Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


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


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 huge song and dance over kid safety when banning them from social networks, but not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting advertisements on other platforms.


"The prime minister wants to ban teenagers from social networks in the name of child security, yet he declines to face the gaming market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed AAP.


"Australians need 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 concern and has actually required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a timely manner.


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 betting harm reform have spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to execute the crucial suggestion of phasing out online gambling marketing.


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


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


Ms on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was inquired about disappointments relating to the federal government failing to reply to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting damage query two years later on.


Alcohol and drugs, issue betting and online misogyny were all important aspects that required to be resolved, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is called as the lead company accountable for over half of the suggestions, including establishing a detailed online gaming harm decrease technique.


Even the gambling lobby has revealed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on marketing limits and constraints.


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