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

(a) Since 1 July 2011, a total of five iPad 2 devices have been provided to Departmental staff and Advisers employed in the ministerial offices.

(b) As at 23 August 2011, no iPad 3 or equivalent tablet devices had been provided to any Departmental staff or Advisers in the Ministerial offices.

(c) Since 1 November 2010, the Department has provided one iPhone to the Minister for Defence. This iPhone was to replace an earlier iPhone model.