Xenophon opposes govt's carbon ad campaign

Federal Labor's $12-million carbon tax advertising campaign would be banned under a bill drawn up by independent senator Nick Xenophon.
Senator Xenophon believes taxpayer funds should not be spent promoting policies that haven't been agreed to by parliament.
He suggested on Tuesday if Prime Minister Julia Gillard wanted to tell the public about what the government would do on issues such as climate change, she should call a media conference.
"It won't cost the taxpayer a cent," Senator Xenophon said.
His bill proposes to ban the use of public money to advertise a government policy unless it has been enacted in legislation.
But there are two legitimate exemptions: if a resolution to spruik the policy is passed by parliament, or in the event of a national emergency with the consent of the opposition leader.
Debate on the Government Advertising (Accountability) Bill 2011 was adjourned.