Labour rapped over propaganda calendar

The Government has had a rap over the knuckles for a glossy tax-funded desk calendar that breached advertising guidelines.

Auditor-General Kevin Brady has ruled that some of the content in the "Working and Growing Together" calendar was not presented in a fair, honest and impartial way and did not comply with the Cabinet Manual's guidelines for Government advertising.

National MP Judith Collins complained to Mr Brady in December that the calendar, produced by the Office of the Prime Minister last year, was Labour propaganda.

The calendar cost $45,000 to produce and was funded from the Ministerial Services budget.

A total of 15,000 copies were sent to voluntary and community organisations, local government, health centres, District Health Boards and MPs for distribution.

The calendar contained historical dates such as "August 8, 2002, coalition agreement reached between Labour and the Progressive Coalition", and "November 1, 1999, Helen Clark becomes first elected woman Prime Minister".

An entry on July 1 featured information about cheaper doctor visits for 18-24-year-olds coming into force on that date.

But some of these entries, such as "April 1, 2000, National's superannuation cuts reversed" - were found by Mr Brady to breach the Government advertising guidelines.

Under the guidelines, governments may legitimately use public funds for advertising to explain policies and inform the public of government services and rights and responsibilities.

But the advertising should not be done in a way that means public money is being used to finance publicity for political party purposes.

Mr Brady said the calendar complied with guidelines in purpose and scope, but fell down in presentation, which is meant to be unbiased.

The Prime Minister's office has told Mr Brady it has stopped distributing the calendar.

But Ms Collins said this was not enough punishment and that the Government would keep breaking the advertising rules.

"If you did this in private enterprise you would be done for fraud."

She said she believed the Government should also have to pay back the $45,000 it spent on the calendars.

A spokesman for Helen Clark said the Prime Minister expects her staff to observe the guidelines.

Ms Collins has also written to the Auditor-General about a promotional "Labour values" card the party is giving out to see if it meets the Government advertising guidelines.