Mr Kelvin Thomson asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 13 February 2002:

Was Black Is White awarded a contract in excess of $1.3 million by the (ATO) to provide strategic advice and writing services to develop, implement and evaluate a communication program for all business tax reform products.

Mr Costello (Treasurer) —The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

In January 1999 the ATO invited tenders from providers of writing, editing and other communication services to assist in the delivery of an appropriately targeted education and information campaign. Black is White Communications Pty Ltd was selected as part of this process.

Services Provided

The Service Provider provides high level expert strategic advice and actions related to:

· developing and implementing a public relations and issues management program to support the tax reform public and business education campaign;

· building and maintaining relations with key stakeholders in relation to whole of government communication approach to tax reform;

· designing and implementing the Business Tax Review (Ralph) communication strategy;

· mentoring senior staff of the Whole of Government and Administrative unit within Tax Reform-Business Education & Communication;

· expert strategic advice in the development, implementation and evaluation of an education and communication program for business tax reform products;

· development of communication strategies for sub-projects of tax reform to be provided in written and electronic forms;

· strategic advice and writing and editing services;

· editing and proof reading materials; and

· writing of materials and briefs for publication (such as fact sheets, booklets, electronic publications, and other materials relating to tax reform).