Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social networks to reduce damage, however still being able to be targeted by betting advertisements.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have actually regreted the federal government for not doing something about it on betting marketing, two years after a landmark report into gambling damage.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary good friends of betting damage minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over kid safety when prohibiting them from social media, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting advertisements on other platforms.


"The prime minister desires to prohibit teens from social networks in the name of kid security, yet he refuses to confront the gambling market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed AAP.


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


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is requiring action on the issue and has required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a prompt manner.


There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is dealing with a reform plan to be unveiled before March.


The allegations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have spurred disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to implement the essential suggestion of phasing out online betting marketing.


A noticeably irritated prime minister quickly closed down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gaming advertising was appropriate, using a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on morning radio, accusing the host of being "obsessed about the betting marketing" when asked about an absence of action and the link between gambling damage and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about disappointments regarding the federal government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting damage query 2 years later.


Alcohol and drugs, problem betting and online misogyny were all essential factors that needed to be addressed, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead agency responsible for majority of the recommendations, consisting of developing a detailed online betting damage decrease strategy.


Even the gaming lobby has actually revealed aggravations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on advertising limitations and constraints.


It has likewise stated it wished to keep online advertising, consisting of on and streaming services, but it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it doesn't target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.