Minister for Defence: Community Cabinet Meetings

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

In the period 1 October to 31 December 2008:

1. What was the cost of the travel and expenses for the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary for Community Cabinet meetings.
2. (a) How many ministerial staff and departmental officers travelled with the Minister for these Cabinet meetings; and (b) what was the total cost of this travel.

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

1. Minister for Defence: $2,015.22.  There were no relevant costs for the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, as the Minister did not attend any Community Cabinet meetings during this period.
   
   Advice from the Department of Finance and Deregulation is that the above figures include airfares and Travelling Allowance (including Motor Vehicle Allowance) claims.  They do not include travel by taxis (due to the difficulties determining exact destinations using the electronic information as provided by Cabcharge) or travel on Special Purpose Aircraft.
2.  
   1. The Department of Finance and Deregulation advises that four ministerial staff accompanied the Minister for Defence across two Community Cabinet meetings.  One departmental officer accompanied the Minister for two Community Cabinet meetings.
   2. The Department of Finance and Deregulation advises that the cost of travel for ministerial staff was $4,036.22. The cost of travel for the departmental officer was $1,183.10.

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