The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Advertising has recently reviewed the current instructions regarding the prohibition on advertising by government agencies during an election campaign.

It has now been decided that all campaign advertising by State Government agencies will cease for a period of two months prior to a state election.

The only advertising to be exempt during the quarantine period will be publicity relating to community health and safety issues, appropriate public information and services having clear commercial considerations (for example, transport providers, and tourism promotion).

Accordingly, I request that all agencies within your administration cease advertising from 27 January 1999 until the forthcoming state election unless exempt as indicated above.

All inquiries regarding government advertising policy and procedures should be directed to Mr. Peter Wren, Manager, Government Advertising Agency, a business unit of the Department of Public Works and Services, on telephone 9339 7611 or facsimile 9339 7170.

Bob Carr
Premier