Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have actually lamented the federal government for not acting on betting advertising, 2 years after a landmark report into betting damage.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary pals of betting damage minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big tune and dance over child security when prohibiting them from social networks, but refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister wishes to ban teenagers from social media in the name of kid security, yet he refuses to challenge the gaming market 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 requirement."


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is requiring action on the problem and has called for 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 plan to be unveiled before March.


The accusations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to execute the key recommendation of phasing out online gaming marketing.


A noticeably inflamed prime minister quickly shut down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if unrelenting gaming marketing was acceptable, offering a terse "No" in reply.


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


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was inquired about disappointments relating to the federal government failing to respond to 31 recommendations from a landmark betting harm questions two years later.


Alcohol and drugs, issue gaming and online misogyny were all essential factors that needed to be dealt with, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is called as the lead firm responsible for more than half of the suggestions, consisting of a comprehensive online gambling harm reduction strategy.


Even the gaming lobby has actually expressed aggravations about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on advertising limits and limitations.


It has likewise stated it wished to keep online advertising, including on social networks 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 system.