This Circular is to advise all Chief Executives on print monitoring arrangements across Government.

Earlier in the year I announced a sector wide contract for broadcast (radio and television) media monitoring services. At the same time I advised that tenders for print monitoring services were being reviewed.

After extensive evaluation and negotiation, the Contract Management Board has declined tenders for a sector wide print monitoring service on the basis that the proposed price structure would not provide sufficient value for money across Government.

The Board also considered industry feedback that indicated the print monitoring industry is likely to undergo further change over the next 6-12 months, with the entry of new suppliers and the expansion of services by current suppliers. The likely increase in industry competition could lead to more competitive prices and a greater range of services. Consequently locking agencies into a sector wide contract at this time would not result in the best value for money for the Government.

Your agency should therefore enter into individual arrangements with print monitoring supplier(s). A range of on-line and off-line print monitoring services is offered by a number of different providers and you should assess the arrangement that best meets the requirements and budget of your agency. As the industry is currently undergoing a period of change, it is suggested that agencies not lock themselves into a long-term (more than 12-month) arrangement. Premier's Department will monitor industry changes and review the issue of a sector wide contract next year.

For further information on any of the above issues please contact Karen Howell, Director Information Services, Ministerial and Parliamentary Services or Jane Virag, Project Officer, Media Monitoring Unit on (02) 9228 3319 or (02) 9228 4665 or by email at [email protected].

C Gellatly
Director-General

Superseded by M2004-02