Gee, Mike agrees with me
Rann bans politicians from govt advertising August 12, 2009 Subscribe to Latest News
Premier Mike Rann has announced new rules that will see politicians banned from appearing in State Government television and radio advertising.
Mr Rann is also strengthening the body that oversees and approves Government advertising to enforce the tough new rules.
“Governments have an important role in informing citizens about policies, services, programs and initiatives, and that communication must continue for the benefit of all South Australians,” Premier Mike Rann said.
“Such information includes road-safety campaigns to save lives, water-conservation messages, the black balloon ads to help tackle climate change, important health communication, including anti-smoking messages, budget information about how taxpayers’ money is being is spent and also information about festivals and events.”
“This government, like previous Labor and Liberal governments, have featured Premiers and Ministers in television, newspaper and radio advertisements.
“Under these new tighter rules, from today no Premier, Cabinet Minister or M.P. will ‘present’ or ‘voice’ television or radio advertisements.
“These new rules are much tougher even than what’s been recommended by the new D.P.C. Chief Executive Chris Eccles – the top Public Servant in the State.
“Chris Eccles has been considering how Government advertising is managed and has brought a fresh approach to this issue.
“We are adopting his proposal to strengthen the Communications Advisory group, chaired by Greg Mackie, the acting Deputy Chief Executive of D.P.C., and which monitors and approves advertising expenditure.
“It will have extra members, including an internal auditor, to enhance the committee’s capacity to monitor and ensure compliance with the new rules.
“We’re also adopting his proposal to include improved reporting of all campaigns in the D.P.C. annual report.
“And we will invite the Auditor-General to conduct an annual review of all major campaign activity, with any report being tabled in Parliament.
“It’s become clear that politicians appearing in Government advertising has become controversial, and I think it’s important that we avoid that issue detracting from the important information being passed on to South Australians.
“We have pledged to communicate with South Australians, but we’re also making sure there are tougher checks and balances in place.”
So the election's in the bag and he can now start to appear squeaky clean......or....is he very concerned about the increasing push for an ICAC?
Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 3:40 pm
Caught with the fingers in the biscuit tin........