Mind Your Business programme cost $69,000

THE PRIME Minister's two-part address to the nation in January entitled Mind Your Business cost just over $69,000, reported Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young.

He was responding to a question in the Senate.

He reported that Dass Entertainment Services was the production company that provided the equipment for the programme, which aired on the evenings of January 6 and 7, Advance Dynamics did the production and Berment Caterers provided meals. The procurement process was a sole select process.

"The total cost of production, which may shock those on the other side, was only $69,062.52 –ess than what was spent for food at certain events at the prime minister's residence under the previous administration by far."

Opposition Senator Wade Mark asked what was the rationale for sole select and Young replied simply, "Efficiency."

Young also provided a breakdown of the cost: $19,000 for Dass Entertainment; $36,000 for Advance Dynamics; and $14,062.52 for Berment Caterers.