Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety

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


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


Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary good friends of gambling harm minimisation group, of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over child 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 wishes to ban teens from social networks in the name of child security, yet he declines to face the betting industry that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.


"Australians need to ask why the prime minister has this double standard."


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


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


A visibly irritated prime minister quickly shut down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gambling advertising was appropriate, using 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 betting marketing" when asked about an absence of action and the link between gambling harm and domestic violence.


Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline but was inquired about aggravations regarding the government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling damage questions two years later on.


Alcohol and drugs, issue gambling and online misogyny were all essential aspects that required to be addressed, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.


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


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


Even the betting lobby has actually revealed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on advertising limits and limitations.


It has also said it wished to keep online advertising, consisting of on social media and streaming services, but it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it does not target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.