Australian Government - Royal Australian Mint

Annual Report 2006-07

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Museum, Gallery and Visitor Services

There were approximately 187,000 visitors to the public gallery in the year 2006-07. This number has decreased from previous years as a result of the commencement of refurbishment works and the subsequent closure of the factory viewing gallery.

Although the visitor experience is currently restricted, visitors continue to be entertained and educated via an upgraded video and a temporary exhibit ‘Treasures of the National Coin Collection’. The Mint shop and the 'Mint your own' press also remain open to visitors.

The provision of museum services is being reviewed with a view to providing a higher level of service to collectors and the public. A valuation undertaken during the year by the Australian Valuation Office placed the overall value of the collection at $11.4 million.

The provision of museum, gallery and visitor services is designated as a Community Service Obligation (CSO) and is currently funded from seigniorage using a model approved by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer in 2003. In the financial year 2006-07, a net payment of $90,000 (after deduction of off set income) was applied to the CSO function.

Funding of the CSO function will be reviewed in the coming year to take account of increased rents following the refurbishment and the potential for increased patronage and the need to continue to meet public expectations on the role of the Mint as a national institution.