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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-02-04 Daily Xml
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GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING

Mr GOLDSWORTHY (Kavel) (15:16): My question is to the Premier. Will he cut back the government's program of taxpayer-funded advertising, media and promotions involving appearances on television by the Premier as a result of the government's declining revenues and expenditure blow-outs?

The government has recently commenced a new round of government-funded advertising featuring the Premier. In the six weeks since the Mid-Year Budget Review, revenues are estimated to decline by at least $166 million, funding commitments to superannuation liabilities are increasing, wage disputes remain unresolved and shared services reforms have been delayed. The Auditor-General also expressed concern in his annual report that expenditure increases have been rescued by windfall revenues.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (15:17): I am very happy to answer that question. However, first of all, I want to correct something that was said before in the house. Parkside Primary School has not received approval for the state government to receive funding for a hall, as has been stated by members opposite. The Premier's office did not contact the school and ask it to do the things they said. So, obviously, it is a bit like that premature declaration: 'Whatever feels right for the moment, let's say it, even if it means a potential privileges inquiry.'

The fact is that I was criticised for putting an advertisement in The Advertiser thanking South Australians for what they were doing, in terms of raising funds for cancer, and thanking the volunteers at the Tour Down Under. It is completely consistent with what previous governments have done. I did not see you line up and complain about the $400 million, or whatever it was, the Howard government used to sell its package on WorkChoices. I did not hear a peep out of any of you. So, the answer is: we will continue to use public service advertisements where appropriate from the head of government.

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