A Nationals’ MP has critiqued the Victorian Government’s use of anonymous spokespeople when responding to media inquiries.

However, Labor were quick to point out the coalition have a history of doing the same thing.

In a recent sitting of Victorian Parliament, state Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad raised concerns about a number of recent articles where responses were attributed to unnamed spokespeople rather than the relevant ministers themselves.

“My question to the premier is why ministerial responsibility has been delegated to anonymous spokespersons under this government,” Ms Broad said.

“It seems to me that the Labor state government ministers are very good at outsourcing their responsibilities. And to avoid being the bearer of bad news, they hide behind an anonymous spokesperson — a spokesperson with no authority and no accountability.

“I commend the Liberal and National shadow cabinet ministers, who do the work, know the brief and respond to media inquiries, who take responsibility. On our side we put our name to public comments, unlike Labor, who rely on anonymous spokespersons to provide media commentary.”

Despite Ms Broad’s claim that Coalition politicians attribute their names to quotes in response to media inquiries, there have been a number of recent articles where the opposition has used anonymous spokespeople to respond to matters raised.

In an article published by ABC News on Friday, May 30, headlined Deputy Liberal leader Sam Groth under fire for taxpayer-funded car ride from Australian Open, an opposition spokesperson clarifies the detail of Victorian Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth’s trip after controversy arose following revelations that the MP used a taxpayer-funded car for personal use.

In an article headlined Firefighters warned of ‘dangers of partisan politics’ after truck displays Liberal corflutes at Melbourne protest, published by The Guardian on Wednesday, July 16, an opposition spokesperson is also used to refute claims that the party was aware of CFA trucks of the Inverleigh brigade displaying Liberal party signage at a rally in Werribee.

The Telegraph contacted the Victorian Government to comment on Ms Broad’s concerns.

A Victorian government spokesperson responded.

“While Ms Broad is more focused on being irrelevant, we’ll continue to be focused on what matters to Victorians — delivering real help with the cost of living, backing frontline services and supporting families with infrastructure they rely on,” the spokesperson said.

Ms Broad urged the government ministers to take public responsibility for the decisions made.

“I also hope the media take note and start holding this government and its ministers to account for their actions and stop permitting them to hide behind anonymous spokespersons,” Ms Broad said.

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Tuesday, 7th February 2023

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