Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teenagers being prohibited from social media to lower harm, but still being able to be targeted by betting advertisements.


Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have actually regreted the federal government for not taking action on gambling advertising, 2 years after a landmark report into betting harm.


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


"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social networks in the name of child security, yet he refuses to face the betting industry 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 standard."


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is requiring action on the concern and has called for 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 bundle to be revealed before March.


The accusations of a go-slow on gambling damage reform have stimulated frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its to carry out the crucial recommendation of phasing out online gaming advertising.


A visibly inflamed prime minister quickly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless betting marketing was appropriate, offering a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on morning radio, accusing the host of being "consumed about the gambling advertising" when inquired about an absence of action and the link in between gambling harm and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more financing for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about disappointments concerning the government failing to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling damage query two years later on.


Alcohol and drugs, problem gaming and online misogyny were all crucial elements that required to be addressed, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead company responsible for majority of the recommendations, consisting of developing a detailed online gambling harm decrease method.


Even the gaming lobby has actually expressed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on advertising limits and limitations.


It has likewise said it wished to keep online advertising, consisting of on social media 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.