Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question in regards to the 2012-13 financial year:

(1) (a) $1.20 million

(b) $2.44 million

(c) Nil

(2) The department's internal budget allocates departmental resources to align with identified priorities. The budget is developed in consultation with organisational managers and regular reviews identify opportunities for cost reform in departmental operations. Financial performance is monitored each month and reported to the senior executive.

(3) 66.7 per cent.

(4) (a) Some reduction is staffing, contractors and consultants will be required during 2012-13 to ensure the Department is appropriately structured to operate within the 2013-14 available budget. Details of the exact reductions required are being developed.

(b) Some reduction is staffing, contractors and consultants will be required during 2012-13 to ensure the Department is appropriately structured to operate within the 2013-14 available budget. Details of the exact reductions that will be required are being developed.

(5) How many:

(a) Nil

(b) Nil

(6) The current distribution of full-time equivalent staff across classification bands: