2025-12-04
Today, the ACT Greens will introduce a Bill to put an end to Labor’s use of public money for political self-promotion.
"Canberrans don't want their taxes going towards partisan political advertising," said Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for democracy and integrity.
"Labor have found a way to use taxpayer funded community notices like the Our Canberra newsletter to advertise themselves politically.
"Canberrans want practical updates from community notices, like progress on the Commonwealth Bridge repairs or changes to local bus routes. Mr Barr's self-advertisement distracts from that.
"This amendment to the Campaign Advertising Act closes the loopholes that allow governments of any persuasion to use public resources to raise their profile for political gain. My Bill widens the definition of ‘party political purpose,’ clarifies how government programs can be advertised, and introduces stricter rules during federal election periods."
"Over the last fifteen years since this law came into effect, Labor has found a way to get around the system, raise their profile, and advertise their policies, under the veil of distributing important community news.
"For example, during the 2025 federal election, Andrew Barr used his column space in the Our Canberra newsletter to boast about a federal Labor housing initiative.
"Andrew Barr is welcome to promote his brand through Labor-funded channels, but government publications aren't the place for that.
"Canberrans deserve community communications that are free from political overtures and profile building.
"The ACT Greens want our public-service city to be a national example of government spending that genuinely serves the community, apolitically and transparently."