Community advocates, Labor backbenchers, coalition and crossbench MPs and even the gambling lobby have lamented the federal government for not taking action on gambling advertising, two years after a landmark report into gambling harm.
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy, who is co-chairing the parliamentary friends of gambling harm minimisation group, accused Labor of hypocrisy for making such a big song and dance over child 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 wants to ban teenagers from social media in the name of child safety, yet he refuses to confront the gambling 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 demanding action on the issue and has called for a conscience vote on reforms to ensure they pass in a timely manner.
There are rumours Communications Minister Anika Wells is working on a reform package to be unveiled before March.
The accusations of a go-slow on gambling harm reform have spurred frustrations from Labor as the spotlight is again shone on its failure to implement the key recommendation of phasing out online gambling advertising.
A visibly irritated prime minister quickly shut down a question from independent MP Zali Steggall when asked if relentless gambling advertising was acceptable, offering a terse "No" in reply.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was equally terse on morning radio, accusing the host of being "obsessed about the gambling advertising" when asked about a lack of action and the link between gambling harm and domestic violence.
Ms Plibersek on Tuesday announced more funding for a domestic violence hotline but was asked about frustrations regarding the government failing to reply to 31 recommendations from a landmark gambling harm inquiry two years later.
Alcohol and drugs, problem gambling and online misogyny were all important factors that needed to be addressed, she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"Will continue to work to address this as a problem but it's not the only issue when it comes to family, domestic and sexual violence," she said.
The social services department is named as the lead agency responsible for more than half of the recommendations, including developing a comprehensive online gambling harm reduction strategy.
Even the gambling lobby has expressed frustrations about the lack of certainty over reforms, floating their own compromises on advertising limits and restrictions.
It has also said it wanted to keep online advertising, including on social media 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 mechanism.
National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
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