Parties condemned over use of taxpayer resources for campaigning

Using public funds for campaigning is a black and white breach of political ethics, a leading expert says. Find out why he labelled it a “no-go area” >>

THE use of taxpayer-funded parliamentary resources to promote party political candidates was unacceptable, a leading political expert says.

University of Tasmania Associate Professor Rick Snell said there were no shades of grey about using public funds for campaigning.

On June 13, the Premier used the resources of the government media unit to issue a nine-paragaph media release entitled “Clear choice for Rosevears”.

University of Tasmania senior law lecturer Rick Snell.

The document, issued under a Tasmanian Government logo by a Premier’s Department staffer, endorsed Liberal Party candidate Jo Palmer and included quotes from the candidate.

Labor parliamentary staff have recently issued two press releases sent in support of candidate Bastian Seidel.

“It’s unethical,” Prof Snell said.

“I don’t think you can justify it. It is in many ways a breach of our parliamentary system. The use of taxpayers’ funds to effectively fund election campaigning or supporting candidate is a no-go area.

“There used to be a time in Australian politics when parties would bend over backwards not to be seen to be going anywhere near this area. The lines keep on blurring.”

MORE NEWS:

• Strapped student living on rice diet
• Brewers call for a cap on beer tax
• Cops plea for witnesses to hung wallaby

The media releases appear to breach the principles outlined in the Handbook for Elected Members, which states: “Members may only use publicly funded resources in connection with official duties, and not for personal benefit or for party political activity.”

They also appear to contravene the Tasmanian Government Communications Policy, which states: “Communications activities should not have political purpose.”

Legislative Council independent Meg Webb said the practice was unfair on others standing for election — particularly independents running against party candidates.

“This is political ethics and accountability 101,” she said. “When it comes to using public funds you need to ask yourself, who does this benefit?”

A press release in favour of Dr Seidel issued on Thursday came instead from party state secretary Stuart Benson.