Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 25 November 1998:

(1) What was the total value of market research sought by the department on a month-by-month basis between March 1996 and November 1998.

(2) What was the purpose of each contract let.

(3) In each instance, what was the involvement or otherwise of the Office of Government Information and Advertising.

(4) In each instance; (a) how many firms were invited to submit proposals; and (b) how many tender proposals were received.

(5) In each instance, which firm was selected to conduct the research.

(6) In each instance, what was the estimated or contract price of the research work and what was the actual amount expended by the department.

Senator Hill (Environment and Heritage) —The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) I am advised that the total value of market research sought by the department on a month-by-month basis between March 1996 and November 1998 is as follows:

(i) $64,000—May 1996; (ii) $36,284—October 1996 (funded by Environment Australia); (iii)$9,000—September 1997; (iv) $16,250—February 1998; and (v)$30,000—July 1998.

(2) (i) Quantitative research survey of community attitudes on issues related to reconciliation.

(ii) Qualitative research in support of a national information campaign for the Regional Forest Agreement process and outcomes. The objective of the research was to gather information relevant in determining the most effective methods of communication for an information strategy.

(iii) To assist in the finalisation for publication of the document "Republic—yes or no?' by testing it for readability and clarity.

(iv) Focus testing of a possible advertisement on indigenous issues, including native title.

(v) To provide broad market evaluation of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation's magazine Walking Together.

(3) (i) The Office of Government Information and Advertising (OGIA) advised that quantitative research should be undertaken following earlier qualitative research to quantify the extent of opinions and attitudes across the community and in particular segments (eg by age, gender, socio-economic status) to lay the basis for developing an integrated communications strategy for the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

(ii) OGIA provided advice on the research brief and the tender process, and provided contact details for five consultants.

(iii) OGIA had no involvement in the market research.

(iv) OGIA recommended market testing.

(v) OGIA had no involvement in the market research.

(4) (i) (a) One*

(b) One

(ii) (a) Five

(b) Four

(iii) (a) Six

(b) Four

(iv) (a) One**

(b) One

(v) (a) Public tender

(b) Seven

* Brian Sweeney and Associates was the only organisation invited to submit a proposal as they were already familiar with the qualitative survey and were considered capable of quickly and effectively designing a quantitative survey.

** Brian Sweeney and Associates was the only organisation invited to submit a proposal on the basis of their previous work relating to the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

(5) (i) Brian Sweeney and Associates

(ii) Keys Young Pty Ltd; (iii) Golsby-Smith and Associates; (iv) Brian Sweeney and Associates; and (v) Rush Social Research Agency

(6) (i) $64,000—$64,000; (ii) $36,284—$36,592 (funded by Environment Australia); (iii) $9,000—$12,390; (iv) $16,250—$17,050 and (v) $30,000— $13,250 (contract not completed as at November 1998).