Photo: © 2010 AFP/AAP/Christian Sprogoe

In opposition, Rudd promised an end to the type of government advertising campaigns seen during the Howard years.

But that hasn't stopped him launching a $38 million advertising blitz defending his new tax, which counters claims made in the miners' own campaign.

Today in Parliament, Rudd rejected comparisons to the big-spending Howard government's WorkChoices campaign.

"This government will not stand idly by while a campaign of misinformation is run against a fundamental element of tax reform," he said during question time.

But mining magnate Clive Palmer has hit back at criticisms of the industry, saying it is not the miners but the government that is lying.

"[They are] presiding over a scandalous situation ... taking my money, and taxpayers money, to start a campaign of disinformation," he told Ten's Meet The Press yesterday.