The Morrison government is accusing Federal Labor of avoiding scrutiny and even censorship after receiving a purported leaked internal memo from Labor's election campaign headquarters detailing how usual ALP media operations have been wound back and refocused on the Labor leadership.
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In an early alleged leak from the Labor side, the government - which itself is often criticised for avoiding scrutiny particularly over failing to legislate a federal ICAC - is circulating a scanned copy of what it claims is a leaked memo from Labor HQ head of communications John Olenich and his deputies to "press secs, campaigns and candidates."
During the campaign period, the communications unit at Labor's HQ (CHQ Comms) has replaced the usual centralised ALP media unit run out of the office of Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
The undated, detailed memo outlines refocused ALP media operations, explaining that media releases, transcripts, opinion pieces and speeches will only be distributed for Mr Albanese and official campaign spokespeople, with a "few limited exceptions."
"This is a hypocritical attempt by Labor to dodge scrutiny," Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said in a statement.
"Labor's small target strategy is already hiding detailed policies or plans from the Australian people and it's now clear that they want to hide their shadow ministers too.
"How are Australians expected to decide if Labor's frontbenchers are up to the job of being ministers if they are being censored?"
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It offers "more exposure" for MPs candidates by suggesting campaigns post to social media and states CHQ can offer audio to journalists "on request".
The government, which does not have centralised media operations outside of elections, is describing Labor's campaign media strategy in 2022 as "outrageous" and an "unprecedented break from conventions."
The purported Labor memo explains "this is a new way of working" that is important to ensure that "CHQ Comms is able to focus on the important task - helping win the election - and that we are all focused on that goal."
Almost referring to the leaked memo itself, it states that "there will inevitably be some teething issues in our first weeks."
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Karen Barlow
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
