Victoria's auditor finds hidden government ads on Metro Tunnel influencer posts
Influencers who promoted the Metro Tunnel didn't say they were paid by the Victorian government.
Victoria's auditor-general found influencers promoted the Metro Tunnel without properly saying they were paid by the state. Politicians shared government videos on their own pages without naming the source from taxpayers.
State laws have not been updated since 2017, but digital advertising now costs about $40 million a year. The auditor looked at 201 media releases from the premier's office and found 173 had party political language about opposition MPs.
The report warned something important. When government content is shared without clear branding, it can be used for political purposes.
This hurts public trust that government communications are fair.
- 40 million dollars
- Digital spending 2024-25
- 2017
- Laws last updated
- 201
- Media releases examined
- 173
- Releases with political language
Why it mattersVoters need to know when they see paid government ads shown as neutral content or political ads shown as public information.
AustraliaThe Victorian government's use of influencers and politician accounts to promote projects without clear disclosure means Victorians cannot easily tell government information from political promotion.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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