asked the Prime Minister, in writing, on 23 March 2011:

(1) How many think tanks or policy institutes are funded by the Minister's department, and (a) what are (i) their names, and (ii) key areas of research, and (b) in what office/agency within the department do they fall.

(2) What sum of funding was provided to each of the think tanks or policy institutes in part (1) in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, and (d) 2010-11.

(3) For each think tank or policy institute in part (1), on what date (a) was an announcement made that it would be formed, and (b) did it commence operating.

I am advised that the answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

Only one think tank or policy institute, i.e. a body established for the purpose of conducting research, has received funding from the Department and the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Australian Institute of Family Studies which researches issues affecting families in Australia has received funding from the Office of Work and Family in the department.

Other details sought are: