Daniel Andrews has spent more than $1m on Facebook advertisements since 2015

The Premier has splashed more than $1m on Facebook advertising — and he’s blamed Covid for the huge social media splurge.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has billed taxpayers $1,032,481 since 2015. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Daniel Andrews has splashed more than $1m on Facebook advertising since becoming premier.

New data, released under Freedom of Information, shows the Premier has billed taxpayers $1,032,481 since 2015.

In that time he has amassed more than a million followers on the site, more than Anthony Albanese, or any other premier.

The new data shows $139,899 was spent between July 2021 and March 2022, a significant increase on the $112,094 spent the year before.

The government has sought to blame the spending on the Covid crisis.

Daniel Andrews has amassed more than one million followers on his Facebook page.

Talking points prepared for the Premier say “Facebook has been an important way of promoting crucial public health messages during the Covid-19 pandemic, informing vulnerable communities about the government support available to them and initiatives to support Victoria’s economic recovery”.

Despite the claim, the Premier spent less on Facebook advertising between 2020-21 than any other year since being elected in 2014.

Louise Staley has accused the Premier’s spin machine of gouging taxpayers. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Shadow Minister for Government Scrutiny Louise Staley said taxpayers had been gouged by the Premier’s media spin machine.

“The extraordinary amount of taxpayer money Daniel Andrews puts into his social media just demonstrates the arrogance and entitlement of this government,” she said.

“This money should be in the pockets of taxpayers – not being pumped into Daniel Andrews’ spin machine.

“Victorians don’t need more spin on socials but real solutions to fix the health crisis, cut cost of living and return integrity, transparency and honesty to government.”

A government spokesperson defended the big spend.

“Social media, including Facebook, is a modern and cost effective way to communicate with Victorians, including those who can’t afford paid media content,” she said.

“During the pandemic, social media has been critical in communicating public health measures, including vaccines, free rapid tests and the support available to Victorians.

“Information on how to sign up to the five days of Sick Pay Guarantee, how to access the Power Saver Bonus for every household and encouraging people to train to become a nurse have featured in other content.

“Many of these posts have been translated into dozens of languages to ensure everyone in the Victorian community has access to the information they need.”