The ACT Greens have introduced a Bill to prevent governments from using taxpayer-funded publications for political self-promotion, accusing Labor of exploiting community newsletters to boost its public profile.
Andrew Braddock MLA, Greens democracy and integrity spokesperson, said Canberrans expect neutral community information — not partisan messaging — from government-funded channels such as the Our Canberra newsletter, which features a ‘Message from the Chief Minister’ Andrew Barr on the front page.
“Labor have found a way to use taxpayer funded community notices to advertise themselves politically,” Mr Braddock said. “Canberrans want practical updates from community notices, like progress on the Commonwealth Bridge repairs or changes to local bus routes. Mr Barr’s self-advertisement distracts from that.”
Mr Braddock said his Bill strengthens the Campaign Advertising Act by widening the definition of “party political purpose”; tightening the rules around government program advertising; and introducing stricter requirements during federal election periods.
“Over the last fifteen years since this law came into effect, Labor has found a way to get around the system, raise their profile, and advertise their policies, under the veil of distributing important community news,” Mr Braddock said.
For instance, during last year’s election, Mr Barr used his column space in the Our Canberra newsletter during last year’s election to boast about a federal Labor housing initiative, Mr Braddock said.
Mr Barr’s message said: “In partnership with the Commonwealth, the ACT Government is increasing the amount of affordable housing available for Canberrans who need it most. This includes seven local housing projects, which will contribute 750 new affordable homes. Read more online. Canberrans will also see work continuing on a number of local infrastructure projects to support the needs of our growing city.”
“Andrew Barr is welcome to promote his brand through Labor-funded channels, but government publications aren’t the place for that,” Mr Braddock said. “Canberrans deserve community communications that are free from political overtures and profile building.”
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick said she had complaints from constituents about the partisan tone of some government publications, and would review the bill closely.
“It is essential that government advertising and promotional activities are not used for party political purposes,” Ms Carrick said.
Fellow Independent MLA Thomas Emerson welcomed the bill, saying the Greens were right to question whether Our Canberra was being used appropriately.
Canberra Liberals leader Mark Parton MLA said the Bill reflected a motion he first brought to the Assembly in 2022, which was amended into ineffectiveness at the time.
“The Bill is an important step to stop Labor using public funds for self-promotion,” Mr Parton said. “Canberrans deserve genuine community updates, not partisan advertising.”
The bill will be debated at the Assembly’s next session, in February.
