Senator Robert Ray asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 8 March 1999:

(1) What was the total cost of advertising (segregated by TV, radio and print) undertaken by the Australian Electoral Commission between 30 August 1998 and 3 October 1998.

(2) Has an evaluation been conducted by the Commission into the effectiveness of its advertising.

(3) What was the cost of the evaluation and by whom was it conducted.

Senator Ellison (Special Minister of State) —The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) Total cost of advertising was $8,187,256 and was segregated as follows:

TV—$3,664,378; Radio—$1,041,220; and Print—$3,481,658.

(2) Yes, an evaluation has been conducted.

(3) Cost of evaluation was $206,655 and was conducted by Eureka Strategic Research (Sydney)