Senate debates

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Questions on Notice

Government Programs (Question No. 2408, 2409, 2439 and 2440)

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

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Management, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice upon notice, on 31 October 2012:

Since 1 July 2010, have any electorate-by-electorate dissections for actual or potential Government programs, initiatives or decisions been prepared by departments, agencies or authorities within the Minister's portfolio; if so, for each dissection: (a) what has been its purpose; (b) what resources have been used; (c) who requested it; (d) to whom has it been circulated; and (e) can a copy be provided.

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

The Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Management, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice have provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

To support the Attorney-General and the Minister for Home Affairs attendance at events across Australia, the Department has provided briefs that set out government expenditure in specific electorates.

The information provided in these briefs includes information on Commonwealth government programs and expenditure.

Consistent with longstanding practice, departments provide a range of advice to relevant ministers. Consideration of these briefs is a matter for the Australian Government.