HMAS Sydney II

Mr Melham asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 8 September 2009:

In respect of the Commission of Inquiry into the loss of HMAS Sydney II: what was the (a) total cost, (b) sum of fees or remuneration paid to (i) the Hon Terence R H Cole AO, and (ii) Counsel assisting Commander John Rush QC, (c) cost of other staff related expenses, (d) cost of (i) overseas, and (ii) domestic, travel and accommodation, (e) cost of studies and investigations undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, (f) cost of archival research, and (g) cost of all other administrative expenses.

Mr Combet - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

The report into the loss of HMAS Sydney II was publicly released on 12 August 2009 by the Minister for Defence. Appendix D to the report (available at www.defence.gov.au/sydneyii) outlines the costs associated with the Commission of Inquiry to the end of the 2008/2009 financial year. Since this time the Commission of Inquiry has expended further funds in concluding the Inquiry and updated figures, in response to Mr Melham’s question, are as follows:

1. The total cost of the Commission of Inquiry to 15 September 2009 was $7,290,741.
2. Legal fees paid included:
   1. $887,234 to the Hon Terence R H Cole AO RFD QC.
   2. $647,716 to Senior Counsel, Commander John Rush RFD QC.
3. Other staff related expenses were $2,839,993 paid for the services of professional service providers, contractors and consultants; and $1,663,171 for remaining legal fees.
4. Travel costs were:
   1. $100,731 for overseas travel.
   2. $232,662 for domestic travel and accommodation.
5. The cost of studies and investigations undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation was $11,597.
6. The cost of archival research was $61,036.
7. The cost of all other administrative expenses including stationery, books, postage, and IT consumables was $43,210.

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