Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teenagers being banned from social networks to reduce damage, but still having the ability to be targeted by gambling advertisements.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the betting 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 good friends of gambling damage minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over kid security when prohibiting 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 prohibit teenagers from social networks in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to confront the gaming industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed AAP.


"Australians must 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 problem 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 working on a reform package to be unveiled before March.


The allegations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have spurred 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 noticeably inflamed prime minister rapidly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gambling marketing was appropriate, using a terse "No" in reply.


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


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was asked about disappointments regarding the government failing to reply to 31 recommendations from a landmark betting harm inquiry 2 years later on.


Alcohol and drugs, problem and online misogyny were all essential aspects that required to be dealt with, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


"Will continue to work to address this as a problem 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 agency accountable for majority of the suggestions, including establishing a comprehensive online gaming harm decrease method.


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


It has also said it wanted to keep online advertising, including on social media and streaming services, however it would just be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it does not target kids, and there would be an opt-out mechanism.