The data comes following the launch yesterday by key crossbenchers Helen Haines MP, Rebekha Sharkie MP and Zali Steggall MP for a Democracy Reform Agenda for the 47th Parliament, facilitated by the Australia Institute.

Key Findings:

• The Australian Government spent $145.3 million on campaign advertising in the 2020–21 financial year, more than several major corporations including Coles, Woolworths and McDonalds
• New polling reveals three in four Australians (76%) agree that the Auditor-General should review government advertising to make sure it meets genuine information needs
• Research recommends the Auditor-General should play an independent oversight role in approving government advertising
• Woolworths spent $118 million on advertising and McDonalds $83 million

“Australians would be shocked to learn they are footing the bill for a government advertising budget which dwarfs that of companies like Coles, Woolworths and McDonalds,” said Bill Browne, Senior Researcher for the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program.

“It’s no wonder voters are cynical about Government advertising when they are spending more than these major multinationals.

“Our research reveals the overwhelming majority of Australians (76%) agree that the Auditor-General should review government advertising to make sure it meets genuine information needs.

“The current rules have failed to prevent dubious and controversial advertising campaigns from being funded, at a cost of millions of dollars of public money.

“There is clearly a need for greater independent oversight.

“Reform is needed and should focus on finding a role for the Auditor-General in regulating proposed campaigns, not just auditing their administration after the fact.

The research ‘Bad Impressions: Scrutiny of government advertising’ is an extension of the crossbench launch yesterday of the Democracy Reform Agenda for the 47th Parliament