Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being banned from social media to decrease harm, however still being able to be targeted by gambling ads.


Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gaming lobby have actually lamented the federal government for not doing something about it on betting marketing, two years after a landmark report into betting damage.


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


"The prime minister wants to prohibit teens from social media 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 ought to 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 prompt manner.


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


The accusations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have stimulated disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to execute the essential recommendation of phasing out online gaming advertising.


A visibly irritated prime minister quickly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gambling advertising was acceptable, offering a terse "No" in reply.


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


Ms on Tuesday announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline however was inquired about frustrations relating to the government failing to respond to 31 recommendations from a landmark gaming harm query two years later.


Alcohol and drugs, issue gaming and online misogyny were very important factors that required to be dealt with, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead company accountable for over half of the recommendations, including establishing a detailed online betting damage decrease method.


Even the gambling lobby has expressed aggravations about the absence of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on marketing limitations and constraints.


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 does not target kids, and there would be an opt-out mechanism.