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about frustrations relating to the government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting damage inquiry two years later.


Alcohol and drugs, issue gaming and online misogyny were very important elements that needed to be attended to, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


"Will continue to work to resolve this as an issue however it's not the only concern when it pertains to family, domestic and sexual violence," she stated.


The social services department is named as the lead company accountable for over half of the recommendations, including developing an extensive online gaming harm reduction strategy.


Even the gaming lobby has expressed aggravations about the absence of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on marketing limits and limitations.


It has likewise said it desired to keep online marketing, consisting of on social networks and streaming services, but it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it does not target kids, and there would be an opt-out mechanism.