Mr Laurie Ferguson asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 May 1999:

(1) Which companies have contracts with the Department of Defence for the carriage of explosives.

(2) Do all vehicles used by each company referred to in part (1) to carry explosives meet the required standards set out in Statutory Rules 1991, No 329—Explosive regulations.

(3) Do all company employees engaged in carrying explosives hold "secret" security clearance.

(4) Does each company carry a Commonwealth indemnity for carrying explosives under contract.

(5) Are all company employees engaged in carrying explosives trained to the level of explosive ordnance class 1.

(6) What level of training is undertaken annually by drivers engaged in carrying explosives.

Mr Moore (Defence) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) DAS Operations Pty Ltd trading as DAS Distribution.

(2) Para 2.1(1) and Para 15(1) of the contract stipulates that vehicles must conform with the standards in schedule 3 of the Explosive Regulations (Stat. Rules 1991 No 329). This is verified.

(3) Para 12 of the contract details security requirements including the need for Contractor employees to hold Secret security clearances. This has been verified.

(4) Para 19 of the contract has specific clauses detailing indemnity requirements.

(5) The department's contract (Para's 2.1(vi) and Para 14) requires contractor staff to be competent and fully trained.

(6) Whilst the contract does not specify annual training it does require drivers and supervisors to be competent and this aspect is monitored.