Further to Memorandum 1996-21 dated 30 September, 1996 the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Government Advertising has confirmed arrangements that are to apply in respect of advertising by Government Agencies.

All Government agencies including State Owned Corporations are to review their expenditure on campaign advertising so far this financial year and are to report to the Committee via the Government Advertising Agency on their performance against budget and the outcome of their advertising together with details of their planned advertising programmes through until 30 June 1998.

The Government Advertising Agency will be notifying organizations of the details required in such a review, and will be looking at a timetable for agencies to report to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.

Regarding campaign advertising, all agencies, other than State Owned Corporations, are to seek the Committee's approval before creative concepts are produced into television commercials, radio tapes or final art, no matter what level of media expenditure is involved. SOC's are only required to advise the Committee of their intentions to commission such work and the appointment of advertising agencies. The Committee will then advise shareholding Ministers of any practices which are considered contrary to Government policies or priorities.

The Government Advertising Agency will continue to co-ordinate the bookings for campaign advertising and all agencies, including SOC's, are to continue to submit all proposals to the GAA for this purpose. Proposed campaigns by SOC's in excess of $100,000 will be subject to the discretional scrutiny of the Cabinet Sub-Committee.

The Government Advertising Agency will continue to monitor expenditure by SOC's and report to the Cabinet Sub-Committee which will advise the shareholding Ministers of any advertising practices which are considered contrary to Government policies or priorities.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee will also be taking action to ensure that agencies achieve an appropriate level of advertising in the ethnic media as required by Memorandum No. 1995-47.

Please ensure that this memorandum is brought to the attention of agencies associated with your administration.

Bob Carr
Premier

Issued by: The Cabinet Office
Contact Officer: John Grant (TCO) 9228 4514
Colleen Moore (GAA) 9339 7524
Date: 4.3.97