An anti-abortion campaigner who helped draft controversial abortion legislation in South Australia has been revealed as one of the country's biggest spenders on Meta platform advertising.
Failed Bill and Financial Revelations
The political landscape in South Australia was shaken this week as Sarah Game's controversial abortion bill was defeated in the upper house on November 13, 2025. The legislative setback occurred simultaneously with the emergence of startling financial details about one of the bill's key architects.
During parliamentary debate, MLC Tammy Franks exposed that Joanna Howe, the anti-abortion lobbyist who contributed to writing the bill's specifics, ranked as Australia's third-largest spender on Meta advertising. This revelation added significant context to the heated discussion surrounding the proposed legislation.
The Key Players and Their Roles
The political drama featured three central figures in South Australia's parliamentary system. Sarah Game, the bill's sponsor, saw her proposed legislation fail despite substantial backing from anti-abortion advocates.
Joanna Howe, positioned at the centre of the controversy, provided both policy input and substantial financial backing through her extensive Meta advertising campaigns. Her spending patterns placed her among the nation's most active political advertisers on social media platforms.
MLC Tammy Franks brought these financial connections to light during the parliamentary session, raising questions about the influence of money in political campaigning and policy development.
Broader Implications for Political Advertising
The disclosure of Howe's substantial Meta investment raises important questions about political influence and financial transparency in Australian politics. Being the third-highest spender nationally indicates significant resources dedicated to promoting anti-abortion messaging across social media platforms.
The timing of these revelations, coinciding with the bill's defeat, highlights the increasing scrutiny facing political campaign financing and digital advertising in Australia. As social media continues to play a crucial role in political discourse, the substantial spending by single-issue lobbyists represents a growing trend in Australian political campaigning.
The failed legislation and accompanying financial disclosures have sparked renewed debate about transparency in political advertising and the influence of well-funded lobby groups on policy development in South Australia and nationwide.
