Senator Ridgeway asked the Minister representing the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, upon notice, on 28 February 2002:

(1) How much money has been allocated.

(2) How many households have received a rebate.

(3) What is the average rebate received by each household.

(4) What does the Government intend to do with any surplus funds.

(5) What promotional activities were undertaken by the Government to ensure Australian households were aware of this scheme and how to apply for the rebate.

(6) What costs were incurred as a result of these promotional activities.

Senator Minchin (Minister for Finance and Administration) —The Minister for Small Business and Tourism has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) $4.39 Million.

(2) 29 272 households used the program.

(3) $150.

(4) They will be allocated to other Government priorities.

(5) The following promotional activities were undertaken to ensure Australian households were aware of the scheme and how to apply:

· The Government authorised major travel agencies and tourism bodies to promote the Scheme as part of their existing promotional activities.

· The Scheme was directly promoted to licensed travel agents through the Australian Federation of Licensed Travel Agents (AFTA); and the Travel Compensation Fund.

· Application forms and guidelines were made available on the AusIndustry website. Links were established with See Australia, Australian Tourist Commission, Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources.

· An advertising campaign was developed featuring the Ernie Dingo “See Australia” message which included print advertising and radio:

· 10 advertisements across five major metropolitan dailies on 1 January and five Sunday papers on 13 January (a total of 15 placements); and

· 700 thirty second radio spots per day across 140 metro and regional stations between 18 and 30 January (a total of 9,000 spots).

· The Minister for Small Business and Tourism issued a media release on 7 December and undertook a number of media interviews between December and January promoting the Scheme.

(6) The cost to Government for these promotional activities was $305,000 (excluding staff costs).