Government Advertising

In reply to various members. (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): I have been advised:

Department for Infrastructure and Transport

At 30 June 2020, 11 FTEs were allocated to communication functions at a cost of $1.058 million for the 2019-20 financial year. In 2020-21 the Communications Directorate will have 20 FTEs as a result of the realignment into the directorate of three current FTEs and addition of six new FTEs. The realignment includes the integration of existing road safety partnerships roles, internal communications and market research.

The new roles will focus on improved engagement and digital communications and will support the expanded investing program for the Department. It is estimated that the cost for the 20 FTEs will be circa $2.188 million. The number of FTE's for the financial periods 2022-23 and 2023-24 will be determined as part of the budget setting process in those years.

For 2019-20 the cost of advertising across all mediums was circa $0.683 million. Similar level of expenditure and corresponding budget allocation is estimated for 2020-21. Consistent with the Government's Marketing Communication Guidelines, all marketing initiatives over the cost of $50,000 and considered appropriate for public release are disclosed on the DPC's website.

Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing

1.0 FTE was employed to provide communication and promotion activities in 2019-20. The annual salary and total employment cost will not be released as it is considered an unreasonable disclosure of personal affairs.

The table below outlines the budgeted FTEs and estimated employment costs for staff engaged to provide communication and promotion activities:

The total cost of government-paid advertising, including campaigns, across all mediums in 2019-20 was $9k. The budgeted cost for 2020-21 is $13k.