Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I refer again to the DFAT annual report, which stated that there would be strong and growing demand for consular services. The honourable member’s answer indicates that there is in fact no increase—the honourable member is suggesting that there is no decrease; this is due to currency exchanges—to meet the growing demand for consular services. I gave the example of the number of Australians hospitalised overseas and the department’s statement that it expects there will be growth and demand for consular services. Will the honourable member confirm that there has been no increase in funding for consular services in line with the department’s expectation of a growth in demand?

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