Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teenagers being banned from social media to lower harm, however still having the ability to be targeted by betting ads.


Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gaming lobby have actually regreted the federal government for not acting on gambling advertising, two years after a landmark report into gambling harm.


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary pals of betting harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big tune and dance over child safety when banning them from social media, but not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.


"The prime minister wants to ban teens from social media in the name of child security, yet he refuses to challenge the betting 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 standard."


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is demanding action on the problem 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 dealing with a reform plan to be revealed before March.


The allegations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have stimulated aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to implement the key suggestion of phasing out online gaming advertising.


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


Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on morning radio, implicating the host of being "consumed about the betting marketing" when asked about an absence of action and the link between gambling damage and domestic violence.


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


Alcohol and drugs, issue gambling and online misogyny were very important aspects that needed to be addressed, she radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is called as the lead firm responsible for over half of the recommendations, including establishing a thorough online gambling harm decrease method.


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


It has likewise said it desired to keep online marketing, consisting of 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.