(1) Since 1 July 1999, has the department, or any agency in the portfolio, commissioned or participated in any way in public opinion research in non-metropolitan areas; if so, which agency or which functional area of the department.

(2) What was the purpose of this research and what were the objectives as set out for the research company or body when commissioned.

(3) Was any of this research designed to test the reaction of rural and regional constituents to Federal Government decisions, policies or potential policies, in any way similar to the research described in the Sunday Telegraph, 23 July 2000, page 81.

(4) (a) Which company or other body carried out the research; (b) what were the research methods to be used; and (c) what was the expected timetable for this research.

(5) Was any of the work sub-contracted to any other company or body; if so, why, and to which company or body.

(6) What were the results of this research.

(7) Who made the request that this research be undertaken, and who authorised the expenditure.

(8) What was the estimated cost of this research, and what was the total cost.

(9) How will the results of this research be used.

A. Market research to examine community attitudes to country of origin labelling

(1) The Business Competitiveness and Development Division of the Department engaged a consultant to examine community attitudes to country of origin labelling, including regional and rural communities.

(2) The purpose of the research was to assist in the targeting of the country of origin labelling campaign, which was designed to raise community awareness to changes to the Trade Practices Act 1974 enacted in 1998 concerning country of origin labelling.

(3) The campaign was not designed to measure reaction of rural and regional constituents to Federal Government decisions, policies or potential policies, in the way outlined in the Sunday Telegraph article.

(4) The research was carried out by Sweeney Research Limited, using limited telephone interviews and focus groups. The research was conducted in June 1999 and was reported to the Department in July 1999.

(5) No work was subcontracted on this project.

(6) The results of the campaign were used in the development of the advertising brief for the awareness campaign, as well as being made available to the general public on the ISR web page (at http://www.isr.gov.au/labelling/industry/factsheet.html).

(7) The research was undertaken as an element of the usual practice for awareness campaigns. The selection of Sweeney Research was through restricted tender, with the final selection by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Expenditure for the contract was approved by the Head of the Business Competitiveness and Development Division.

(8) Total cost for the research was $97,750, although only a proportion of this related to research in non-metropolitan areas.

(9) The research results were used to target the advertising for the country of origin awareness campaign. The research was also publicly available as part of the general awareness campaign.

B. Research to gauge the level of awareness, understanding and information needs of Australians in relation to biotechnology and gene technology

(1) Yes, Biotechnology Australia has commissioned four national public attitude surveys to gauge the level of awareness, understanding and information needs of Australians in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in relation to biotechnology and gene technology.

(2) There have been two areas of research. An initial benchmarking public awareness survey was undertaken in August and September 1999 to test the Australian population's level of awareness and understanding of the science of biotechnology and gene technology; its potential risks and benefits; how the technology is regulated; where Australians prefer to source information on the topic and the types of information that the community is looking for. The information gained was used to develop Biotechnology Australia's public awareness program.

Three smaller telephone follow-up surveys have been conducted since February 2000 researching the relative level of community concern and media concern about genetically modified (GM) foods compared with other types of food safety concerns and the public's attitude to labelling of GM foods.

(3) No.

(4) (a) The benchmark study was conducted by Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler (now Millward Brown). The follow-up issues based surveys have been undertaken by Quantum Market Research for Turnbull Porter Novelli.

(b) The benchmark study was a national telephone poll of more than 1700 people followed by a series of focus groups with approximately 150 people. Four focus groups were held specifically with farmers. The telephone polls each had a representative sample of the Australian population (approximately 800 per survey).

(c) The benchmark study was conducted over August-September 1999. The three telephone surveys were conducted in February 2000, March 2000 and May 2000

(5) Turnbull Porter Novelli sub-contracted the follow-up telephone surveys to Quantum Market Research which is its retained market research firm.

(6) The research has generally showed:

Many Australians do not understand the concepts of biotechnology and gene technology well enough to explain to others, and have varying levels of acceptance for different applications of the technology.

Australians are overwhelmingly looking for balanced, unbiased sources of information on biotechnology.

While still a concern for all Australians, genetically modified foods was less of a concern than other food safety issues such as use of pesticides, food poisoning and human tampering.

The major concerns for Australians in eating GM food related to potential health effects and environmental concerns.

(7) The benchmark research study was approved by the Commonwealth Ministerial Council on Biotechnology which oversees the work of Biotechnology Australia. The appropriate financial delegate in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources authorised the expenditure for the survey.

The subsequent telephone polls form part of the ongoing Biotechnology Australia public awareness strategy. These surveys were authorised by the appropriate financial delegate in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources following consultation with public awareness officers in Biotechnology Australia departments and agencies.

(8) The benchmark study was initially estimated to cost $80,000. However, the proposed number of focus groups was expanded which increased the total cost to $103,547. The three telephone polls cost $38,703.

(9) The benchmark research study results were used to develop a strategic communications approach for Biotechnology Australia's public awareness program 1999-00 through to end 2000-01. The telephone poll results supported Biotechnology Australia's strategic approach to information provision and communication and are used to finetune its communication approach to specific issues.

C. Research to measure the level of understanding of people in both Adelaide and regional centres in the central north of South Australia regarding issues associated with the proposed national repository for Australia's radioactive waste

(1) The Rehabilitation/ Radioactive Waste Management Section within the Coal and Mineral Industries Division of the Department has participated in public opinion research in relation to the proposed national repository for Australia's radioactive waste.

(2) The two research programs for the radioactive waste repository were carried out over the periods November 1999/January 2000 and June/July 2000. The principle purpose of the research was to measure the level of understanding of people in both Adelaide and regional centres in the central north of South Australia regarding issues associated with the proposed national repository for Australia's radioactive waste.

(3) No.

(4) (a) The research was carried out by McGregor Tan Research based in Adelaide.

(b) The research program used both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (telephone surveys) research.

(c) The two research programs for the radioactive waste repository were carried out over the periods November 1999/January 2000 and June/July 2000.

(5) Brown & Root Services Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (formerly Kinhill Pty Ltd) has been contracted by the Department to assist with the development and implementation of the community consultation program for the Government's National Radioactive Waste Repository Project.

Michels Warren Pty Ltd, an Adelaide based public relations firm, has been sub-contracted by Brown & Root Services Asia Pacific Pty Ltd to assist with the communications aspects of the program. McGregor Tan Research was commissioned by Michels Warren Pty Ltd to undertake the market research to assist the further development of the community consultation program on the basis of their expertise in this area.

(6) Results from the first and second research programs indicated that there was an increase in the spontaneous awareness of the proposed repository. Prompted awareness of the proposed repository site also increased.

(7) The Minister for Industry Science and Resources approved the proposed market research and authorised the proposed expenditure, following his consideration of a number of market research options put to him by the Department.

(8) The quoted cost for first research program (qualitative and quantitative) was $22,900. The quoted cost for the second research program was $15,950 (including GST). In both cases, the research was invoiced as quoted.

(9) The results of the research are being used to assist with the further development of the communications strategy, which forms part of the overall public consultation program for the national radioactive waste repository.

D. Research projects to (i) determine the level of awareness of intellectual property amongst business advisers and (ii) facilitate a review of the IP Australia website

(1) The agency, IP Australia, has participated in public opinion research in non-metropolitan areas. The research company was engaged by Corporate Strategy, Marketing Section.

(2) There were two separate research projects.

The first project was to determine the level of awareness of intellectual property amongst business advisers and had the following objectives:

To measure awareness within the business adviser group of intellectual property

To elicit key intellectual property needs of the target group.

To understand the best channels of delivery for IP Australia's intellectual property message.

The second research project was a review of the IP Australia website and had the following objectives:

To evaluate the IP Australia website versus comparative Government sites.

To determine interest in proposed new features on the IP Australia website.

To provide information on knowledge, attitudes and use of website amongst target markets.

To provide insight into difficulties towards the use of the IP Australia website.

To provide insight into methods of increasing the use of IP Australia's web-based services.

To provide information about appropriateness of current content and structure of the website.

To document the needs of potential users.

(3) No.

(4) (a) The company that completed both research projects was New Focus.

(b) The research methods used for the projects were:

- Business advisers: face to face interviews with a small number of telephone interviews.

- Internet evaluation: face to face testing with surveys.

(c) The expected timetables for the projects were:

- Business advisers: 6 weeks.

- Internet evaluation: 2 weeks.

(5) No.

(6) The results of the research projects were:

Business advisers: The study aimed to provide insight into the level of understanding various professional groups have of Intellectual property and how it relates to their business and that of their clients. The results clearly indicate that the level of understanding varies across business group, size of business and key client requirements. In the main results indicated that respondents believed they knew about intellectual property, but when probed their knowledge was limited and in some cases, incorrect.

Internet research: The research indicated that in that users of the IP Australia website were in general satisfied with the current services and content provided. Some suggestions were made as to how the website could be improved. These included simplifying the search capabilities and making it easier to access the links on the website.

(7) IP Australia requested this research be completed. Authorisation was given by Gary Kichenside, Marketing Director, IP Australia.

(8) The estimated costs for the research projects were:

- Business advisers: $25,000

- Internet evaluation: $25,000

The total costs for the research projects were:

- Business advisers: $25,000

- Internet evaluation: $23,000

(9) The results of both research projects will be used to better tailor IP Australia's marketing strategies and to develop future business services and solutions so that IP Australia can more effectively meet customer's needs.

E. Research to examine community perceptions of the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of international tourism

(1) In March 2000, a national telephone omnibus survey was conducted by the Australian Tourist Commission's (ATC) Market Research and focused on community perceptions of the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of international tourism.

The sample was representative of the Australian population aged 14 years and over. A total of n=1171 was achieved; 39% (n=457) from non-metropolitan regions and 61% from metropolitan regions (n=714). Non-metropolitan respondents included all people in Tasmania and those living outside capital cities, while metropolitan respondents included people living in any of the state or Territory capital cities (excluding Tasmania).

(2) The research was commissioned to gather information on community attitudes to international tourism in Australia and to examine the perceived effects of inbound tourism on Australia's natural environment and society. The ATC took this initiative pursuant to its statutory objectives, which included:

Increasing the number of visitors to Australia from overseas.

Maximising the benefits to Australia from overseas visitors.

In meeting those objects, to work with other relevant agencies to promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development set out in subsection 21 (3) of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997 and to seek to raise awareness of the social and cultural impacts of international tourism in Australia.

The research was designed to explore community attitudes to international tourism and to develop a framework to monitor attitudinal changes over time. The research was first conducted in May 1998, February 1999 and again in March 2000.

The specific objectives of the study were:

(1) To explore community attitudes to international tourism to Australia, focusing on perceptions of social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts.

(2) To explore community attitudes to the social, economic and environmental impacts of the 2000 Olympic Games.

(3) No.

(4) The research was conducted by Keys Young via a national, random telephone omnibus. Fieldwork occurred between March 15 and March 26, 2000. Within each household contacted, respondents were selected by a "last birthday" criterion to ensure a random sample. The sample was representative of the population in terms of age, gender and geographic location.

(5) Roy Morgan Research was sub-contracted to conduct the fieldwork.

(6) The key findings from the study included:

Overwhelmingly, respondents thought it was desirable to have international tourists visit Australia for a holiday, with 94% saying it was either `very desirable' or `fairly desirable'.

Nearly 1 in 2 (45%) of the population perceived international tourism to be Australia's top money earning industry - well ahead of metals and minerals (23%), coal (11%), wheat (9%) and wool (6%).

97% of respondents perceived some advantage that overseas tourism brought to Australia, with most mentioning economic benefits such as jobs.

71% of Australians perceived international tourism to be `very important' to the Australian economy.

When asked about the long-term effects of the Olympic Games on Australia as a whole, 17% spontaneously nominated an increase in tourism to Australia as a likely effect and 19% nominated economic benefits as a likely effect.

A majority of 78% of respondents agreed that the Government should spend money promoting Australia overseas as a tourist destination.

Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents disagreed that `international tourism has a negative impact on Australia's natural environment.'

57% could not identify a single disadvantage of international tourism or believed there were none.

83% disagreed that international tourism to Australia `has a damaging effect on Australia's Aboriginal cultures'.

(7) The research was commissioned and authorised by the Australian Tourist Commission.

The total cost of the research in 2000 was $AUD 38,145. This cost covered the pilot of the questionnaire, design of the coding frames, fieldwork, analysis, data processing, topline results, report and presentation. The cost of the original quote was also $AUD 38,145.

(8) The results will be used in performance evaluation work undertaken by the Australian Tourist Commission in relation to the achievement of its statutory objects. The results will also be used to raise the awareness of industry and the broader public about attitudes towards inbound tourism including desirability, impacts, perceived economic benefits and direction of promotional efforts.

F. Research to measure knowledge, opinions and expectations of CSIRO in metropolitan and regional areas

(1) CSIRO National Awareness has participated in public opinion research in relation to examining the expectations people hold of CSIRO.

(2) To assist in planning and targeting CSIRO communication activities and to survey expectations people hold of CSIRO. The objectives set out for the research company were to measure knowledge, opinions and expectations of CSIRO in metropolitan and regional areas.

(3) No.

(4) (a) Market Attitude Research Services Pty Ltd.

(b) Focus groups for general public; personal interviews for opinion leaders in industry, media, government, agriculture and agribusiness

(c) May-June 2000.

(5) No.

(6) A consistent list of views, opinions and expectations was collected. No significant differences were found between metropolitan and regional areas.

(7) Jenifer North, Senior Communicator, CSIRO National Awareness; Julian Cribb, Director, CSIRO National Awareness.

(8) The estimated and actual cost of the research was $25,000.

(9) Communication activities will be refined to meet expressed public needs (e.g. provide balanced information about gene technology research). Public and opinion leaders' expectations of CSIRO have been conveyed to CSIRO senior management to assist in planning activities.

G. Research to ascertain the attitudes and support needs of "grass root" physical activity delivery agencies

(1) The Participation Division, encompassing Active Australia programs (now part of the Sport Development Group) of the Australian Sports Commission, has participated in public opinion research.

(2) The purpose of the research was to ascertain the attitudes and support needs of "grass root" physical activity delivery agencies in relation to the target populations of women, juniors, people with a disability, Indigenous people, older adults and people from non-english speaking backgrounds.

The objective of the research was to utilise the information and feedback gathered via community consultation to assist future planning for the delivery of services by the Australian Sports Commission.

(3) No.

(4) (a) The research was carried out by Ms Sue Cormack, a consultant to the Australian Sports Commission.

(b) Twelve community forums were held in cooperation with local government councils.

(c) Research (consultative forums with the 12 communities) The first forum was held on 8 September 1999 and the last on 14 October. The information then had to be collated, analysed, followed up, additional information sought (demographics of each area) and made into a report. The first version of the report was received end of November 1999. A revised version was received end February 2000.

(5) No.

(6) A copy of the research is available from the Australian Sports Commission. The key results of the research include:

many groups in the community have little or no knowledge of the national resources and services available to assist them access sport and recreation;

the lack of effective communication through all levels of sport and recreation remains an age old problem which requires innovative solutions;

feedback from the forums has assisted in helping councils fine tune their future directions, as well as establishing better links with a wide range of organisations and groups within the community.

(7) The proposal for the project went to the Senior Management Committee of the Participation Division, Australian Sports Commission for approval and then to the Director of Participation for final approval.

(8) The project cost approximately $35,000. $12,000 for the research consultant, 12 x $500 payments to each local government to assist with cost of putting on the forums, approximately $13,000 for travel/accommodation/meals, and $4,000 for additional work the ASC requested the researcher to do, compilation of report, resources, mailing costs. The original quote from the researcher was $12,000.

(9) The results of the research will be used to assist the Australian Sports Commission with strategic planning and to assist in the development and implementation of programs, products and services designed to improve community access to sport and recreational opportunities.