The Tasmanian opposition has taken aim at Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s media office, accusing the government of prioritising “spin” over substance.
Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie says the Premier’s media office has grown from 5 advisors in 2016 to 16 today, with its budget increasing from $1 million to $2 million.
“I think the question is whether Tasmania is getting value for money for the Premier having more than a cricket team of spinners,” Willie said.
“We [Labor] have two and a half media advisors and I will note that the Prime Minister has less media advisors than the Premier. And they’re responding to media across the country.”
“There’s no justification in the massive growth in spin doctors in the Rockliff government,” Willie stated.
Willie questioned whether the Premier would implement a hiring freeze on his own office, similar to the one across the public service.
Tasmanian Government MP Jacqui Petrusma said delivering real-time information ‘takes resources’.
“The MPS is subject to the same hiring freeze as any other department, in fact the aim is to reduce by 10%,” she said.
“They are comparing apples and oranges because the government’s media office actually supports the Premier and 10 ministers,” she said.
“Unlike the Prime Minister whose media office only supports him, every one of his ministers actually had their own media support team as well.”
