Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


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


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary good friends of gambling damage minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over kid safety when banning them from social networks, however not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting advertisements on other platforms.


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


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


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


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


The allegations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have actually stimulated frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to carry out the crucial suggestion of phasing out online gambling marketing.


A noticeably inflamed prime minister quickly closed down a question from Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gambling advertising was acceptable, using a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on early morning radio, accusing the host of being "obsessed about the gaming advertising" when asked about a lack of action and the link between gaming damage and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more funding for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about aggravations concerning the federal government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting harm questions 2 years later.


Alcohol and drugs, problem gaming and online misogyny were all essential aspects that required to be resolved, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead agency accountable for over half of the suggestions, consisting of developing a comprehensive online betting damage decrease method.


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


It has likewise stated it wanted to keep online marketing, including on social networks and streaming services, however it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it doesn't target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.