Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Combet went on to say in his press release, which no doubt Senator Birmingham, being an assiduous senator, has read, that:

… a final decision on proceeding with advertising would depend on the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee discussions and on an advertising campaign meeting the requirements of the Govern­ment’s Guidelines on Campaign Advertising.

Obviously Mr Combet has outlined the position in relation to a final decision which I think goes to your policy point, Senator. I would make the point, Senator Birmingham, in relation to the $12 million campaign, that it compares reasonably well with the $118.7 million spent by the Howard government advertising the GST, the $121 million spent advertising Work Choices and the $254 million spent on all campaign advertising during its last year in office, 2007. And, of course, how could we forget the mouse pads? So Senator—through you, Mr President—the government have been transparent and upfront about our intentions and the reasons for that, and we will go through a proper process to ensure that any such campaign meets the requirements of the government's guidelines on campaign advertising. (Time expired)