The Rann Labor Government would still be able to spend millions of taxpayers’ dollars on political government advertising under its supposed new policy.
“Whilst this small change is supported, it is a cynical move by Mr Rann,” Shadow Minister for Finance Rob Lucas said today.
“After almost eight years and millions of dollars that have already been spent on government advertising, Mr Rann announces this change just seven months before the March 2010 election.
“Prior to the 2002 election, Mr Rann promised major restrictions on government advertising, including a system of independent vetting by the Auditor-General prior to the commercials going to air.
“Under Mr Rann’s new policy he could still spend millions of dollars on advertising, such as his ‘MJN Hospital’, ads where the Government’s line was pushed by individual doctors and nurses instead of Mr Rann.
“It would also allow television ads that congratulate the State Government and South Australia for winning new projects, such as the Air-Warfare Destroyer Project.
“The reason why Mr Rann, after almost eight years, has finally announced a new policy is because the Legislative Council Select Committee will today question his departmental representatives about Mr Rann’s advertising program.
“Put simply, if the Legislative Council had not established this inquiry, we would not have seen today’s change of policy.
“South Australians should not be deceived by this latest example of ‘Rann Spin’, because Mr Rann will continue to spend millions of taxpayers’ dollars spinning his messages to the electorate.”
