Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being banned from social media to minimize damage, but still having the ability to be targeted by gambling advertisements.
Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gaming lobby have actually lamented the federal government for not acting on betting advertising, two years after a landmark report into betting damage.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary buddies of betting damage minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over child security when banning them from social networks, but not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting advertisements on other platforms.
"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social media in the name of kid safety, yet he refuses to challenge the gambling market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.
"Australians should ask why the prime minister has this double standard."
The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor backbencher Mike Freelander, who is on the issue and has required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a prompt manner.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform plan to be revealed before March.
The accusations of a go-slow on gambling damage reform have stimulated aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to implement the essential recommendation of phasing out online betting marketing.
A noticeably irritated prime minister rapidly shut down a concern from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gaming marketing was appropriate, offering 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 gambling advertising" when inquired about a lack of action and the link between betting damage and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about aggravations concerning the government stopping working to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling harm inquiry two years later.
Alcohol and drugs, issue gambling and online misogyny were very important elements that required to be dealt with, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to resolve this as an issue but it's not the only problem when it pertains to household, domestic and sexual violence," she stated.
The social services department is called as the lead company responsible for over half of the recommendations, including establishing a detailed online betting damage reduction method.
Even the gambling lobby has expressed aggravations about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on advertising limits and restrictions.
It has also stated it desired to keep online advertising, including on social networks and streaming services, but it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it doesn't target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.