Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social networks to lower harm, but still being able to be targeted by betting ads.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have lamented the federal government for not taking action on betting advertising, two years after a landmark report into betting damage.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary buddies of gambling harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge song and dance over kid security when banning them from social media, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social networks in the name of child security, yet he refuses to confront the betting industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told 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 required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a prompt 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 gambling damage reform have actually spurred frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to carry out the essential recommendation of phasing out online gambling advertising.


A visibly inflamed prime minister quickly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gaming marketing was appropriate, using a terse "No" in reply.


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was equally terse on morning radio, implicating the host of being "consumed about the betting advertising" when asked about a lack of action and the link in between betting damage and domestic violence.


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


Alcohol and drugs, issue gambling and online misogyny were very important factors that needed to be resolved, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The department is called as the lead agency accountable for majority of the recommendations, including establishing a thorough online gaming harm reduction strategy.


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


It has likewise said it wanted to keep online advertising, consisting of on social media 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 mechanism.