The Liberals are spending $350,000 of taxpayers’ cash every single day on blatantly political election-eve ads about a health reform Labor introduced more than 70 years ago.
The Morrison Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme advertising campaign – “We’re all the better for it” – is costing taxpayers $5.6 million for its 16-day run.
The campaign is due to end this Saturday – one day before the Prime Minister is likely to call the election.
The Department of Health confirmed in Senate estimates today that the timing of the campaign was set by Health Minister Greg Hunt.
This Government has shamelessly politicised the PBS during its time in power and this is yet another example.
The ads make it appear as if the Government is doing something new or significant about the cost of medicines when in fact it is simply administering a program set up by the Chifley Labor Government in 1948.
Departmental officials admitted the campaign is not aimed at explaining any new developments but simply “raising awareness of the role of the PBS”.
Officials also confirmed to the Senate committee that health advertising has ramped up significantly over the last two months.
Scott Morrison should stop burning through taxpayers’ money and call the election. Let the Australian people decide which party has the better health policies.
WEDNESDAY, 10 APRIL 2019