Defence: Hospitality

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

1. For the period 1 January to 30 June 2009: (a) what was the hospitality spend for each agency within the responsibility of the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary; and (b) for each hospitality event, can the following details be provided: (i) the date, (ii) the location, (iii) the purpose, and (iv) the cost.
2. (a) Can details be provided of the total hospitality spend for the office of the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary for the period 1 January to 30 June 2009.

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

1.  
   1.     Defence: $1,434,348 (GST inclusive)
      
      This amount comprised:

      Representation Allowance paid to members stationed overseas $744,603
      This expense related to Defence members required to represent the Defence Organisation at official events whilst on duty overseas.
      
      Other official entertainment costs incurred by Defence $689,745
      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.

      Defence Housing Australia: $8,537 (GST inclusive)
   2. The precise detail requested in the question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the commitment of resources required to provide a detailed response.
2.  
   1. The table below provides details against each office for their total hospitality spend, inclusive of GST:
      
      

   Office	Expenditure 1 January to 30 June 2009
   Minister for Defence	Nil
   Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science	Nil
   Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support	Nil
   Former Minister for Defence	$1,103.00
   Former Minister for Defence Science and Personnel	$1,022.20
   Former Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement	Nil
   Total	$2,125.20

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