Mr Martin Ferguson asked the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 2 March 1998:

(1) Has the Minister or the Minister's Department provided grants to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) or bodies related to the ACCI since 2 March 1996; if so, (a) in each case, (i) what was the nature of the grant and (ii) for what purpose was it provided and (b) what total sum was provided.

(2) To what boards, committees or other bodies for which the Minister has portfolio responsibility have (a) Mr Mark Paterson, the chief executive of ACCI, or (b) other officers or staff of ACCI been appointed since 2 March 1996.

(3) What sums has the Commonwealth paid in sitting fees, board fees, travel costs and related expenses with respect to each appointment referred to in part (2).

Mr Ruddock (Immigration and Multicultural Affairs) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) No.

(2) (a) Mr Mark Paterson is a member of the Business Advisory Panel. The Panel first met on 30 May 1997. The Panel is an independent body comprising high level business people from various industry sectors and representative bodies established to provide advice to Government on matters relating to the entry of business people to Australia.

(b) Since 2 March 1996, no other officers of the ACCI have been appointed to any boards, committees or other bodies for which I have portfolio responsibility.

(3) No sitting fees, board fees, travel costs or related expenses have been paid by my portfolio in relation to Mr Paterson's involvement on the Business Advisory Panel.