Mr Robert asked the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, in writing, on 22 February 2010:

1. In respect of the Defence Indigenous Development Program in the 2009-10 budget and forward estimates (Department of Defence, Defence Portfolio Budget Statements, Canberra, page 96), (a) was the pilot course developed by the Army, through Norforce, and run in Katherine in 2009, (b) was the pilot course successfully completed; if so, what are the results of the assessment, (c) will the program be run by Norforce and commence in April 2010 in Katherine; if so, how many Indigenous people are enrolled; if not, by whom will it be run, and when and where will it commence, and (d) when and where will the 2011 program begin, and how many Indigenous people does he anticipate will enrol.
2. What is the breakdown of the $3.308 million budgeted for this program in 2009-10, including the total sum allocated to (a) Norforce, and (b) administration, and the balance remaining for (a) and (b) as at 22 February 2010.

Mr Griffin – The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

1. In respect of the Defence Indigenous Development Program in the 2009-10 budget and forward estimates (Department of Defence, Defence Portfolio Budget Statements, Canberra, page 96):
   1. Yes.
   2. Yes, with the following results:
      1. 20 trainees participated on the course and 10 trainees graduated on 16 December 2009.
      2. Five graduates achieved the Certificate II in General Education for Adults. The remaining five achieved Certificate I.
      3. All 10 graduates achieved the Certificate II in Rural Operations.
      4. Job placements were identified for the majority of the trainees prior to graduation.
   3. The program will be delivered on behalf of Army by NORFORCE, in 2010. Currently 29 trainees are undergoing an orientation program at the Katherine Rural College.
   4. It is intended that the 2011 programs will commence in April 2011 in Katherine and Cairns providing places for a similar number of trainees.
2. The $3.308 million budgeted for this program in 2009-10 was broken down by Defence’s Chief Financial Officer Group as follows:
   1. The total sum budgeted by Army for NORFORCE to run the pilot course was $1.187 million. This amount only includes the direct costs of the program. Defence did not track the specific cost of a range of support such as clothing and meals provided during the military training components of the course.
   2. The balance of funds allocated to Defence Groups for the ongoing delivery of the Army and Navy components of the program is $1.576 million. As at 22 February 2010 the notional balance is $0.657 million. Defence does not routinely track the specific costs of administrative support across the Groups.