33/2009
3 September 2009
The Australian Government will authorise all signage associated with the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.
Successive Australian Governments have required projects funded by the Commonwealth to carry signage for the life of the project.
This signage usually provides details of the project and its funding sources.
Under conventions followed by successive governments this signage has not usually carried an authorisation statement.
Advice received from the Australian Electoral Commission suggests authorisation of the Nation Building signs may be necessary for some signs under the provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
In light of the impending Bradfield by-election and out of an abundance of caution an authorisation will be affixed to the signs already in place. Future signs will be produced with the requisite authorisation.
Additionally, the Government will ensure these signs are not displayed within six metres of the entrance to a polling booth on the day of a Federal election or by-election.
Advice received by the Government suggests authorisation requirements may extend to material associated with the ordinary activities of government not previously thought to require authorisation. This material may include:
So as to remove doubt, the Government will ask the Department of Finance and Deregulation to review the Commonwealth’s current authorisation policy.
The Australian Government will write to States, Territories and Local Government to advise that they may also need to assess their authorisation policies for publications, signage, posters and notices.| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7600 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |