$10M BLOWN ON HOWARD POLITICAL ADS SHOULD GO TO V8 SUPERCARS INSTEAD

Embargoed until 6am, October 10, 2007

Ten million dollars wasted by the Howard Government on political advertising since the Rugby League Grand Final two weekends ago could have been spent on V8 Supercars instead.

Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace said John Howard and Peter Lindsay were spending $1 million of taxpayers’ money each day on thinly disguised political advertising.

“In the 10 days since the Manly-Melbourne Storm Grand Final, $10 million in taxpayers’ money has been blown,” Mr Wallace said.

“That $10 million could have been spent getting the V8 Supercars to Townsville, with all the huge benefits the race would bring to the city,” he said.

Prime Minister John Howard last week hinted that the Commonwealth could provide $10 million for V8 Supercars some time before the upcoming Federal election.

In contrast, the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council already has given $15 million towards the high-profile motoring event.

“There is endless TV advertising for Workplace Agreements, Climate Clever, NetAlert, the Citizenship Test and Better Super,” Mr Wallace said.

“Although they are important issues, they are politically inspired ads and the funding could have gone to the V8 Supercars,” he said.

Mr Wallace said John Howard and Peter Lindsay were quick to put their hand in taxpayers’ pocket when it benefitted them.

“However, they are very slow off the mark when it comes to helping Townsville.”

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.