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.

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.