Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teens being banned from social media to reduce harm, however still being able to be targeted by betting advertisements.
Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have regreted the federal government for not doing something about it on gambling advertising, two years after a landmark report into betting damage.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary buddies of betting damage minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big tune and dance over kid safety when banning them from social media, however not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.
"The prime minister wishes to prohibit teenagers from social networks in the name of kid security, yet he refuses to face the betting market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.
"Australians should ask why the prime minister has this double requirement."
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 timely manner.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform plan to be unveiled before March.
The allegations of a go-slow on gambling harm reform have spurred frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to carry out the key suggestion of phasing out online gaming advertising.
A noticeably inflamed prime minister rapidly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gambling advertising was acceptable, using a terse "No" in reply.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on early morning radio, the host of being "obsessed about the gambling marketing" when asked about a lack of action and the link in between betting harm and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline but was inquired about aggravations regarding the federal government stopping working to respond to 31 recommendations from a landmark gambling damage questions 2 years later.
Alcohol and drugs, issue betting and online misogyny were very important aspects that required to be dealt with, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to resolve this as an issue but 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 agency responsible for majority of the suggestions, including developing a thorough online gambling harm reduction method.
Even the betting lobby has actually revealed disappointments about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on marketing limitations and limitations.
It has also stated it wished to keep online advertising, including on social networks and streaming services, but it would just be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it does not target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.