Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

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

(1) & (2) Given the very broad nature of the question, attempting to answer this question would cause an unreasonable diversion of resources.

(3), (4) & (5) Annual Regulatory Plans are managed within the Department of Finance and Deregulation. Please see the response provided by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation to Senate question on notice 2469.

(6) This question does not apply to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. While the Department undertakes cost recovery where it identifies an overpayment, it does not have a cost recovery scheme in the context of this question.

The Australian War Memorial applies a cost recovery regime on activities that include Tours, Public & Education Programs, selected Function costs, staff consultancy, Collection loans and photo reproduction sales, where appropriate. Fees imposed are calculated by applying a cost recovery model that closely follows the Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines. Much of the cost recovery activity relates to invoicing for employee/agency salary & wages costs, with increase in fees reflecting increases in employee costs.