Mr McClelland asked the Minister representing the Minister for Justice and Customs, upon notice, on 24 November 1998:

Further to the answer to Question No. 2835 (Hansard, 2 June 1998, page 4236), has he received the report of Mr Tony Ayers, AC; if so what (a) were the major recommendations of that report and (b) is the Government's response.

Mr Williams (Attorney-General) —The Minister for Justice and Customs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

The Government received the report of Mr Ayers. The major recommendation of Mr Ayers' report was the implementation of a program of measures to enhance operational effectiveness along the lines of the proposals made by the AFP. However, Mr Ayers did not recommend redemption of borrowings. The net additional funding recommended by Mr Ayers to implement the program of measures was $75.1 million. This recommendation was based on savings of $50 million over three years being achievable with the implementation of the program. With updated costing, the $75.1 million became $68.244 million. The Government approved additional funding of $65.02 million. Details of the program are contained in a statement the Prime Minister and I released on 23 July 1998. Should the honourable member wish to request a copy of this statement it is available from my Office.