Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have actually lamented 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 friends of betting harm minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over kid safety when banning them from social networks, but refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting advertisements on other platforms.


"The prime minister wishes to ban teens from social networks in the name of child safety, yet he declines to face the betting industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed AAP.


"Australians should ask why the prime minister has this double requirement."


The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is action on the problem and has required a conscience vote on reforms to ensure they pass in a prompt way.


There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform plan to be unveiled before March.


The accusations of a go-slow on gambling damage reform have actually spurred frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to execute the crucial suggestion of phasing out online gambling marketing.


A visibly irritated prime minister quickly closed down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if unrelenting betting advertising was acceptable, using a terse "No" in reply.


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


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was asked about frustrations concerning the government stopping working to reply to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling harm questions two years later.


Alcohol and drugs, problem gambling and online misogyny were all important aspects that needed to be addressed, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


The social services department is named as the lead agency responsible for over half of the recommendations, including establishing an extensive online gambling harm decrease method.


Even the gambling lobby has actually revealed aggravations about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on advertising limitations and restrictions.


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