Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

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

(1)

(2) Measures and strategies currently being considered and implemented by the department to ensure continued operation within the budget and efficiency dividend targets include:

- A net reduction in ASL of 111 in 2012-13 (67 through corporate rationalisation; 44 in policy areas; transfer of staff into vacant import clearance activities in airports).

- A reduction in supplier costs (20 per cent in media, travel, official hospitality and consultants; 10 per cent in all other supplier categories such as training, rent and depreciation).

(3) The percentage of total expenditure represented by staff costs is 68.44 per cent.

(4) (a) A net reduction in staffing of 111 ASL in 2012-13 is expected.

(b) In 2012-13, DAFF has budgeted for a net reduction in consultants and other temporary or contract staff of $4.762m.

(5) (a) There are no voluntary redundancies planned in 2012-13.

(b) There are no involuntary redundancies planned in 2012-13.

(6)