Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social networks to reduce harm, but still having the ability to be targeted by betting ads.


Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have actually lamented 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 pals of betting harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge song and dance over kid security when prohibiting them from social media, but refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling advertisements on other platforms.


"The prime minister wishes to prohibit teens from social media in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to face the gaming industry 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 issue and has actually required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a prompt way.


There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is dealing with a reform bundle to be revealed before March.


The allegations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to carry out the essential recommendation of phasing out online betting advertising.


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


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


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


Alcohol and drugs, issue betting and online misogyny were very important elements that needed to be attended to, 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 pertains to household, domestic and sexual violence," she said.


The department is named as the lead firm accountable for majority of the suggestions, consisting of establishing an extensive online betting damage decrease method.


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


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