Gambling Advertisement 'double Standard' As PM Touts Child Safety
Anger is bubbling at the viewed hypocrisy of teens being prohibited from social networks to reduce harm, however still being able to be targeted by betting advertisements.
Community supporters, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the betting lobby have regreted the federal government for not acting on gambling marketing, 2 years after a landmark report into gambling damage.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary buddies of gambling harm minimisation group, implicated Labor of hypocrisy for making such a huge tune and dance over kid safety when banning them from social media, but not doing anything to stop them being bombarded with gambling ads on other platforms.
"The prime minister desires to prohibit teenagers from social networks in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to face the betting market that is actively targeting young Australians online or on TV," Mr Kennedy informed 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 demanding action on the issue and has 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 package to be revealed before March.
The allegations of a go-slow on gambling 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 advertising.
A visibly irritated prime minister rapidly closed down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if unrelenting gaming marketing was acceptable, offering a terse "No" in reply.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was equally terse on early morning radio, implicating the host of being "obsessed about the gambling advertising" when asked about an absence of action and the link in between gaming harm and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday revealed more funding for a domestic violence hotline however was inquired about disappointments relating to the federal government failing to respond to 31 suggestions from a landmark gambling harm query two years later.
Alcohol and drugs, problem gaming and online misogyny were very important aspects that required to be dealt with, she radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to address this as an issue but it's not the only issue when it comes to household, domestic and sexual violence," she said.
The social services department is named as the lead agency accountable for over half of the suggestions, consisting of establishing a thorough online gambling damage reduction method.
Even the gambling lobby has actually expressed disappointments about the absence of certainty over reforms, drifting their own compromises on marketing limits and constraints.
It has likewise said it desired to keep online advertising, consisting of 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.