The expansion of the NT Government’s propaganda and PR wings is causing problems for the commercial Film and Television Association of the NT (FATANT) . The Association , with some 70 members, has complained to the government about the way commercial staff is lured away by government departments to carry out work which could and should be done by private enterprise.
The poaching of staff damages the capacity and running of already existing businesses . Private enterprise finds it hard to compete against the government’s capacity to offer higher salaries .
The poaching of staff damages the capacity and running of already existing businesses . Private enterprise finds it hard to compete against the government’s capacity to offer higher salaries .
Over the past year , at least four ministers, including the Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, have been made aware of the situation . Other ministers told of the problem were Marion Scrymgour, now an independent , Dr Burns , when he was the Health Minister, and Kon Vatskalis.
It is understood Dr Burns was surprised to learn that the NT Health Department has a section known as the Interactive Communications and Development Unit which has about $70,000 worth of equipment , including several video production suites , a camera , and a staff of five making it the second largest production house in the NT.
The Unit produces health related film and TV material which private enterprise believes should be tendered out in accordance with the Federal government’s intention to stimulate business.
Education has $30,000 worth of camera equipment sitting in a cupboard but currently no staff to operate it and other departments with growing production units include Primary Industry and Police . There is a belief in FATANT that money intended to be spent under the Federal government intervention to improve conditions in Aboriginal communities is being diverted into government departments to purchase more expensive equipment and to expand propaganda activities .
The Unit produces health related film and TV material which private enterprise believes should be tendered out in accordance with the Federal government’s intention to stimulate business.
Education has $30,000 worth of camera equipment sitting in a cupboard but currently no staff to operate it and other departments with growing production units include Primary Industry and Police . There is a belief in FATANT that money intended to be spent under the Federal government intervention to improve conditions in Aboriginal communities is being diverted into government departments to purchase more expensive equipment and to expand propaganda activities .
