Australian Industrial Development Center Facebook account page (Pioneer Sun Photo)
Australia`s government division spent A $ two hundred and fifty thousand to create a social networking site Facebook page, earning only 41 likes on the day it went online, sparking controversy.
According to the Pioneer Sun, (Department of Industry) in November hired Porter Novelli, a PR firm, to co-ordinate the creation of the (Industry Growth Centres) Facebook account page of the Industrial Development Center at a cost of up to A $246839.
The creation of the Facebook account page at the Industrial Development Center took a full four months until the day after the Senate Assessment Committee (Senate Estimates) questioned the progress of the work. Only 41 likes were received on the first day of the online account.
The Australian Federal government set aside A $200 million in 2014 to create an industrial development centre aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Australia`s export sector. The Industrial Development Center covers six sectors: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, food and agriculture, medical technology and pharmaceuticals, mining equipment, technology and services, oil, natural gas and energy. Each center is an independent non-profit enterprise.
Porter Novelli`s job is to discuss with the marketing managers of the six centers to ensure that the centers agree on the content of the social networking site pages and avoid "unfair" situations.
Lawrence (David Lawrence), director of decision-making at the Development Center, responded that, Porter Novelli`s work was not just to "create Facebook pages," but also to develop media, advertising and editorial strategies.
In addition, Australia`s Industry Department has spent A $80, 000 to engage consultants and stakeholders.
Carl (Kim Carr), a spokesman for the Opposition party`s industry department, said the spending was a waste of money and did not understand why public officials could not do the job.
