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Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Page: 7105

Attorney-General

(Question No. 1038)

Senator Abetz asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 29 August 2011:

Has the department contracted the services of Gfk Blue Moon Research for market research; if so:

(a) what is the market research on;

(b) what is the brief for the market research;

(c) why were the services acquired by a 'select' procurement method and who authorised this;

(d) who suggested the company;

(e) why was this company chosen; and

(f) what will be the cost of this market research.

Senator Ludwig: The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(a) The Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Branch in the Attorney-General's Department has commissioned independent market research to benchmark current awareness and attitudes among the Australian public about violent extremism, and to build understanding of how key audiences are likely to respond to communication activities. Countering violent extremism is a complex issue and a sensitive topic for many communities. This research will inform and provide strategic guidance to CVE communication activities, programs and initiatives.

(b) The market research brief sought developmental and benchmarking research to inform the communication activities for the Department's CVE Program.

(c) In keeping with government policy and requirements under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act), a shortlist of suppliers was identified from the Australian Government's Communications Multi Use List (CMUL) and invited to tender. This select tendering method was authorised by the First Assistant Secretary of the National Security Law and Policy Division.

(d) Six market research companies were invited to submit proposals. These companies were recommended by the Communications Advice Branch, Department of Finance and Deregulation, from their Communications Multiuse List database of suppliers to identify a list of market research companies that have the requisite skills and experience to undertake the research.

(e) Of the six companies recommended by the Department of Finance and Deregulation, five companies submitted proposals and GfK Blue Moon was selected following a detailed assessment process. The proposals were assessed against the criteria of: understanding of the tender brief; research methodology; project plan; skills, experience and qualifications; and value for money. The Communications Advice Branch in Finance was also represented on the assessment panel.

(f) The expected cost of the research, including developmental research, benchmarking and concept testing is $294,363 excluding GST.