Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 19 January 2012:

(1) What financial contributions, if any, have each of the following government agencies or departments provided to the Lowy Institute for International Policy in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 (to date) financial years:

(a) Australian Federal Police;

(b) Attorney-General's Department;

(c) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; and

(d) Australian Export Finance and Insurance Corporation.

(2) On what basis were such financial contributions made

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Attorney-General and the Minister for Trade have provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) (a) In 2010-11 the Australian Federal Police paid $35,000 to the Lowy Institute for International Policy. In 011-12 (to date) the amount of $35,000 has been paid. All monies paid were for obtaining corporate membership.

(b) In 2010-11 the Attorney-General's Department paid $35,000 to the Lowy Institute for International Policy. No payments have been made to date in 2011-12. All monies paid were for obtaining corporate membership.

(c) In 2010-11 the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation paid $35,000 to the Lowy Institute for International Policy. No payments have been made to date in 2011-12. All monies paid were for obtaining corporate membership.

(d) In 2010-11 the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation paid $49,494.25 to the Lowy Institute for International Policy. In 2011-12 (to date) the amount of $44,000 has been paid. In 2010-11 the amount of $35,000 was paid for obtaining corporate membership, and $14,494.25 was paid for a presentation on the evolving global economy by the Executive Director, Lowy Institute for International Policy and Director, Lowy Institute International Economy Program.

(2) (a) Australian Federal Police

The financial contribution is for a corporate membership fee which allows access to research and consultancy. The AFP receives publications and services which include:

i. Up to two consultancy briefings per year with Lowy Institute subject matter experts, focused on AFP-specific business needs;

ii. Access to major events and functions, including;

a. Three places at the 'members and supporters' annual dinner hosted by the Chair of the Lowy Institute.

b. Two places at the Lowy 'lecture and dinner', featuring a major foreign affairs speech given by a prominent business, social or political leader.

c. Member pricing on any additional Lowy Institute lectures or functions.

d. Uncapped invitations for Wednesday lunchtime meetings at Lowy in Sydney, and invitations in Canberra and Melbourne 'Food for Thought' functions where Lowy Institute experts and guest speakers discuss a range of foreign affairs, international security, trade and economic issues.

iii. Invitations to a minimum of six other events per year, including a combination of distinguished speaker series, meet and greet functions and a range of seminars and conferences.

(b) Attorney-General's Department

Corporate membership provides for a relationship and exchange of knowledge between the Institute and the Attorney-General's Department and includes priority access to Lowy Institute expertise and facilities and the Institute's program of speakers and events of relevance to the Department as detailed in the response from the Australian Federal Police.

(c) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

This membership is part of a strategy to enhance ASIO's outreach and generate opportunities to gain wider perspectives which inform ASIO's strategic thinking. Membership enables ASIO staff to attend Lowy Institute seminars. Lowy Institute executives and research staff have also visited ASIO to present on international economic, political and strategic developments and their impact on the international security environment.

(d) Australian Export Finance and Insurance Corporation

The corporate membership fee supports Lowy Institute's research into economic, political and strategic issues confronting Australia. Membership includes access to Lowy Institute researchers and staff for research and briefings.

The presentation on the evolving global economy occurred at a meeting of Asian export credit agencies (ECAs) in May 2010. The meeting was attended by senior management from 11 Asian ECAs. Cost included out-of-pocket travel expenses and time spent in preparation and delivery of presentation.