Minister for Defence and Parliamentary Secretary: Hospitality

Senator Johnston asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 January 2010:

For the period 1 July to 30 September 2009:

1. (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.

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

1.  
   1. Defence: $0.407m (GST inclusive)
      
      This amount comprised:

      Representation Allowance paid to members stationed overseas     $0.135m
      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                  $0.272m
      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: $8,425 (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 July to 30 September 2009
      Minister for Defence	$     98.50
      Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science	Nil
      Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support	Nil
      Total	$      98.50

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