Mr Robert asked the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, in writing, on 25 February 2010:

For the periods 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, and 1 July to 31 December 2009 (or by calendar year from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2009, if more appropriate), how many ARES training days were (a) funded, and (b) actually used, (i) in total, and (ii) by Army Reserve Unit.

Mr Combet - The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

1.  
   1. (a) and (b) (i)
      
      Army Reserves Training Days are not allocated to Units and instead Army Reserves Training Salaries are allocated.
      • 2004/05 financial year: the data is no longer readily available in the Defence reserve pay system.
      • 2005/06 financial year: $84.2 million was allocated and $77.4 million used to fund approximately 752 000 Army Reserves Training Days.
      • 2006/07 financial year: $90.1 million was allocated and $86 million used to fund approximately 759 000 Army Reserves Training Days.
      • 2007/08 financial year: $92.5 million was allocated and $100.7 million used to fund approximately 771 000 Army Reserves Training Days.
      • 2008/09 financial year: $116.1 million was allocated and $115.3 million used to fund approximately 806 000 Army Reserves Training Days.
      • 2009/10 financial year: the allocation is $125.1 million.  As at 31 December 2009, $65.6 million had been used to fund 403 000 Army Reserves Training Days.
   1. (a) and (b) (ii)
      
      Given that there are approximately 17 000 Army reservists spread across a substantial number of Army Reserve units both within and outside of the Army group, the unit level detail requested in the question is not readily available.  I am not prepared to authorise the commitment of resources required to provide a detailed response.

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