Defence: Hospitality

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 February 2009:

1. For each agency within the responsibility of the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary, in the period 1 October to 31 December 2008: (a) what was the department’s hospitality spend; and (b) for each departmental hospitality event, can the following details be provided: (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) purpose, and (iv) cost.
2. (a) For the office of the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary, what was the total hospitality spend in the period 1 October to 31 December 2008; and (b) for each hospitality event in the office, can the following details be provided: (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) purpose, and (iv) cost.

Senator Faulkner - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

1.  
   1. Defence: $603,008, inclusive of GST.
      
      This amount comprised:
      
      

      Representation allowances paid to members stationed overseas This expense related to Defence members required to represent the Defence organisation at official events while on duty overseas.	$400,553
      Other official entertainment costs incurred by Defence This expense includes dinners for official visitors from overseas and refreshment costs for events that marked significant achievements and involved attendance by people external to Defence	$202,455

      
      Defence Housing Australia: $24,820, exclusive of GST.
   2. Defence’s financial systems do not include the detailed breakdown requested.  However, Defence’s Chief Executive Instruction on official hospitality requires written records of attendees, venue, delegate’s approval and final costs to be kept.  These records are maintained on individual files across Defence Groups and the Services.  To collate information manually solely for the purpose of answering this question would be a major task and I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure and effort that would be required.
2.  
   1. Minister for Defence: $3,027.28 inclusive of GST.
      Minister for Defence Science and Personnel: $655.30 inclusive of GST.
   2. Minister for Defence:
      1. 27 October 2008.
      2. Hyatt Regency, Perth.
      3. Meeting with key Defence Industry leaders.
      4. $259.55.
      1. 1 December 2008.
      2. Parliament House, Canberra.
      3. 34 Squadron ‘thank you’ function.
      4. $2767.73.
      
      Minister for Defence Science and Personnel:
      
      1. 20 October 2008.
      2. Portia’s Place, Kingston.
      3. Working dinner with Chief Defence Scientist.
      4. $73.40.
      1. 5 November 2008.
      2. Portia’s Place, Kingston.
      3. Working dinner with Defence officials.
      4. $96.40.
      1. 27 November 2008.
      2. Parliament House, Canberra.
      3. Official launch of ADF Families Program.
      4. $305.00.
      1. 2 December 2008.
      2. Parliament House, Canberra.
      3. Official dinner for Chief of Army and Chief of Navy.
      4. $180.50.

close