Clive Palmer Under Fire For Anti-Vaccine Ads

Clive Palmer Under Fire For Anti-Vaccine Ads
B&T Magazine
By B&T Magazine



Controversial businessman and former politician Clive Palmer has been accused of putting public health at risk after he endorsed anti-COVID vaccination ads.

The ads have been played across Queensland and Sunshine Coast radio stations owned by Grant Broadcasters, including Zinc, Hot 91 and Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast, according to Radio Today.

“Australia has had one COVID-19 associated death in 2021. But the TGA reports that there have been 210 deaths and over 24,000 adverse reactions after COVID vaccinations. Authorised by Clive Palmer, Brisbane,” the audio says.

However, according to news.com.au, the ads failed to report that, apart from the single death linked to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, COVID-19 vaccines have not been found to cause death, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The ads drew criticism from a number of radio listeners and media professionals, some of whom are actual doctors.

Palmer’s anti-vaccine ads are part of his ongoing campaign to keep Australian open during the pandemic.

Last year, Palmer was denied entry into Western Australia due to lockdown laws, a ruling that Palmer claimed impeded on his constitutional rights. Palmer then lodged a writ against the decision in the High Court.

According to the Australian Association of National Advertisers’ voluntary Code of Ethics (and as reported by Radio Today), encouraging or condoning “unhealthy or unsafe behaviour having regard to prevailing community standards” in content is a no-no, as is advertising material that goes against community standards on health and safety.

In a statement to B&T, Grant Broadcasters said: “Our radio stations strongly support their local communities, and that includes fully supporting initiatives that keep our community safe, like the federal and state government COVID-19 vaccination programs.

“Currently in Australia, there are not any regulations that restrict the contents of a political advertisement. We also have a responsibility to allow lawful public debate about matters of public importance.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has acknowledged the concerns we raised regarding this messaging, and we are grateful to the TGA for stepping up to provide a clear statement of the federal government’s position on this type of political advertising.

“The advertisements are no longer running across our network.”

B&T has contacted Commercial Radio Australia for comment.




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