WRITTEN QUESTIONS
8th Assembly
21/10/1998
63. Statehood Referendum
Mrs. HICKEY to for Chief Minister
QUESTIONStatehood Referendum
Provide details of all expenditure on the statehood referendum conducted on 3 October 1998. This includes the expenditure associated with public opinion polling, publicity, marketing and public education. The details should include the name of the person or body providing the goods or service to government.
On what terms did the Northern Territory Electoral Office contract with the Australian Electoral Commission to conduct the statehood referendum.
ANSWERAnswered on 31/05/99
1. The total cost of the Statehood Referendum as at 7 April 1999 is $1,057,976.02. The personnel costs of the Department of the Chief Minister’s public servants involved with the Referendum are not directly attributable and have not been incorporated in the above total cost.
See attached schedule for details of expenditure on the Statehood Referendum. Expenditure was classified in accordance with the Treasurer’s Directions.
2. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) conducted the referendum on behalf of the Northern Territory Electoral Office under legislative provisions of the Referendums Act and administrative order issued by the Administrator.
The contract was a commercial agreement which determined the AEC would provide services at cost and only additional services incurred by the AEC to conduct the referendum (over and above the Federal election) would be charged.
SUMMARY - 1998 STATEHOOD REFERENDUM
Public Information Campaign (Policy Unit) $824,746.48
Conduct of Referendum (NT Electoral Office) $233,229.54
TOTAL STATEHOOD REFERENDUM $1,057,976.02