[Greens-Media] Rees advertising axe must fall on spin

[John Kaye]

Rees advertising axe must fall on spin

Media Release: 26 October 2008

Loopholes in the revamped NSW Government Advertising Guidelines still permit the promotion of party policies and covering up bad decisions. 

Commerce Minister Carmel Tebbutt should ensure that the 25 percent cut to the State's advertising budget falls on spin, not health and public safety messages, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Commenting on a story in today's Sun Herald (‘Axe the ads: Rees cuts back on spin'), Dr Kaye said: "Former Premier Iemma spent millions of dollars of public funds on ads that pushed the electricity sell-off.

"His then Water Utilities Minister Nathan Rees used taxpayers' money to tout the supposed benefits of the Sydney desalination plant.

"Both of these exercises in promoting unpopular policies would still be allowed under the new Advertising Guidelines, published in August.

"Both of them squander taxpayers' money.

"If Premier Rees is serious about cutting the spin, he will instruct his Commerce Minister Carmel Tebbutt to fix the Guidelines to stop the use of public funds to cover up bad government policies.

"He would also introduce an independent review of all commercials to ensure they are not just spin or promotion of the government itself. 

"It does not work to have the government as its own gatekeeper.

"In 2006/07, the Iemma government poured $112 million into advertising. 

"While some of this money was well spent, too much ended up pushing policies and touting for the government.

"Promoting public health and safety and job and tender advertisements are worthwhile public expenditure. Spinning for failed polices is not. 

"The revised Guidelines were a small step forwards but they leave open too many loopholes.

"It is time for Premier Iemma to put his ‘no more spin' promise into action," Dr Kaye said. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455