Government advertising 2012-13

This audit reviews two advertising campaigns by government agencies in New South Wales and finds that they complied with the relevant laws.ConclusionWe assessed the activities of the two agencies in relation to their government advertising campaigns in 2012-13 and tested compliance by tracking a campaign through from development to dissemination.The Cancer Institute NSW has carried out its activities in relation to the Break the Chain advertising campaign effectively and has done so economically and efficiently. It has complied with the requirements of the Act, the regulations, other laws and the government advertising guidelines.Rail Corporation NSW has carried out its activities in relation to the Fixing the Trains recruitment advertising campaign effectively and has done so economically and efficiently. It has complied with the requirements of the Act, the regulations, other laws and the government advertising guidelines.Neither of the two advertising campaigns we reviewed breached section 6 of the Act, which prohibits political advertising. That is, neither campaign:was designed to influence (directly or indirectly) support for a political party contained the name, or gave prominence to the voice or any image, of a Minister, any other member of Parliament or a candidate nominated for election to Parliament contained the name, logo or any slogan of, or any other reference relating to, a political party. The government advertising requirements were published by DPC at the same time the Act commenced on 5 October 2012.However, some advice and information to agencies was inconsistent and some supporting material had not been updated.It is important that this information is up to date and consistent to ensure compliance. DPC has revised the handbook and updated all supporting material