Andrews government spends record amount on advertising

The Andrews government spent an eye-watering amount advertising in the last financial year, with the opposition accusing it of being “addicted to spin”.

The state opposition has accused Labor of using the advertising budget for political gain. Picture: Ian Currie

The Andrews government has spent a record $150m on advertising in the last year.

Fuelled by Covid lockdown campaigns and subsequent revival campaigns, government spending in advertising has soared by up to 50 per cent since 2018-19.

The Victorian government’s advertising report for the last financial year revealed about $45m was directed to broad Covid spending and the state opposition has accused Labor of using the advertising budget for political gain.

The Department of Health claimed $55m of the advertising blowout, mostly for the pandemic expenses but also for other health and safety campaigns like surviving summer heat.

The government has defended the record spend – which excluded the lead up to the 2022 state election – as necessary to help run the state.

“Government advertising helps find the right people to work in our kinders, hospitals, schools and infrastructure projects – boosting our economy, getting Victorians into great, well-paid jobs, and delivering health messages to keep the state safe,” a spokeswoman said.

She said the advertising had helped drive the state’s post-pandemic recovery and assisted in the process of returning the economy to 97 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Deputy opposition leader David Southwick said the Andrews government is “addicted to spin and can’t manage money”.

“Government advertising needs to deliver value for money for Victorian taxpayers,” Mr Southwick said.

“This leads to more budget blowouts in areas such as advertising, a lot of which is really self promotion.”

It comes amid a looming debt nightmare, with the government hinting they will slam the brakes on spending in next month’s state budget.

Debt is forecast to hit $165bn in the budget out year and the cash-starved WorkCover scheme is on target to lose billions over the next decade without draconian reforms.