The Malinauskas Labor Government has today opposed a bill for crucial transparency in the Legislative Council, choosing to protect their reckless spending on Government advertising rather than deliver accountability for South Australian taxpayers.

The bill, which passed successfully in the Upper House, and support by the Liberal Opposition, was introduced by the Hon. Robert Simms MLC.

It will place stricter controls on how taxpayer money is spent on government advertising in the lead-up to elections. It aims to ensure public funds are used for genuine public interest and not political self-promotion. Yet, Labor has opposed it, exposing their hypocrisy on accountability.

“This bad Government is spending taxpayer money to convince South Australians they are a good Government,” said Shadow Minister for Government Accountability, Hon. Ben Hood MLC. 

“They had the chance to support real transparency and instead chose to protect their own interests.

This is the same Labor Party that, while in Opposition, labelled Government advertising reforms as “most important and urgent.” In 2021, the now Treasurer Stephen Mullighan pushed for similar legislation, claiming it was necessary to prevent political abuse of taxpayer money. Now, after more than two years in Government, Peter Malinaukas and Stephen Mullighan are turning their back on accountability.

Labor’s hypocrisy is staggering. The Malinauskas Government spent a record $47.6 million on advertising in 2022-23 alone, a $6 million increase on the previous year. Despite opposing a bill that would curb this excessive spending, they continue to funnel millions into self-promoting campaigns.

Examples include:

• $2.4 million to promote Technical Colleges, funded in part by Gonski education money, an “unusual” decision according to the Education Department’s Chief Executive.
• $7.5 million over three years to advertise the Adelaide 500.
• $1.6 million to promote their experimental hydrogen plant.
• $1.15 million on the so-called Housing Roadmap, which has delivered little in terms of new homes.

In an especially galling move, Labor also spent $750,000 promoting just one State Budget, using public money to congratulate themselves while South Australians face rising costs of living.

“Labor’s refusal to support this bill is an insult to every South Australian taxpayer. They’d rather spend millions on glossy ads than be transparent about how that money is used,” Mr Hood said.

“Stephen Mullighan and his Labor colleagues once railed against Government advertising spending when they were in opposition – now they’re doing exactly what they criticised, only worse.

“Labor promised transparency, but all they’ve delivered is a taxpayer-funded PR campaign. South Australians deserve better than another Labor broken promise.”