Banking Reform Campaign - Phase 2 | Certification Statement

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I certify that the Banking Reform campaign complies with the Guidelines on Information and Advertising Campaigns by Australian Government Departments and Agencies (Guidelines). This certification takes into consideration the Report of the Independent Communications Committee, which indicates the Banking Reform campaign, in their view, complies with Principles 1 to 4 of the Guidelines, dated 15 November 2011. My certification has also been informed by advice and evidence of compliance with the Guidelines provided by officers within the Treasury with responsibility for the design, development and implementation of the Banking Reform campaign. I certify compliance with relevant legal and procurement matters relating to the presentation and delivery of the campaign (Principle 5 of the Guidelines). SIGNED David Gruen Acting Secretary The Treasury 16 November 2011 Note: CEO to check boxes below as appropriate.

Principle 1: Campaigns should be relevant to government responsibilities.
Image of a checkbox with a cross isideThe campaign relates to policies or programs underpinned by: legislative authority; or Image of a empty checkbox  appropriation of the Parliament; or Image of a empty checkbox  a Cabinet Decision which is intended to be implemented during the current Parliament. Suitable uses for government campaigns include: Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  To inform the public of new, existing or proposed government policies, or policy revisions; Image of a empty checkbox  To provide information on government programs or services or revisions to programs or                   services to which the public are entitled; Image of a empty checkbox  To disseminate scientific, medical or health and safety information; Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  To inform consideration of issues;  and Image of a empty checkbox  To provide information on the performance of government to facilitate accountability to the public.
Principle 2: Campaign materials should be presented in an objective, fair and accessible manner and be designed to meet the objectives of the campaign.
Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign materials enable the recipients of the information to distinguish between facts, comment, opinion and analysis. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Where campaign materials have presented materials as fact, those facts are accurate and verifiable. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside Campaign materials do not attempt to mislead the recipient about the situation with which any comparisons are made, and the basis for the comparison is stated explicitly. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Pre-existing policies, products, services and activities are not presented as new. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Special attention has been paid to communicating with any disadvantaged individuals identified as being within the target audience. Particular attention has been paid to people living in rural and remote areas, Indigenous audiences and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Imagery used in campaign materials reflects the diverse range of Australians.  The interests, lifestyles and contributions of women, Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities are realistically portrayed and their participation and contribution to Australian society is recognised. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign materials have been tested with target audiences to indicate they are engaging and perform well against the objectives of the campaign.
Principle 3: Campaign materials should be objective and not directed at promoting party political interests.
Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign materials are presented in objective language and are free of political argument. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign materials do not try to foster a positive impression of a particular political party or promote party political interests. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign materials:

  • do not mention the party in Government by name;
  • do not directly attack or scorn the views, policies or actions of others such as the policies and opinions of opposition parties or groups;
  • do not include party-political slogans or images;
  • have not been designed to influence public support for a political party, a candidate for election, a Minister or a Member of Parliament; and
  • do not refer or link to the websites of politicians or political parties.
Principle 4: Campaigns should be justified and undertaken in an efficient, effective and relevant manner.
Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  The campaign was instigated on the basis of a demonstrated need, target recipients are clearly identified and the campaign has been informed by appropriate research and/or evidence. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Campaign information clearly and directly affects the interests of recipients. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside The medium and volume of the advertising activities is cost effective and justifiable within the budget allocated to the campaign. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Distribution of unsolicited materials will be carefully controlled. Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  The campaign will be evaluated to determine effectiveness.
Principle 5: Campaigns must comply with legal requireme nts and procurement policies and procedures.
Image of a checkbox with a cross iside The manner of presentation and the delivery of the campaign complies with all relevant laws including:

  • laws with respect to broadcasting and media;
  • privacy laws;
  • intellectual property laws;
  • electoral laws;
  • trade practices and consumer protection laws; and
  • workplace relations laws.

Image of a checkbox with a cross iside  Procurement policies and procedures for the tendering and commissioning of services and the employment of consultants were followed and there is a clear audit trail regarding decision making.