Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social media to lower damage, but still having the ability to be targeted by gambling ads.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have actually lamented the federal government for not taking action on betting marketing, two years after a landmark report into gambling harm.


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


"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social media in the name of kid security, yet he declines to challenge the gambling industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.


"Australians must 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 concern and has actually called for a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a timely way.


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


The allegations of a go-slow on gambling harm reform have actually spurred frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to execute the crucial recommendation of phasing out online gaming advertising.


A noticeably irritated prime minister rapidly shut 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 similarly terse on morning radio, implicating the host of being "consumed about the gaming marketing" when inquired about an absence of action and the link in between gaming damage and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more financing for a hotline but was asked about aggravations concerning the federal government failing to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting damage inquiry two years later on.


Alcohol and drugs, problem gaming and online misogyny were very important elements that required to be resolved, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


"Will continue to work to address this as a problem however it's not the only issue when it comes to family, domestic and sexual violence," she said.


The social services department is called as the lead company responsible for more than half of the recommendations, consisting of developing an extensive online gaming damage decrease strategy.


Even the betting lobby has actually expressed aggravations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on advertising limits and restrictions.


It has likewise said it desired to keep online advertising, 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 mechanism.