Defence: Special Purpose Flights

Mr Melham asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 7 December 2004:

1. On what basis did the Department of Defence calculate the flight costs listed in the Schedules of Special Purpose Flights for January-June 2003 and July-December 2003.
2. What specific costs incurred by the (a) Department of Defence, and (b) Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) are included in the flight costs listed in the Schedules.
3. What costs incurred by the (a) Department of Defence, and (b) RAAF arising from Special Purpose Flight operations are not included in the figures published in the Schedules.

Mrs Kelly - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

1. Flight costs are calculated on an additional cost basis, and exclude the fixed costs of ownership.
2. (a) and (b) The specific flights costs listed in the Schedule (that is, the additional cost rate) include fuel, lubricants, catering, No 34 Squadron travel, port and ground handling charges, landing fees, aircraft guarding, navigation charges, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and quarantine charges, mobile phones and satellite communications, and other minor equipment and stores costs.
3. (a) and (b) Costs incurred include the lease, maintenance and support contracts, insurance, facilities/infrastructure, and personnel salaries, but are excluded from the published additional cost rate as these are fixed costs, and are not dependent on aircraft usage.

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