As a consequence of this, the Federal Opposition's call for the Liberal Party to pay for the cost of the advertisements, rather than the taxpayer, lacks credibility. Every government, at the State and Federal level, uses advertising campaigns to push its political interests. Every government, as well, resists demands to put more truth and facts in its advertising campaigns. This report, however, has been languishing in a parliamentary committee since it was tabled. The Opposition Leader, Mr Beazley, and the Democrats have proposed bills which would adopt the Auditor-General's draft guidelines on tightening the laws.
Oppositions are always in favour of depoliticising government advertisements.
When the Opposition becomes the government, however, the necessity of this reform somehow fades into the background. Senator Ellison in Opposition would certainly reject this argument. The proper response from the Howard Government is to do in office what the Liberals will demand in Opposition and legislate for stricter regulations. Privacy Policy Copyright 2000.