Government Advertising

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Leader of the Government in this place on the topic of government advertising.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: This week, it was reported in the media that the state government will rationalise advertising resources within the new government Advertising and Insights Hub to be set up in early 2025. I understand the hub will coordinate advertising for more than 30 state government agencies.

InDaily has reported that the consolidation effort comes after the state government's advertising spending reached record levels, swelling to a record $47.6 million—an eye-watering $47.6 million—in the Malinauskas government's first full financial year in office, and $39.7 million in 2023-24. This has included controversial spending like a $1.9 million ad for SA Health's 'Building a bigger health system' campaign and $1.6 million for the state prosperity budget campaign, not to mention money being spent on promoting their housing blueprint.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has told the ABC that the restructure would be 'moving things in the opposite direction of having too many spin doctors'. That is the Premier's words. He has also told parliament this week that the government is now, and I quote:

…leading a bit of [a] change within the public sector in the way that government advertising occurs across agencies.

My question to the Leader of the Government is: in light of the Premier's about face, will the government now commit to finally supporting my private member's bill in the other place to ensure that there are clearer regulations for government advertising and to give the Auditor-General new powers to investigate breaches and report to the parliament, and if they won't support it and make it law, why not?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:47): I thank the honourable member for his question, and I thank him for regularly pursuing things that he has a passion about in this chamber, bringing forward ideas, motions and legislation. Of course the government will, as it always does, thoroughly consider any proposals that are brought forward like legislation and make a determination about whether to support it or not.