Defence: Strategic Reform Program...: 22 Aug 2011: Senate debates (OpenAustralia.org)

Senate debates

Monday, 22 August 2011

Questions on Notice

Defence: Strategic Reform Program (Question No. 742)

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, what specific savings have been made in the Strategic Reform Program 'Other Savings' for the following areas:

(a) zero based budgeting review;

(b) minor capital program;

(d) administrative; and

(e) productivity.

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

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

Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings are tracked, reported and managed on a stream-by-stream basis, they are not broken up by sub-category of productivity, one-offs or other descriptors. The Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings achieved per reform stream in the 2010-11 financial year are still being finalised. The Department will publish the stream cost reductions achieved under SRP in the Defence Annual Report which is expected to be released in late 2011.

Defence: Strategic Reform Program

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications':

(1) As at 30 June 2011, how many uniformed personnel, full-time and part-time, were employed.

(2) As at 1 January and 30 June 2011, how many uniformed personnel were employed on the projects.

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

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

As at 30 June 2011, there were 58,995 full-time and part-time permanent uniformed personnel employed. This number, like the workforce data detailed in Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen, reflects full-time equivalent average numbers, known as Average Funded Strength (AFS) for military personnel. Using the AFS approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.

The Government provisioned an additional 1,201 full-time equivalent uniformed personnel for

2010-11 under the White Paper, as reflected in the Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen.

This workforce has been allocated to the Services to implement a range of White Paper initiatives including the Defence Capability Plan. The breakdown by Service is Navy: 566, Army: 392, and Air Force: 243.

These personnel ranged from sailors, soldiers and airmen/women to senior officers on an as needed basis according to the particular White Paper projects and initiatives being actioned, including through the Strategic Reform Program.

Because of the breadth and depth of the White Paper initiatives, the number of personnel varied throughout the specified period and it is not possible to provide a specific total referenced to each White Paper project.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Military Workforce':

(1) As at 30 June 2011, how many civilian personnel, full-time and part-time, were employed in implementing the White Paper initiatives.

(2) As at 1 January and 30 June 2011:

(a) how many civilian personnel were employed; and

(b) in what programs.

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

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

(1) and (2) (a)-(b) The Government provisioned an additional 1,332 civilian personnel (in Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation, including Australian Public Service staff and contractors) for 2010-11 under the White Paper, as reflected in the publication The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen. This provision applied on both 1 January and 30 June 2011.

The workforce data detailed in The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers. Using the full-time equivalent (FTE) approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.

This workforce has been allocated across all Defence Groups to implement a range of White Paper initiatives including the Defence Capability Plan.

These Australian Public Service personnel ranged from junior to senior officers on an as needed basis according to the particular White Paper initiatives being actioned.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Military Workforce': For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, how many uniformed personnel, including full-time and part-time, were employed in implementing the White Paper initiatives.

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

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

The Government provisioned an additional 1,201 full-time equivalent permanent uniformed personnel for 2010-11 under the White Paper, as reflected in the publication Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen.

The workforce data detailed in Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers, known as Average Funded Strength (AFS) for military personnel. Using the AFS approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.

These personnel ranged from junior to senior officers on an as needed basis according to the particular White Paper initiatives being actioned, including through the SRP.

In relation to the overall military workforce, over the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, the Defence military workforce decreased marginally from 59,019 full-time equivalent average uniformed personnel to 58,995, and the overall average for the 2010-11 financial year was 59,084.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Military Workforce': As at 30 June 2011, what increase or reduction has there been in civilian personnel employed, full-time and part-time, in the Department and in the Defence Materiel Organisation since 1 July 2008.

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

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

The workforce data detailed in the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications' are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers for each financial year.

On 30 July 2008 Defence (including DMO) employed 20,439 full-time equivalent average Australian Public Service (APS) personnel and approximately 704 contractors (noting that contractor reporting mechanisms were not mature in July 2008). As at 30 June 2011, Defence (including DMO) was employing 21,263 full-time equivalent average APS personnel and 552 contractors.

This represents an increase in APS personnel of +824 (+4.0%), and a reduction in contractors of approximately -152 (-21.6%) since 1 July 2008. Of these overall changes, the APS increase in Defence was +485 (+3.2%) while in DMO it was +339 (+6.2%). The number of contractors in Defence increased by +37 (+7.4%) while in DMO they reduced by -189 (-91.7%).

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Civilian Workforce': For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, how many personnel, including full-time and part-time, were employed as Australian Public Service staff or contractors.

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

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

Over the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, the Defence civilian workforce increased from 20,616 full-time equivalent average APS personnel and 425 contractors, to 21,263 full-time equivalent average APS personnel and 552 contractors. The overall averages for the 2010-11 financial year were 20,648 APS and 605 contractors.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Civilian Workforce': For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, how many Australian Public Service staff or contractors, including full-time and part-time, were employed on White Paper/SRP initiatives.

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

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

The Government provisioned an additional 1,332 civilian personnel (in Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation, including Australian Public Service staff and contractors) for 2010-11 under the White Paper, as reflected in the publication The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen.

When staff savings resulting from the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) are accounted for, the net White Paper/SRP total reflected in The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen reduces to 1,187. Increases in the targets for efficiency savings since publication mean that the net White Paper/SRP civilian staffing total for 2010-11 was 938.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Civilian Workforce': As at 30 June 2011, what increase or reduction has there been in full-time and part-time Australian Public Service staff or contractors employed since 1 July 2008.

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

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

On 30 July 2008 Defence employed 20,439 full-time equivalent average Australian Public Service (APS) personnel and approximately 704 contractors (noting that contractor reporting mechanisms were not mature in July 2008). As at 30 June 2011, Defence was employing 21,263 full-time equivalent average APS personnel and 552 contractors.

This represents an increase in APS personnel of +824 (+4.0%), and a reduction in contractors of approximately -152 (-21.6%) since 1 July 2008.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(1) Which submarines in the Royal Australian Navy fleet were fully operational ready for tasking with a full crew complement and capable of completing Unit Ready Days and Tasking Ready Days.

(2) How many actual sea going fully operational days were achieved by each submarine.

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

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question

(1) The following submarines were in their operating cycles during the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

HMAS Waller was in its operating cycle throughout the period.

HMAS Dechaineux was in its operating cycle throughout the period.

The term 'Tasking Ready Days' is not used by the Royal Australian Navy. 'Unit Ready Days' are the days a submarine is available for tasking.

(2) Details of the operational activities of submarines are not disclosed in public for reasons of operational and national security. Navy's achievement of unit ready days will be reported in the Defence Annual Report 2010/11. Defence's offer of a private briefing on these matters remains.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011: (a) how many fully qualified personnel are 'Dolphin Qualified' and permanently employed in the Royal Australian Navy to operate submarines; and (b) how many 'Dolphin Qualified' personnel were tasked with other duties and what were these duties.

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

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

(a) 561.

(b) 79 qualified personnel were employed in broader Navy or Australian Defence Force positions in maintenance, operations and logistics support, project management, capability development, and senior staff officer roles.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, how many personnel fully completed training courses and became 'Dolphin Qualified' and eligible to serve on submarines.

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

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

Twenty two personnel completed training and became submarine qualified during the period 1 January to 30 June 2011.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, how many personnel completed training courses and became 'Perisher Qualified' and eligible to command a submarine.

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

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

No personnel completed the Submarine Command Course during this period.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

As at 30 June 2011, how many Royal Australian Navy personnel are 'Perisher Qualified' and eligible to command a submarine.

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

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

As at 30 June 2011, 16 Royal Australian Navy officers of the ranks Lieutenant Commander and Commander were 'Perisher Qualified' and eligible to command a submarine.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, which submarines were undergoing maintenance/refit programs and for what length of time.

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

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

The following submarines were undergoing maintenance/refit programs over the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(i) HMAS Collins – was conducting Certification Extension Docking maintenance throughout.

(ii) HMAS Farncomb – conducted Intermediate Docking maintenance and unscheduled maintenance until late June 2011.

(iii) HMAS Dechaineux – conducted 11 weeks of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance during its operating cycle.

(iv) HMAS Sheean – was in Full Cycle Docking throughout.

(v) HMAS Rankin – was in Full Cycle Docking throughout.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

Given that video communications are integrated into robots, soldiers and unmanned aerial vehicles, network-centric warfare is becoming the organising principle of war fighting, and frontline demands for bandwidth are rising at a rapid rate, for the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, what did the Australian Defence Force do and how much did it spend on:

(1) establishing a network centric-warfare capability; and

(2) addressing the issue of increased bandwidth?

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

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

Network Centric Warfare Capability Policy and Plans

(1) A similar question has previously been asked under Senate Question on Notice No. 484 for the period 1 July to 31 December 2010 and a response was provided. The response to this question provides updated information for the requested period of 1 January to 30 June 2011 and should be read in conjunction with the response to Senate Question on Notice No. 484. Defence was engaged in the following network centric warfare activities from 1 January to 30 June 2011.

(a) Specialist Communications Modernisation Program—Land

During the subject period,a market survey was conducted to obtain better cost and schedule fidelity and make available to industry key capability definition documents. The Request For Tender was released on 02 June 2011 (closing date is 26 August 2011). During the period Defence has also developed plans to install WAN optimisation devices on the deployed networks to manage application specific bandwidth requirements. Defence has expanded the initial operating capability of the networked maritime units milestone through the installation of Link 16 on the ANZAC class Frigates.

(b ) Navy Information Warfare Master Plan

Navy is finalising development of the Navy Information Warfare Master Plan.

Network Centric Capability and Increased Bandwidth

(2) On the matter of increasing bandwidth, Defence was engaged in the following activities from 1 January to 30 June 2011.

(a) Link 16 capabilities

Defence has maintained an initial operating capability of the networked maritime units milestone through evolution of the Link 16 capabilities installed in the Adelaide Class Frigates. The improvement of knowledge through this technology, which will be installed into the ANZAC Class Frigates and the new AWD and LHD platforms, will enhance our NCW capability and markedly improve interoperability both within the ADF and more widely with our Allied/coalition partners.

(b) Line of sight communications capability

Navy is undertaking experimentation with our 5 eyes partners (CAN, NZ, UK, and US) to develop high data rate line of sight communications capability which will provide our mobile units with the capability to maintain essential NCW capability in environments where satellite communications are denied or otherwise unavailable.

(i) Phase 3E – three Maritime Advanced Satellite Terrestrial Infrastructure System (MASTIS) terminals for AWD/LHD ($5.5 million);

(ii) Phase 3F—Defence continues the development of a long term satellite ground station capability on the Australian West coast ($3.41 million);

(ii) Phase 4—continued milestone payments for the sixth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite ($133.53 million); and

(iv) Phase 5A—Defence continued the acquisition of an Ultra High Frequency payload on the IS-22 commercial satellite over the Indian Ocean Region, which will become operational in 2012 ($34.53 million).

(d) Joint Project 2043 (High Frequency Modernisation) has delivered the following:

(i) commenced the rollout of 400 watt High Frequency (HF) Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) radio systems in a transit case solution to army units ($2.4 million), and

(ii) upgrades to four Black Hawk helicopters with HF ALE capable radios ($2.7 million)

( e) Brigade-level Battle Management System (BMS)

Army contracted Elbit Systems Limited (ESL) to provide a (BMS) concept demonstrator at a cost of $4.2 million. The system delivered was accompanied by technical field support representatives and a digital communications network for deployment in support of HQ 7 Bde during the lead-up to and conduct of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 11.

(f) Land 75 and Land 125

Land 75 (Battle Management System) Phases 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 and Land 125 (Soldier Enhancement) have completed work for vehicle and soldier installation design, prototype manufacture and testing and logistic preparation for introduction into service ($50 million).

(g) Joint Project 2072 (Battlespace Communications Systems – Land) Phase One Joint Project 2072 (Battlespace Communications Systems – Land) Phase One, has begun to take delivery of new generation of Combat Net Radio and Tactical Data Radios from Harris and Raytheon that will support the introduction of a new Battle Management System being provided by Elbit Systems Limited in Land 75 (Battle Management System). The Initial Materiel Release milestone was achieved in June this year which is the first step in the delivery of Networked Battle group for both Army and Air Force ($58 million).

(h) Operational Data Exchange Network (ODEN)

Through the Land Network Integration Centre, Army has designed and built the second generation of the Operational Data Exchange Network (ODEN). ODEN has since been deployed to Afghanistan to support deployed forces and now delivers a digital data backbone between the main operating base, forward operating bases and patrol bases.

(j) Communications Bearers

Again through the LNIC, Army is in the process of assessing a range of communications bearers to provide more bandwidth between the bases in Afghanistan . The LNIC has spent approx $790 000 on new Time Domain Multiple Access Satellite equipment and another $2 million on network integration gateways and tropospheric scatter beyond line of sight radio bearers . These will be tested and assessed for suitability to support the ODEN network, in addition to broader network architecture and systems integration trials in support of Army further developing the Land Network Architecture .

(k) Army's Networking Objectives

Army has established three new Army positions at a cost of 3 x Average Funded Salaries ($345 000 p/a enduring). These positions will work in direct support of realising Army's networking objectives by delivering additional staff capacity to the Directorate of Network Enabled Warfare at AHQ, the G6 Branch of HQ FORCOMD and the Land Network Integration Centre. All of these positions are active to be posted against from Jan 12.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

(1) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, for each agency within the responsibility of the Minister, how much was spent on media monitoring.

(2) As at 1 January and 30 June 2011:

(a) how many staff, uniformed and civilian, full-time and part-time, were employed in public relations and/or the media in the department or each agency within the responsibility of the Minister;

(b) what were the position levels of these staff; and

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

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

(1) The Department of Defence has spent $627,777 (GST inclusive) on media monitoring by Media Monitors. Defence Housing Australia has spent $20,532.07 (GST exclusive) on media monitoring by the Australian Associated Press (AAP) news centre.

(2) (a), (b) and (c) At 1 January 2011, the Defence Public Affairs Branch employed 65 civilians, 50 military personnel and four contractors.

At 30 June 2011, the Communication and Media Branch employed 60 civilians, nine military personnel and four contractors.

As at 30 June 2011, the Strategic Communication Branch employed 42 permanent military, 21 part-time military and five permanent civilian staff. Of that figure, three staff were employed in administrative/ logistics support roles (one permanent military, one part-time military and one permanent civilian). Within Strategic Communication Branch, 36 positions remain unfilled (four permanent military, 30 part-time military and two permanent civilian).

As at 1 January 2011, outside of the Communication and Media Branch and the Strategic Communication Branch, there were 30 civilians, 12 military and three contractors who provided public affairs support as a part of their regular duties within the Defence groups and services. As at 30 June 2011, there were 36 civilians, nine military personnel and one contractor.

Defence Public Affairs Branch

Key: BRIG: Brigadier, COL: Colonel, EL: Executive Level, APS: Australian Public Service, WO2: Warrant Officer Class 2, CPL: Corporal, LS: Leading Seaman, LTCOL: Lieutenant Colonel, MAJ: Major, WGCDR: Wing Commander, LEUT: Lieutenant (Navy), CAPT: Captain, FLTLT: Flight Lieutenant, LT: Lieutenant (Army), SGT: Sergeant, LCPL: Lance Corporal, AB: Able Seaman, PTE: Private, PO: Petty Officer.

Communication and Media Branch

EL: Executive Level, APS: Australian Public Service, COL: Colonel, MAJ: Major, WO2: Warrant Officer Class 2, SGT: Sergeant, CPL: Corporal, LCPL: Lance Corporal, LAC: Leading Aircraftman, AB: Able Seaman

Strategic Communication Branch

Key: BRIG: Brigadier, COL: Colonel, EL: Executive Level, APS: Australian Public Service, WO2: Warrant Officer Class 2, CPL: Corporal, LS: Leading Seaman, LTCOL: Lieutenant Colonel, MAJ: Major, WGCDR: Wing Commander, LEUT: Lieutenant (Navy), CAPT: Captain, FLTLT: Flight Lieutenant, LT: Lieutenant (Army), WO: Warrant Officer (Navy), SGT: Sergeant, LCPL: Lance Corporal, AB: Able Seaman, AC: Aircraftman, PTE: Private, PO: Petty Officer, CFTS: Continuous Full-time Service, E: or equivalent rank

Employees in other groups and services who provided public affairs support as a part of their regular duties

Key: CMDR: Commander, LCDR: Lieutenant Commander, LEUT: Lieutenant (Navy), SQNLDR: Squadron Leader, FLTLT: Flight Lieutenant

Between 1 January and 30 June 2011 Defence Housing Australia (DHA) had no staff members specifically responsible for the stated functions. DHA has a Marketing Communication Team, comprised of four staff members . The team is responsible for marketing communication and media campaigns to provide product and service information. There is relatively little day-to-day media interest in DHA ' s activities, so an incidental proportion of the team ' s time is involved in responding to media requests.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(1) How many FOI requests has the Department received?

(2) How many have been granted or denied?

(3) How many conclusive certificates have been issued in relation to FOI requests?

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

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

(1) During the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, Defence received 209 FOI requests and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) received six FOI requests.

(2) 177 FOI requests were finalised by Defence between 1 January to 30 June 2011. The following table provides a breakdown of these requests:

Section 15 requests Completed

Section 48 requests Completed

Notes

1. Where a document is identified and exempted in full, access to the document can be denied, with reference to the relevant exemption provisions of the FOI Act. During the period in question, three denials related to documents to which section 47F personal privacy provisions applied, one denial related to documents to which section 47G business affairs provisions applied, one denial related to documents to which section 42 legal privilege provisions applied and one denial related to documents to which section 33 national security provisions applied.

2. Section 24A of the FOI Act provides for requests for access to documents to be refused if the documents cannot be found or do not exist . Access may also be refused if the work involved in processing the request would substantially and unreasonably divert resources of an agency . For the period in question, all twelve refusals related to documents that did not exist or could not be found.

(2) Six FOI requests were finalised by DHA between 1 January to 30 June 2011. The following table provides a breakdown of these requests:

Section 15 requests Completed

Section 48 requests Completed

(3) You previously asked the same question under Senate Question on Notice No. 497 to 499 on 22 March 2011. The response provided to you remains extant.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

With reference to the Strategic Reform Program:

(1) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(a) where specifically have the provisional savings of the forecasted $529 million have been made;

(b) can 114 No. 39—6 July 2011 a detailed explanation be provided of where these savings have been realised;

(2) For the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2011, what workforce savings, both in personnel reductions and dollar savings, per area as specified in the Budget Audit Review have resulted where the gap to average performance have been:

(a) improved and realized; and

(b) reduced to zero.

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

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

(1) (a) to (c) Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings are tracked, reported and managed on a stream-by-stream basis, they are not broken up by sub-category of productivity, one-offs or other descriptors. The Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings achieved per reform stream in the 2010-11 financial year are still being finalised. The Department will publish the stream cost reductions achieved under SRP in the Defence Annual Report which is expected to be released in late 2011.

(2) (a) and (b) The "performance gaps" described in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of the 2008 Defence Budget Audit (DBA) Report are based on a comparison of the delivery of Defence enterprise support functions against a database compiled by McKinsey and Company (which is based on employee data for more than 500 international organisations across a range of industries and locations). The authors of the Report note that the methodology is subject to significant limitations to the

" direct applicability of broad benchmarks to the Defence environment (given its specific characteristics… "

The Report recommends that the "performance gaps" identified by the benchmarking exercise be regarded only as a guide to potential opportunities for savings costs across the functions examined, and not as firm targets to be implemented immediately. The

DBA Report advised Defence to perform

" detailed work on translating…potential opportunity [identified by the benchmarking exercise] to specific targets, as part of an implementation planning effort… "

Defence undertook the diagnostic work recommended in the Report. This exhaustive process led to the ten-year cost reduction targets under the various SRP streams (including those that capture HR, Non-equipment Procurement and ICT support functions) that were agreed by Government and have previously been published by Defence. Defence therefore reports against these more robust targets, rather than against the gaps (or potential opportunities) initially identified.

Defence is reporting bi-annually to government on progress towards agreed SRP outcomes, including the achievement of annual cost reductions. The achievement during first year of SRP implementation is detailed in the 2009-10 Defence Annual Report. Defence is due to report to Government on its SRP performance during 2010-11 in the second half of this year, following finalisation of its financial statements. Details on the achievement of 2010-11 cost reduction targets will be included in the 2010-11 Annual Report.

Defence notes that the Government has committed to a five-year rolling program of White Papers. As part of this process a new DBA will be commissioned to inform the development of the next paper. It is likely that this audit would re-consider the performance of support functions against appropriate benchmarks, and thus provide an update on improvements in Defence efficiency.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011, what productivity improvement savings have been made by the department and by the Defence Materiel Organisation.

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

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

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(a) what specific productivity improvement savings of the forecasted $5.1 billion have been made in Smart Sustainment reform; and

(b) what one-off savings been made.

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

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

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(a) what specific savings of the expected $4.4 billion over the period 2010 to 2019 have been made in the implementation of Smart Maintenance techniques; and

(b) what one-off savings been made.

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

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

(a) and (b) Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings are tracked, reported and managed on a stream-by-stream basis, they are not broken up by sub-category of smart maintenance techniques, one-offs or other descriptors. The Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings achieved per reform stream in the 2010-11 financial year are still being finalised. The Department will publish the stream cost reductions achieved under SRP in the Defence Annual Report which is expected to be released in late 2011

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(a) what specific savings of the expected $700 million over the period 2010 to 2019 have been made in the optimising of inventory holdings and the introducing of more efficient management techniques; and (b) what one-off savings been made.

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

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

(a) and (b) Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings are tracked, reported and managed on a stream-by-stream basis, they are not broken up by sub-category of optimising inventory holdings, introducing of more efficient management techniques, one-offs or other descriptors. The Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings achieved per reform stream in the 2010-11 financial year are still being finalised. The Department will publish the stream cost reductions achieved under SRP in the Defence Annual Report which is expected to be released in late 2011.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

For the period 1 January to 30 June 2011:

(a) what specific savings of the expected $320 million over the period 2010 to 2019 have been made in Storage and Distribution (Logistics) Reform where the adoption of automated technologies and improved business practices ensure cost effectiveness and efficiency; and

(b) what one-off savings been made.

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

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

(a) and (b) Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings are tracked, reported and managed on a stream-by-stream basis, they are not broken up by sub-category of adoption of automated technologies, improved business practice, one-offs or other descriptors. The Strategic Reform Program (SRP) savings achieved per reform stream in the 2010-11 financial year are still being finalised. The Department will publish the stream cost reductions achieved under SRP in the Defence Annual Report which is expected to be released in late 2011.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

In regard to the levels of employment in the Human Resources area, if the Gap to Average Performance could be achieved, as identified in the Budget Audit Review, what yearly savings could be achieved since 2008-09 at each of the following levels: (a) below E-1; (b) at E-1 and E-2; (c) at SES 1; (d) at SES 2; and (e) at SES 3.

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

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

These questions have already been answered in the Budget Estimates response on the Budget Audit Review asked in writing by Senator Johnston. The Minister's answer stated that,

The "performance gaps" described in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of the 2008 Defence Budget Audit (DBA) Report are based on a comparison of the delivery of Defence enterprise support functions against a database compiled by McKinsey and Company (which is based on employee data for more than 500 international organisations across a range of industries and locations). The authors of the Report note that the methodology is subject to significant limitations to the

" direct applicability of broad benchmarks to the Defence environment (given its specific characteristics… "

" detailed work on translating…potential opportunity [identified by the benchmarking exercise] to specific targets, as part of an implementation planning effort… "

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

In regard to the levels of employment in the Human Resources area, if the Gap to Top Quartile Performance could be achieved, as identified in the Budget Audit Review, what yearly savings could be achieved since 2008-09 at each of the following levels: (a) below E-1; (b) at E-1 and E-2; (c) at SES 1; (d) at SES 2; and (e) at SES 3.

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

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

These questions have already been answered in the Budget Estimates response on the Budget Audit Review asked in writing by Senator Johnston. The Minister's answer stated that,

" direct applicability of broad benchmarks to the Defence environment (given its specific characteristics… "

" detailed work on translating…potential opportunity [identified by the benchmarking exercise] to specific targets, as part of an implementation planning effort… "

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

In regard to the levels of employment in the Human Resources area, in achieving the Gap to Top Quartile Performance, as identified in the Budget Audit Review, what yearly savings have been made since 2008-09 at each of the following levels:

(a) below E-1; (b) at E-1 and E-2; (c) at SES 1; (d) at SES 2; and (e) at SES 3.

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

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

These questions have already been answered in the Budget Estimates response on the Budget Audit Review asked in writing by Senator Johnston. The Minister's answer stated that,

" direct applicability of broad benchmarks to the Defence environment (given its specific characteristics… "

" detailed work on translating…potential opportunity [identified by the benchmarking exercise] to specific targets, as part of an implementation planning effort… "

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 July 2011:

In regard to the Human Resources area, if the Gap to Average Performance could be achieved, as identified in the Budget Audit Review, what total savings could have been achieved since 2008-09.

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

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

These questions have already been answered in the Budget Estimates response on the Budget Audit Review asked in writing by Senator Johnston. The Minister's answer stated that,

" direct applicability of broad benchmarks to the Defence environment (given its specific characteristics… "

" detailed work on translating…potential opportunity [identified by the benchmarking exercise] to specific targets, as part of an implementation planning effort… "

Senate debates

Monday, 22 August 2011

What are Senate debates?

Questions on Notice

Defence: Strategic Reform Program (Question No. 742)