Media Release

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Newman Government’s appalling waste of money on taxpayer-funded political advertising must end immediately, as it was in breach of the LNP’s own rules.
“People are saying to me their TVs and newspapers are being flooded with Campbell Newman’s advertising, all at taxpayers’ expense,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We’ve seen advertising for asset sales, the so-called Queensland Plan, and nurses pay systems, among other campaigns."
“The Strong Choices asset sales campaign alone is worth $20 million of taxpayers’ money."
“The Premier’s own Advertising Code of Conduct from September 2013 says there must be no advertising six months out from the scheduled date of an election.
“Given the LNP’s three-year term is scheduled to expire on March 24, that means we’re inside the six-month window, and therefore no more ads should be run."
“I’d expect the Premier to have the courage to abide by his own Code of Conduct and immediately cease any plans for taxpayer-funded political advertising."
“No doubt some important public awareness advertising must continue, such as health services and public safety campaigns."
“But by his own rules, the Premier shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money in a bid to save his own political hide."
“If this Premier can’t follow his own rules, he’s obviously not going to do what’s in Queenslanders’ best interests.”

MEDIA NOTE
The Premier’s Advertising Code of Conduct can be found at:

www.premiers.qld.gov.au/publications/categories/policies-and-codes/advertising-code-of-conduct.aspx

It includes this point:

7. There should be no advertising within six months of the scheduled date for an election unless there is an urgent emerging issue.