Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

The Special Minister of State has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) No.

(2) (a) 18, comprising 8 Blackberries, two mobile phones and eight Next G cards. (b) $10,593.16. This figure relates to costs incurred between 14 September 2010 and 29 November 2010.

(3)The employment of staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 is administered by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. On 19 October 2010, the Department tabled with the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee a list of Government Personal Staff Positions as at 1 October 2010.

(4) The cost of official travel for Parliamentarians paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation is reported bi-annually. Travel costs for the period 1 July to 31 December 2010 will be tabled by the Special Minister of State in the last sitting week of June 2011.

In addition, between 14 September 2010 and 29 November 2010, the total cost of short-term transport (such as hire cars and taxis) was $3,228.23. Similar costs incurred by Departments on behalf of their Portfolio Ministers should be reported separately by each Department.

(5 )A table outlining the cost of travel paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation for the staff of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries is at Attachment A. It should be noted that Departments may have incurred additional staff travel costs directly, and if so, these costs will be reported separately by each Department.

Attachment A

Cost of travel paid for by the Department of Finance and Deregulation for employees of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries for the period 14 September to 29 November 2010

The figures in the above table reflect the cost of travel, including domestic and overseas airfares, car transport and Travelling and Motor Vehicle Allowances for all employees of each Minister or Parliamentary Secretary employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) ACT), and includes both personal and electorate employees. The figures do not include travel on Special Purpose Aircraft which is administered by the Department of Defence.

As employees are able to lodge claims for Travelling Allowance up to 60 days after completion of the relevant travel, and allowing time for ticket charges and refunds, the total cost of travel may not be reflected in the table above. However, the information provided is correct as at 8 December 2010.

* Role ceased on 14 September 2010 when the new Ministry was sworn in. Please note that a Direction made under the MOP(S) Act defers the termination of staff for a period of two weeks after an Office Holder ceases to hold office. Staff are eligible for limited official travel at Government expense during this period.