Mr Martin Ferguson asked the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, upon notice, on 9 August 1999:

Did Chubb Security, or any associated company, access Commonwealth funds under the New Apprenticeship Scheme and worker incentive payments for the purpose of training security officers; if so, (a) was the training related in any way to requirements in any State or Territory to changes in licensing requirements, (b) what sums were paid to Chubb Security or any associated company in each State and Territory, (c) how many employees were included and (d) how many employees in each State and Territory were (i) existing and (ii) new apprentices or trainees.

Dr Kemp (Education, Training and Youth Affairs; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

My Department has examined the payments made to Chubb Security for employment of Security New Apprentices in each State and Territory.

(a) The Department is unable to comment on any State or Territory licensing requirements for Security officers as this is under the jurisdiction of State authorities.

(b) As at 22 July 1999, the following claims for New Apprenticeships Incentives have been paid to Chubb since 1 May 1998. Numbers of claims exceed numbers of employees as several claim types (for example- commencement, women in non traditional) may apply to any one employee.

ACT—29 claims totalling—$36,250

NSW—86 claims totalling—$105,250

VIC—1209 claims totalling—$1,480,500

(c) Total number of employees-

ACT—346

NSW—1203

VIC—1090

WA—1

(d) Break up of existing workers and new workers-

Note: Those undefined are where an entry in the existing worker field has not been made. Valid entries of either YES or NO could only be made after 21 December 1998.