Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the perceived hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social networks to decrease harm, but still being able to be targeted by gambling advertisements.
Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have lamented the federal government for not acting on betting advertising, two years after a landmark report into gambling damage.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary friends of betting harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge song and dance over kid safety when banning them from social networks, however refraining from doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.
"The prime minister desires to ban teens from social media in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to face the betting industry 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 requiring action on the concern and has actually required a conscience vote on reforms to guarantee they pass in a timely manner.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform plan to be unveiled before March.
The allegations of a go-slow on betting harm reform have actually stimulated disappointments from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to implement the crucial recommendation of phasing out online gambling marketing.
A visibly irritated prime minister quickly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gaming advertising was appropriate, a terse "No" in reply.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on early morning radio, accusing the host of being "consumed about the gaming advertising" when inquired about an absence of action and the link between gambling harm and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was inquired about aggravations relating to the government stopping working to reply to 31 suggestions from a landmark betting damage questions 2 years later on.
Alcohol and drugs, problem gambling and online misogyny were all crucial aspects that required to be addressed, she informed ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to resolve this as an issue however it's not the only problem when it pertains to family, domestic and sexual violence," she said.
The social services department is named as the lead firm accountable for more than half of the suggestions, including developing a comprehensive online betting harm reduction method.
Even the gambling lobby has expressed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on marketing limitations and limitations.
It has also stated it wanted to keep online marketing, including 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 mechanism.