Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teens being banned from social media to lower damage, however still having the ability to be targeted by gambling ads.
Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have regreted 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 friends of betting damage minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over kid safety when prohibiting them from social media, however not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling advertisements on other platforms.
"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social networks in the name of kid security, yet he declines to face the gaming market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy told AAP.
"Australians must ask why the prime minister has this double standard."
The group is co-chaired by outspoken Labor Mike Freelander, who is demanding action on the concern and has called for a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a timely way.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is dealing with a reform bundle to be unveiled before March.
The accusations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have actually spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to execute the key suggestion of phasing out online betting marketing.
A visibly irritated prime minister rapidly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if unrelenting gambling marketing was appropriate, 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 a lack of action and the link between betting damage and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more financing for a domestic violence hotline but was inquired about frustrations relating to the government failing to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting harm questions 2 years later on.
Alcohol and drugs, problem betting and online misogyny were all important aspects that needed to be addressed, 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 comes to household, domestic and sexual violence," she said.
The social services department is named as the lead agency responsible for majority of the recommendations, including developing a thorough online gambling damage reduction technique.
Even the betting lobby has expressed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on advertising limits and constraints.
It has likewise stated it desired to keep online advertising, including on social networks and streaming services, however it would only be to logged-in, age-verified accounts so it doesn't target kids, and there would be an opt-out system.