Minister for Defence: Overseas Travel

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 18 March 2009:

With reference to the answer provided to questions on notice nos 812 and 813 (Senate Hansard, 10 March 2009, p. 142):

1. As the report referred to by the Minister in paragraph 2 of the answer to the above questions does not provide the detail originally asked for, can the following details be provided: (a) how many ministerial staff accompanied the Minister on each of these overseas visits; and (b) for accompanying ministerial staff, what was the total cost of: (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, and (iii) any other expenses.
2. In regard to Professor Scott Holmes accompanying the Minister on the Minister’s visit to Turkey and the Middle East between 22 and 30 April 2008: (a) what was the purpose of Professor Holmes accompanying the Minister; (b) what benefit was there to be gained from a Professor of Accounting and Finance accompanying the Minister; (c) who approved Professor Holmes attendance; and (d) how were the costs for Professor Holmes attendance met.

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

1. (a) and (b)  The Parliamentarians' Travel Paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation reports, which are tabled in the Parliament every six months, provide the summary information relevant to part (1) (a).
   
   In relation to part (1) (b), details are contained in the supporting documentation to the Tabling reports, which is available on request to the Special Minister of State.  Each Tabling report contains, in the introduction, a paragraph advising that the supporting information (which is too bulky to be tabled) is available on written request to the Office of the Special Minister of State.
2.  
   1. and b.  Professor Scott Holmes was a highly regarded part-time member of my electorate staff.  He approached me about travelling with me to Turkey for the Anzac Day commemorations on the basis of paying his own way.
   3. I did.  I approached the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force in relation to the question of the appropriateness of someone travelling with me to Turkey at their own expense.  They agreed that this would be appropriate, and I note that there are precedents for these arrangements which were set during the time of the previous Government.
   4. There was no additional cost involved.

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