The Albanese government has spent tens of millions of dollars on advertising campaigns promoting its own policies ahead of the federal election.
After it was revealed the government set record level spending on ad campaigns, excluding the COVID period, new data has shown Labor spent tens of millions on ads for its own policies.
Figures revealed during Senate estimates showed the government put about $70 million into advertising Future Made in Australia, Supporting Australians and the Stage Three Tax Cuts.
The federal government spent $35.5 million advertising plans for the net zero transition, $22.4 million advertising tax cuts, and $12.9 million on promoting cost of living relief.
The figures come at a time when Australians have grappled with some of the highest inflation and interest rates in recent memory, which have left many struggling to make ends meet.
In the course of publicising its signature policies, the Albanese government spent more taxpayer money than ever, with the exception of the COVID vaccine campaign.
The government campaign expenditure report for 2023-24 showed a total of $250.6 million was spent on ads.
Shadow minister for government efficiency Jacinta Nampijinpa Price told SkyNews.com.au the advertising cash splash was inappropriate.
“Labor’s advertising bonanzas, including on partisan advertising in marginal seats and special spin units in Treasury, is just another example of wasteful spending,” she said.
Ms Price expressed concern that the government appeared to care more about its “political agenda” than respecting taxpayers’ money.
“It is ironic that the government felt justified in spending millions to advertise their so-called cost of living relief measures,” she said.
“When the government feels the need to advertise their own policy, it goes to show how weak their policy actually is.
“Only a Coalition government will rein in wasteful spending and ensure we effectively fight cost of living pressure to build a stronger economy.”
Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg, who questioned officials during the senate estimates hearing, expressed concern over the scale of government advertising expenditure.
“Labor is spending millions on their hapless economic plans during a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Bragg told SkyNews.com.au.
“After shovelling billions to their mates at the unions and super funds, they are now subjecting the taxpayer to a massive advertising spend.
“Wrong priorities, bad policies and a massive waste.”
The costly campaigns come at a time when the standard of living has not been expected to return to pre-2022 levels until 2030.
The government, however, defended its spending, as Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said “this is all very transparent” at the senate hearing.
Ms Gallagher did not respond to a request for comment.
