Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teenagers being banned from social media to lower harm, but still having the ability to be targeted by betting ads.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have regreted the federal government for not acting on gambling advertising, 2 years after a landmark report into betting damage.


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


"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social networks in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to face the betting 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 demanding action on the problem and has actually called for a conscience vote on to ensure they pass in a prompt 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 betting damage reform have actually stimulated disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to carry out the essential recommendation of phasing out online gaming marketing.


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


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was equally terse on morning radio, implicating the host of being "obsessed about the gaming marketing" when asked about an absence of action and the link in between gaming harm and domestic violence.


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


Alcohol and drugs, problem gambling and online misogyny were very important factors that needed to be dealt with, 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 said.


The social services department is named as the lead firm accountable for over half of the suggestions, including developing a detailed online gambling harm reduction method.


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


It has likewise said it wished 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 mechanism.