Gambling Ad 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teenagers being prohibited from social media to harm, but still having the ability to be targeted by gambling advertisements.
Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, union and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have actually lamented the federal government for not acting on betting advertising, 2 years after a landmark report into gambling damage.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary pals of betting harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over kid security when banning them from social media, however not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with betting ads on other platforms.
"The prime minister wishes to ban teens from social media in the name of kid safety, yet he declines to confront the gaming 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 requirement."
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 prompt way.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform bundle to be unveiled before March.
The accusations of a go-slow on betting damage reform have spurred aggravations from Labor as the spotlight is once again shone on its failure to execute the crucial recommendation of phasing out online betting marketing.
A noticeably inflamed prime minister rapidly closed down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if ruthless gaming advertising was appropriate, providing a terse "No" in reply.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was similarly terse on early morning radio, implicating the host of being "obsessed about the betting marketing" when asked about a lack of action and the link between gambling damage and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more funding for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about disappointments relating to the government stopping working to reply to 31 suggestions from a landmark gaming damage inquiry two years later.
Alcohol and drugs, problem gaming and online misogyny were very important elements that needed to be addressed, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to resolve this as an issue but it's not the only concern when it concerns family, domestic and sexual violence," she said.
The social services department is called as the lead agency responsible for more than half of the recommendations, consisting of developing a comprehensive online betting damage reduction method.
Even the gaming lobby has actually expressed frustrations about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on advertising limits and constraints.
It has likewise said it desired to keep online advertising, 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.