asked the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 21 July 2011:

In regard to the attendance of departmental personnel at the Berri Barmera Council meeting held in Berri, South Australia, on 19 April 2011:

(1)   Were the representatives from the department invited by the council or did the department offer or request a place on the council meeting agenda.

(2)   Have any other councils in any state or territory been given similar deputations; if so, when and where did these occur.

(3)   Are there plans or has there been discussion regarding similar presentations to be given to other councils; if so, when and where.

(4)   Since the 19 April 2011 meeting in Berri, has there been any further correspondence between the department and the Berri Barmera Council; if so, can a copy of this correspondence be provided.

(5)   Can a copy of the notes or presentations used by the departmental representatives to address the Berri Barmera Council be provided.

(6)   Can a copy of the report given to the Minister following the deputation be provided.

The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the follow ing response to the honourable senato r's question:

(1) The Council invited Commonwealth officers to attend a Council meeting in response to my offer of an authoritative briefing on transport of radioactive materials.

(2) Yes. Palmerston (NT) Council was briefed on transport of radioactive materials on 5 July 2011.

(3) No.

(4) No.

(5) Yes. Copy attached

(6) Yes. Copy attached