Federal Government Pauses Funding For Social Media Influencers After Daily Tele Exposé

The federal government’s Department of Health has launched a review of its funding for social media influencers, following orders from minister Greg Hunt.

The Daily Telegraph has revealed that Hunt’s department has forked out more than $600,000 of taxpayers’ dollars for its #girlsmakeyourmove social media campaign in the last 18 months.

Some of the influencers have been paid up to $3000 per post, while the department has spent $718,100 on hiring and paying influencers since 2016.

The Daily Telegraph also reported that some of the influencers that the Department of Health hired for the campaign also plugged alcohol on their channels, and that the department paid an Instagrammer who had been forced to apologise for a racist content post.

The campaign encourages females to be more active and helps them find exercise programs they enjoy through the likes of influencers Sammy Robinson and Lisa Smith.

One of the best feelings in the world is when you get out & exercise! So I am a proud supporter of the @GirlsMakeYourMove campaign!?? For the next month I will be showing you some of my favourite ways to exercise, starting with surfing!??‍♀️ I am still learning, but when you stand up on a wave (even for a very very brief second?) its so rewarding & it’s just so beautiful in the water✨ How do you like to get active? For more info on activites and inspiration, visit: www.girlsmove.gov.au or follow @GirlsMakeYourMove ✨#GirlsMove #GirlsMakeYourMove #ad

A post shared by Lisa Smith (@lisadanielle__) on May 20, 2018 at 3:13am PDT

So I know there is nothing more annoying than your mum telling you to go walk the dogs and do the dishwasher. But since I’ve moved out of home it is actually one of the things I miss most (not the dishwasher – I’ll always hate the dishwasher). We would take the pups down to the beach or through the neighbourhood on a Sunday and get a coffee and although it was a beautiful location it was actually a tough walk. You don’t notice it though when you’re in good company and it makes your day so much nicer when you move your body a bit. So grab a friend/family/dog/cat/rabbit/snake/croc (whatever your preference) and go for a walk! I am a supporter of the @girlsmakeyourmove campaign that inspires girls to be more active! For more information, visit www.girlsmove.gov.au #girlsmove #girlsmakeyourmove #ad

A post shared by Sammy Robinson (@sammmyrobinson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 4:33am PDT

Hunt said he has paused and is reviewing the department’s use of influencers.

“There would need to be a demonstrated benefit and demonstrated suitability of any individual going forward, for this to recommence,” he said in a statement.

“This would need to include a thorough assessment and vetting process linked to improving the health of Australians.”