Senator Faulkner asked the Minister for Communications and the Arts, upon notice, on 3 September 1997:

(1) What contracts for public relations services has the department, or its agencies, signed since 3 March 1996.

(2) What was the value of each contract.

(3) Did the value of any contract vary from the original cost; if so, what was the reason for the price variation.

(4) How many of the contracts in (1) were awarded following an open tender process.

(5) Where there was no tender process, what assessment criteria were followed in selecting the contractor and why was the normal practice of calling tenders not followed.

(6) Did the department seek guidance from the Office of Government Information and Advertising before signing the above contracts; if not, why not.

(7) How many journalists were employed by the department as at 3 March 1996.

(8) How many journalists are currently employed by the department.

Senator Alston —The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) to (6) Refer to the attachment.

(7) The "journalist" function is carried out by Public Affairs Officers. The following Public Affairs Officers were employed as at 3 March 1996:

Permanent

.   6   - Media and Public Affairs Unit

.   1   - Australian Archives

.   4   - National Science and Technology Centre

Temporary

.   1   - Media and Public Affairs Unit.

(8) The following Public Affairs Officers are currently employed:

Permanent

.   7   - Media and Public Affairs Unit (3 are outposted)

.   1   - Australian Archives

.   2   - National Science and Technology Centre

Temporary

.   3   - Media and Public Affairs Unit.