Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gaming lobby have regreted the federal government for not doing something about it on gambling advertising, 2 years after a landmark report into betting harm.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary friends of gambling harm minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big tune and dance over kid safety when banning them from social networks, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister wants to ban teenagers from social networks in the name of child security, yet he refuses to confront the gambling market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told 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 issue 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 dealing with a reform plan to be revealed before March.


The allegations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have actually stimulated disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to execute the crucial recommendation of phasing out online betting marketing.


A noticeably inflamed prime minister quickly closed down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gaming advertising was appropriate, offering a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on morning radio, accusing 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 revealed more financing for a domestic violence hotline however was asked about disappointments regarding the to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling harm questions 2 years later.


Alcohol and drugs, problem betting and online misogyny were very important factors that required to be addressed, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is called as the lead firm responsible for more than half of the recommendations, consisting of establishing a detailed online gaming damage reduction strategy.


Even the gambling lobby has actually revealed aggravations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on marketing limitations and restrictions.


It has also stated it desired to keep online marketing, including on social media 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 mechanism.