asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 21 March 2011:

For the period 1 July to 31 December 2010:

(a) how many fully qualified personnel are 'Dolphin Qualified' and permanently employed in the Royal Australian Navy to operate submarines; and

(b) how many 'Dolphin Qualified' personnel were tasked with other duties and what were these duties.

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

(1) (a) 542.

(b) 79 These personnel are employed in a variety of positions within strategic and operational headquarters. Duties include logistics support, project management, capability development, and senior staff officer roles.