David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 March 2012:

(1) For the period 1 July to 31 December 2011, for each agency within the responsibility of the Minister, how much was spent on media monitoring.

(2) As at 1 July and 31 December 2011:

(a) how many staff, uniformed and civilian, full time and part time, were employed in public relations and/or the media in the department or each agency within the responsibility of the Minister;

(b) what were the position levels of these staff; and

(c) how many of these staff were: (i) permanent, (ii) temporary, or (iii) contractors.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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

(1) Department of Defence $331,703 (GST inclusive), Defence Housing Australia $22,641.31 (GST inclusive).

(2) (a) The majority of staff engaged in public affairs roles within the Department of Defence are located in the Communication and Media Branch and Strategic Communication Branch.

As at 1 July 2011 the Communication and Media Branch employed 60 civilians, nine military personnel (including one deployed member) and four contractors.

As at 31 December 2011 the Communication and Media Branch employed 58 civilians, nine military personnel and four contractors.

As at 1 July 2011 Strategic Communication Branch employed 42 permanent military, 21 part-time military and five permanent civilian staff.

As at 31 December 2011 the Strategic Communication Branch employed 41 permanent military, 15 part-time military and five permanent civilian staff.

In addition, as at 1 July 2011, outside of the Communication and Media and Strategic Communication Branches there were a further 36 civilians, 14 military staff and one contractor who provided public affairs support as part of their regular duties within the Defence Groups and Services.

As at 31 December 2011 there were 44 civilians and 14 military personnel.

(2) (b) and (c) Communication and Media Branch

(2) (b) and (c) Strategic Communication Branch

(2) (b) and (c) Personnel outside of the Communication and Media Branch and the Strategic Communication Branch who provided public affairs support as a part of their regular duties within Groups and Services