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Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Page: 2771

Australia Network

(Question No. 543)

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 25 March 2011:

(1)   What is the target audience for the Australia Network, and was it determined by market research; if so, is this research publicly available.

(2)   Has the department undertaken any studies to determine whether the Australia Network is reaching the determined target audience; if so: (a) when were the studies undertaken; and (b) what were the results.

(3)   Did the department undertake a study of the Australia Network's effectiveness before the Government announced that it would put out to tender a new 10 year contract.

(4)   Does the department consider that television remains the best medium for reaching the determined target audience; if so, why.

Senator Conroy: The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

In the period since Senator Johnston submitted Question on Notice 543 on 25 March 2011, the Government terminated the Australia Network tender process and instituted an investigation by the Australian Federal Police due to leaks of confidential information. The Auditor-General has also decided to conduct a performance audit of the administration of the Australia Network tender processes. As the Questions on Notice go to matters being considered by the Australian Federal Police and Australian National Audit Office, it would not be appropriate to comment.