CANBERRA: The newly installed Australian Prime Minster, Julia Gillard, has moved quickly to put the brakes on the government's controversial $38 million advertising campaign just hours after taking office.
Gillard has vowed to halt the campaign, designed to counter the mining sector's anti-tax ads, which she has asked the mining industry to also stop as a sign of “good faith” in return for co-operation
The government's much maligned campaign was created by Shannon's Way, with media buying handled by Universal McCann.
Gillard is set to tone down the government's aggressive stance with the mining industry, as she attempts to open up more consultation with the industry, which vehemently opposes its super-tax plans.
The incoming Prime Minister announced her plans in her first press conference as Labor leader. Gillard said Australians have a right to the revenues generated from mining but a more open dialogue was needed with the industry.
The move is a blow to TV networks and other media owners which have been running infomercial-style ads from various interests involved in the mining industry on heavy rotation.
Gillard said: "To reach a consensus we need to do more than consult, we need to negotiate ... we need to end this uncertainty.
"Today, I am throwing open the government's door to the mining industry and in return I ask the mining industry to open its mind."
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