They say the pen is mightier than the sword. This sentiment might have resonated with the bureaucrats at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), a statutory agency within the Department of Social Services.They seemed so taken with this idea that they ordered 20,000 pens.
But these weren’t just any pens. The AIFS decided to splurge$14,580 on special branded pens, deviating from their usual cost-control measures.
A freedom of information request lodged by Opposition waste spokesman, James Stevens, revealed that Dynamic Gift Promotions (DGP) was awarded the contract. DGP was described as “a reliable supplier with quality products,” and their previously supplied “Dynamic Wave 10 Interviewer Lanyards”were well-received by AIFS staff.
The agency had a significant milestone to celebrate: 20years of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, which examines the impact of children’s social, economic, and cultural environments on their wellbeing. A worthy cause, no doubt. But was it worthy of 20,000 full-colour, two-sided printed twist eco pens? That’s up for debate.
We’ll spare you a photo, but let’s just say the muted ecru pebbling design is rather hideous.
