asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 12 September 2011:

(1) Have staffing numbers in agencies within the Minister's portfolio been reduced as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other budget cuts; if so, in which areas and at what classification.

(2) Are there any plans for staff reduction in agencies within the Minister's portfolio; if so, can details be provided i.e. reduction target, how this will be achieved, services/programs to be cut etc.

(3) What changes are underway or planned for graduate recruitment, cadetships or similar programs, and if reductions are envisaged can details be provided, including reasons, target numbers etc.

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the foll owing answer to the honourable s enator ' s question:

(1)

(2)

(3)