Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teenagers being banned from social media to decrease damage, however still having the ability 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 acting on betting marketing, 2 years after a landmark report into betting harm.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary pals of gambling damage minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over kid security when prohibiting them from social media, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister wants to ban teens from social networks in the name of kid security, yet he refuses to face the gambling industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed 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 demanding action on the concern and has required a conscience vote on reforms to ensure they pass in a prompt way.


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


The accusations of a go-slow on gambling damage reform have spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to implement the crucial recommendation of phasing out online betting marketing.


A noticeably inflamed prime minister quickly closed down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless betting marketing was appropriate, offering 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 advertising" when asked about an absence of action and the link between gambling damage and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was asked about frustrations concerning the government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a damage query 2 years later.


Alcohol and drugs, problem gambling and online misogyny were very important factors that needed to be attended to, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead firm accountable for majority of the recommendations, including establishing a comprehensive online gaming harm reduction technique.


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


It has also said it wished to keep online advertising, consisting of 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.