Queensland government advertising costs taxpayers almost $50 million

The Queensland government allocated nearly $50 million in taxpayer funds for advertising during the last financial year, a figure revealed during parliamentary budget estimates. The LNP administration's spending included over $5 million for a statewide campaign highlighting government achievements in areas such as frontline health staff numbers and local infrastructure projects.

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We have introduced a cap on advertising spending.

This extensive media campaign utilized online platforms, television, radio, and pamphlets, prominently featuring a blue color scheme. The opposition has criticized the campaign's prevalence and its distinct color choice, accusing the government of "blue-washing" Queensland's traditional maroon. In parallel, the government invested almost $9 million in its road safety campaign. This expenditure comes after the 2025 road toll reached a 16-year high, with the current year's figures trending to exceed that number. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous three financial years, which averaged approximately $4.7 million for road safety initiatives.

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So, to be clear that cap is approximately $50 million, which is less than the last financial year of the former government.

Further advertising expenditures included $1.2 million for preventative health campaigns, such as flu vaccinations, an area where Queensland has seen some of the nation's lowest vaccination rates in recent years. Premier David Crisafulli defended the advertising expenditure during budget estimates, asserting that it aligns with spending levels of previous governments. He also highlighted that his government has implemented a cap on advertising spending, set at approximately $50 million, which he noted is less than the final financial year's spending under the former Labor government.

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She nearly got the question right.

The budget estimates hearings also brought to light significant taxpayer-funded payouts to public servants. Termination payments for ministerial staff alone exceeded $410,000 in the last financial year. These payments were made to 16 out of 66 employees who either resigned or were dismissed, averaging over $25,000 per payout. The youth justice minister's office faced scrutiny due to high turnover, including three chiefs of staff. Tensions also arose during the hearings, with a notable exchange between Labor MP Bisma Asif and government member Michael Crandon, which led to both being admonished by the parliamentary speaker.

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It would be really helpful if the chair could stop making sexist comments towards me, he's been doing it for the last two days.