Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) No.

(2) (a) Six Blackberrys and two data cards have been provided by the Department. (b) For the period September 2010 to March 2011 the cost was $7,150.57 (incl GST) – cost is based on usage for the full month.

(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 of Finance and Deregulation tabled with the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, Government Personal Positions as at 1 October 2010.

(4) In the last week of the June 2011 sittings, the Special Minister of State will table Parliamentarians Travel Paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation for the period 1 July 2010 to 30 December 2010.

The costs of official travel by Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and accompanying staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 are largely paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. As such, with the exception of those costs listed below, the information sought will be tabled by the Special Minister of State in the last sitting week of June 2011 in his six-monthly report on Parliamentarians Travel Paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

As at 31 March 2011, the total cost of short-term transport (such as hire cars and taxis) was $10,113.47 (excl GST).

(5) The Special Minister of State will respond on behalf of other ministers.