Senate debates

Thursday, 11 October 2012

Questions on Notice

Health and Ageing (Question Nos 2150 and 2151)

Photo of Gary HumphriesGary Humphries (ACT, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 10 September 2012:

In regard to each department and agency within the Minister's responsibility:

(1) Has there been a reduction in the number of plants in departmental and agency offices; if so: (a) by what percentage; (b) on what date did it come into effect; (c) what was the reason for the reduction; and (d) how much will each department and agency save as a result.

(2) What is the budget for the facilities management branch (or equivalent) in the: (a) 2011-12; and (b) 2012-13 financial years.

(3) What is the name of the organisation contracted to supply plants to departmental and agency offices.

(4) If a reduction in the number of office plants has taken place, when was the contracted organisation first made aware of the decision.

(5) Were staff consulted regarding a possible reduction in plants prior to it taking place.

(6) Have any complaints been registered from staff in relation to reductions in office plants.

Photo of Joe LudwigJoe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | | Hansard source

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

Responses relate to the Department only for the 2012-13 financial year unless otherwise specified. To collate and compile the requested information for the whole portfolio would involve a significant resource effort that the Department is not currently in a position to undertake.

(1) No.

(2) Within the Department the repairs and maintenance budget is considered the equitable measure for reporting the facilities budget:

(a) 2011-12 financial year - $1,286,753.

(b) 2012-13 financial year - $1,172,153.

(3) 'Instyle Indoor Plant Hire'.

(4) Not applicable.

(5) Not applicable.

(6) Not applicable.