The controversial taxpayer-funded advertising campaign for the Abbott government's Intergenerational Report escaped independent vetting, in an apparent breach of official policy.

The "challenge of change" marketing blitz, which stars science broadcaster Karl Kruszelnicki​ and warns of the consequences of an ageing population, began early last month.

Dr Karl spruiks the Intergenerational Report in a YouTube video. Credit:challengeofchange.gov.au

It was launched five weeks after new rules for government advertising came into effect, which require