Government Advertising

In reply to Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (28 July 2015). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier): I have been advised:

MEC (Mediaedge:cia Pty Ltd) is a specialist strategy, planning and buying media agency based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. We deal with the business based in Adelaide.

Value for money remains the prime consideration in evaluating tender bids for South Australian government contracts. However, when assessing value for money, the broader impact of the contract to South Australia on a whole-of-life basis, including the benefits to local industry, are also considered. Therefore, an Industry Participation Policy (IPP) Plan, completed by all tenderers, was a weighted evaluation criterion in the procurement's evaluation process.

Previously, the provision of media strategy, planning and buying was delivered by two specialist media agencies. MEC was one of these agencies. MEC now has complete responsibility for the provision of all these specialist media services. Although it does have a subcontracting arrangement with another firm, it is MEC with whom the government executed a single contract.