33/2009
12 June 2009
Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation today announced the reappointment of Universal McCann as the Master Media Agency for the planning and placement of Campaign Advertising for the Australian Government.
Universal McCann has been awarded the new contract for an initial term of three years beginning 1 July 2009. This follows a competitive open tender process by the Department of Finance and Deregulation overseen by Blake Dawson as probity adviser.
All departments and agencies covered by the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 are currently required to plan and place their campaign advertising through Universal McCann, and this will continue with the new contractual arrangements coming into effect on 1 July 2009.
Campaign advertising explains government policies, programs and services to the public and informs them of their rights, entitlements and obligations. Campaign advertising may also encourage consideration of issues related to scientific, health or safety information, for example, the Smartraveller campaign provides information to assist Australians to travel overseas safely.
Lindsay Tanner said: “In the ever changing media environment, the Australian Government needs access to the most up-to-date media advice and highly competitive media rates.
“The Australian Government has two master media agency contracts in place to deliver the best media outcomes for departments and agencies undertaking advertising campaigns.
“Last month I announced the appointment of Adcorp Australia Ltd as the new master media agency for the planning and placement of Non-Campaign Advertising for the Australian Government and today I am pleased to announce that following a competitive open tender process, Universal McCann has been reappointed as the master media agency for Campaign Advertising.
“This new contract with Universal McCann ensures we have an agency in place that can provide cost-effective campaign advertising services that will result in the Australian Government and the taxpayer getting the best overall value for money.”
Lindsay Tanner also highlighted the Rudd Government’s significant savings in advertising expenditure across government.
“In 2007 under the Howard Government, expenditure on campaign advertising was $254 million. In 2008, the amount spent was $86.6 million; a saving of close to $170 million,” Lindsay Tanner said.
The Rudd Government’s advertising reforms also include improvements in the transparency and accountability of government advertising expenditure. In March this year, the inaugural Report on Campaign Advertising by Government Agencies and Departments was released providing details on government campaign advertising expenditure for government departments and agencies.
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| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Minister Tanner’s Office - Nardia Dazkiw - 0418 144 690 | www.financeminister.gov.au |
| Universal McCann - Henry Tajer - 02 9994 4245 |
