Senate debates

Monday, 25 June 2012

Questions on Notice

Cabinet (Question No. 1867)

Photo of Eric AbetzEric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 30 May 2012:

With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 1810, has there been a shortfall between the Cabinet Trust Fund and the actual amount spent on catering for Cabinet and Cabinet committee meetings over the 2008 09, 2009 10 and 2010 11 financial years; if so, for each financial year can that shortfall be specified.

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

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

I am advised that the answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

As outlined in the answer to question on notice no. 1696, consistent with long standing arrangements, each minister makes a personal contribution to the Cabinet Trust Fund to assist in the costs of catering for Cabinet and Cabinet committee meetings. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet provides a supplementation to cover the cost of refreshments for officials assisting in the Cabinet Room.