Liberal Leader Zed Seselja is trumpeting his new bill in the Legislative Assembly which will reduce the Goverment’s ability to spend our money in the local media congratulating itself.
According to Zed, Mr. Stanhope is not amused:
- “We believe that the community has a right to be informed about its responsibilities and rights, and that governments can legitimately use paid advertising to get this message across,” said Zed.
“However, we do not believe that government should use tax payer funds to pat themselves on the back or influence elections. Today we introduced a bill that would enshrine this principle in law
“And the reaction of the Chief Minister? Fear and smear.
“Jon Stanhope has claimed in the Chamber through interjection that this bill equates to jeopardising public safety advertisements.
“The bill clearly and specifically uses community health and safety as examples of legitimate government spending. (s 13(3)(a)).
“What it does jeopardise is Mr Stanhope’s ability to use taxpayer money to promote his government. It’s a position I am proud to take to the Assembly.
I can’t imagine WIN, the Canberra Times, or commercial radio will be very happy with this move either. It’s worth a lot of money to them. The Greens are having a think about it.