Minister for Defence: Visit to Iraq

Senator Bishop asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 8 December 2004:

With reference to the Minister's visit to Iraq in December 2004:

1. When did planning for the visit begin.
2. (a) Did the original idea for the visit originate from the Minister's office, the department, or the Prime Minister's office; and (b) was the visit based on media or policy advice.
3. Were specific media representatives selected to accompany the Minister; if so, how were they selected.
4. (a) Which media representatives were selected; and (b) which opted to accept the invitation to accompany the Minister.
5. Besides media representatives: (a) who else accompanied the Minister; and (b) in which capacity did they accompany the Minister.
6. (a) What was the cost to the Commonwealth of the trip to Iraq; and (b) are there any costs to the Commonwealth which could be attributed to the contingent of media representatives who accompanied the Minister.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. Around 25 November 2004.
2.  
   1. The department proposed the Minister attend and address a conference held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain on Regional Security.
   2. The Minister desired to take the opportunity to visit Australian forces in Iraq.
3. and (4) No media representatives accompanied the Minister on this trip.
5.  
   1. and (b) The Minister was accompanied by three Australian Defence Force personnel, one departmental policy adviser and two personal staff.
6.  
   1. The final cost has not yet been confirmed.
   2. See answers to (3) and (4).

close