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 23 August 2012:

Since becoming Minister for Defence, why has the Minister failed to provide: (a) any briefings to the Shadow Minister in relation to the numerous subject areas requested; and (b) answers to questions on notice within a reasonable timeframe?

Response:

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

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

(a) Defence is committed to providing Members and Senators information and briefings on a broad range of Defence issues. The table below lists the briefings provided to the Shadow Minister since September 2010, including briefings provided to Committees of which he is a member, as well as future scheduled briefings. It does not include information on other Public Hearings (including Senate Estimates) or visits to Defence Establishments.

(b) The Defence portfolio receives a large number of Questions on Notice from both Houses of Parliament and Committees, including pursuant to Committee hearings. Many of these questions relate to complex, highly technical national security issues which require significant effort to address.

It is important that responses to these questions provide correct information. Accordingly, it is important to take the necessary time to ensure the answers are correct.

In relation to the House of Representatives, in 2012 the Government has responded to 31 Questions on Notice relating to the Defence portfolio as at 15 October.

In relation to the Senate, in 2012 the Government has responded to 298 Questions on Notice relating to the Defence portfolio as at 15 October.

In relation to Questions from Committees or arising from Committee hearings, Defence took on notice 49 questions on the day and 222 questions in writing from Senators following the 2012 Budget Estimates hearings in May, for a total of 271 questions. In total, these 271 questions compromised 569 sub questions.

Of the 271 Questions on Notice:

As at 16 October, responses to all 271 questions have been provided to the Committee, in advance of the forthcoming Supplementary Budget Estimates hearings.

Of the 271 questions, the majority, 262, were lodged by 5 October.

The 271 Questions on Notice from the May Budget Estimates hearings was an increase from February's Additional Estimates hearing where Defence received 219 Questions on Notice.