GG 04/10
19 October 2010
Federal Government spending on campaign advertising has fallen for the second consecutive financial year, delivering on Labor's commitment to cut government advertising costs.
The Government today released the Campaign Advertising by Australian Government Departments and Agencies Full Year Report 2009-10.
The fourth biannual report on campaign advertising shows that spending has fallen from $185.3million in 2007-08, to $130.1million in 2008-09, and to $114.7million in 2009-10.
In 2008 the Labor Government announced the twice yearly reporting system for advertising campaigns costing more than $250,000.
We also introduced tougher Guidelines which required campaigns to be free of political argument, removed previous arrangements involving a Ministerial Committee taking key decisions on advertising campaigns, put in place improved reporting and transparency arrangements, and significantly reduced expenditure.
These governance measures will continue to ensure campaigns are independently reviewed and properly targeted, with the intent of informing the community about important government policies and programs.
Data in the Report is sourced from the Government's Central Advertising System, which consolidates government advertising expenditure and optimises media discounts through whole-of-government negotiated media rates.
The report covers the 2009-2010 financial year, building on the previous three biannual reports issued in March and September 2009 and in March 2010. In addition to recent expenditure data, this report includes historical expenditure data.
The report delivers on the Government's commitment to increase accountability and transparency in relation to campaign advertising expenditure, and provides Australians with a transparent picture of how taxpayers' money is spent on government advertising.
This trend is set to continue with the Government committed to reducing expenditure on government advertising by a further $60million over the forward estimates period.
The report can be found at: www.finance.gov.au| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Astrid Serventy — 0407 383 117 | www.smos.gov.au |