Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 26 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 Vanstone (Justice and Customs) —The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

I am advised by my department of the following details in relation to market research costs between March 1996 and November 1998:

(1)

*This figure does not include the cost of market research conducted by the firm Donovan Research in relation to men's counselling, and marriage and relationship education community awareness. This information should be sought from the Minister for Family and Community Services, who now has portfolio responsibility for these programs.

(2), (3), (4) and (5)

* Selected to undertake the qualitative research in relation to the campaign.

** Newspoll Market Research was selected to undertake the quantitative research for the campaign.

*** This survey was sought by the independent taskforce which conducted the Review of the Attorney-General's Legal Practice, but the costs were paid for by my Department.

(6)

* This is the amount paid to November 1998—the final actual payment will not be known until the report is complete.

** This is the amount paid to November 1998—the final actual payment will not be known until the report is complete.

*** This is the amount paid to November 1998—the actual cost was $20,000.34