House debates Questions in Writing

Visits by Overseas Delegations (Question No. 334)

Tuesday, 11 October 2011 House of Representatives

Ms Julie Bishop

Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 24 March 2011:

(1) How many overseas delegations were sponsored by the Government in each calendar year from 2005 to 2010.

(2) From what countries were these delegations, and what were the names and positions of each delegation member.

(3) What was the total cost to the Government of these delegations in each calendar year from 2005 to 2010.

Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

To provide the detailed information sought on overseas delegation visits would entail a significant diversion of resources requiring input from all departments and agencies and all overseas posts. I do not consider the additional work can be justified.