Shadow Minister Media Releases
NSW Labor Government Votes Against Truth In Advertising ( 27/06/2008)
The private members bill, introduced in NSW Parliament last year by Nationals State MP, Don Page, went to a vote last night in Parliament House. The legislation would have made it an offence to engage in political advertising, which is inaccurate and misleading to a material extent. (See attached)
The Iemma Government rejected the legislation 46 votes to 36 votes from the Coalition and Independents.
“It seems the Iemma Government does not believe that truth in advertising is something to be concerned about,” Mr Page said.
“Labor obviously wants to continue the right to lie,” he told Parliament.
“The people of NSW want this legislation. That was clearly demonstrated in a Daily Telegraph poll in March that resulted in 98% of respondents saying they believed that misleading political advertising should be banned,” he said.
“The Iemma Government is showing how out of touch with the people they are, in voting down this legislation.”
The legislation would have subjected political advertising to the same standard of probity and honesty as commercial advertising under State and Commonwealth law.
“Political advertising should be subject to the same rules and restrictions that apply to corporate advertising,” Mr Page said.
“People in a democracy are entitled to expect honesty and accuracy in political advertising as a basis for making decisions about how they vote.
“The Labor Government claimed that the legislation was unworkable. This argument does not hold water because identical legislation has been operating in South Australia for 23 years.
“The Iemma Government further argued that it would restrict political communication. This is also incorrect unless the communication is inaccurate or misleading to a material extent.
“I am disappointed that, in the current climate, the Iemma Government did not wish to support this legislation, which would have increased the integrity and honesty of all political advertising in NSW,” Mr Page said.
