Defence: Staffing

Senator Johnston asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 August 2009:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2009:

1. Was there a reduction in uniformed staffing numbers as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other savings measures in the army, navy or air force; if so, where and at what level.
2. What total net savings have been made in the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) ‘Provisional Savings and Costs’.
3. What savings have been made in the SRP ‘Provisional Savings and Costs – Gross SRP Stream Savings’ for: (a) information and communications technology (ICT); (b) inventory; (c) logistics; (d) non-equipment procurement; (e) reserves; (f) shared services; and (g) workforce.
4. What savings have been made in the SRP ‘Provisional Savings and Costs – SRP Stream Costs’ for: (a) ICT; (b) inventory; (c) smart maintenance; (d) logistic; (e) non-equipment procurement; (f) preparedness and personnel and operating cost (PPOC); (g) reserves; (h) shared services; (i) workforce; and (j) Mortimer implementation.
5. What savings have been made in the SRP ‘Provisional Savings and Costs – SRP Stream Net Savings’ for: (a) ICT; (b) inventory; (c) smart maintenance; (d) logistic; (e) non-equipment procurement; (f) PPOC; (g) reserves; (h) shared services; and (i) workforce.
6. What savings have been made in the SRP ‘Other Savings’ for the following areas: (a) zero based budgeting review; (b) minor capital program; (c) facilities program; (d) administrative; and (e) productivity.

Senator Faulkner - The answer to the honourable senator’s question is as follows:

1. There were no reductions to uniformed staffing numbers as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other savings measures in the Army, Navy or Air Force for the period specified.
2. , 3., 4., 5. and 6. Savings relating to the SRP were provisionally allocated in the 2009-10 Budget context.  In 2008-09, Defence embarked upon a program to implement internal efficiencies and economies to identify savings of up to $10 billion across 10 years, for reinvestment in higher priority activities.  In the Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-09, Defence identified savings and efficiencies in a range of non-operational areas totalling $477.6m (as detailed on page 22 and 23).  These savings were achieved.  The final savings achievement for 2008-09 will be published in the Defence Annual Report 2008-09, due to be tabled by the end of October 2009.
   
   The savings to be achieved over the decade to 2019-20 have been made publicly available through ‘The Strategic Reform Program Delivering Force 2030’ booklet.

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