Ad expenditure revealed
AN ELECTION hasn’t been called yet, but Groom’s federal candidates have already started outlaying thousands in advertising on social media to win votes.
Statistics from Facebook’s Ad Library, which tracks advertisement expenditure for a political figure’s Facebook page, shows sitting MP Garth Hamilton has launched or hosted $17,000 worth of Facebook and Instagram advertising since 2020.
Nearly $11,000 worth of the ads were funded by the LNP, mainly during the 2020 by-election, but more than $6700 were paid for by Mr Hamilton over the past year.
While most of the campaigns revolved around promoting recent policy or funding announcements, at least one anti-Labor attack ad was launched late last year.
Mr Hamilton was approached for comment.
In contrast, his Labor opponent Gen Allpass has yet to spend any money in social media advertising.
When asked about the figure, Ms Allpass said she was focused on building a grassroots campaign.
“We have fundraised everything ourselves with raffles and cake stalls,” she said.
“Yes we can see the benefits, but we don’t have that sort of money to splash around.
“Being from a workingclass background, I’m very aware of not throwing money around for the sake of it.”
Independent candidate Kirstie Smolenski has spent $286 on Facebook and Instagram ads since she launched her bid late last year.
In one ad, Ms Smolenski said she would fund her campaign herself.
Voices of Groom-backed candidate Suzie Holt has yet to spend money on social media advertising.
No candidates in Groom for One Nation or the United Australia Party have been formally announced.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has yet to call a date for the election, but it must occur by May 21.