No advantage for Gillard with asylum seeker ad campaign
In a piece first posted on The Conversation, Sally Webster finds fault with the Gillard government’s campaign to deter asylum seekers from Australian shores.
With 5,459 attempted boat arrivals to Australia in the first half of 2012, an increase of 894 since last year, it is no wonder the prime minister is desperate to demonstrate she is combating people smuggling.
Recently, the Australian Government released a number of online clips through its Youtube channel Notopeoplesmuggling with the objective of informing asylum seekers that due to legislative changes there is now “no advantage” in taking a boat to reach Australia.
It is a common misconception in all levels of government, and in business, and regrettably creeping around non-profits, that what gives a glow to the sponsor panel, and spends some of other people’s money, is smart, even that it delivers communication or engagement. Often not so.
Apart from some utterly brilliant Victorian Government Road Safety campaigns – all government advertising is designed merely to be seen to be addressing an issue, rather than address the actual issue itself.
That’s because all concepts are focus group tested against voters perceptions in marginal seats, and this work is no different.
Even at the rate of 5000 – 10,000 arrivals a year, it would take well over 10 years to fill the MCG with the dreaded illegal queue-jumping terrorist boat people.
We don’t really have a refugee problem – the problem is with gutless poll driven politicians of both major parties fearful of racist crap spouted by dickhead shock jocks.
When governments pander to this racist ignorant fear, children end up getting tortured on island gulags.
But I guess that’s OK when there’s an election coming.
Adam, there are many more great Government campaigns. The best and possibly the most daring, which had huge results on our society was the 1987 Federal Govt Grim Reaper campaign. Other great ones were the QLD Govt through QLD Tourism ‘Best Job in the World’ and the NSW Govt Speeding No One Thinks Big of You or ‘Pinkie’ campaign. These are just a couple of examples.(I agree with yours too). They can and do exist – just takes some brave players to achieve it, otherwise they can be so sanitised.
Great to see the Gruen Planet discuss the Australian Government’s ‘No Advantage’ campaign. Check it out on iView: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruen.....593569.htm
Does Adam Hunt live next door to any illegal maritime arrivals?
Hi Susan –
no I don’t live next door to any “illegal” maritime arrivals – as contrary to your ill-informed assertion, it’s not illegal to seek asylum in this country.
Perhaps you should stop listening to Alan Jones.
G’day Adam Hunt, I’ve never listened to Alan Jones. I’ve never owned a radio nor a TV. “Illegal maritime arrival” is the “official” label the Australian Government has given to people who come to Australia by boat without a visa. Susan