(1) How many individual transactions with individual members of the public were conducted by each agency in the Minister's portfolio in (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000, and if available, what are the forecast figures for (c) 2000-01, (d) 2001-02, (e) 2002-03 and (f) 2003-04.

(2) What definition of transaction is used to determine these figures.

(3) What proportion of these transactions were or are expected to be conducted online.

(4) What was the total cost of administering these transactions for each agency in (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000 and what is the estimated cost for (c) 2000-01, (d) 2001-02, (e) 2002-03 and (f) 2003-04.

(5) What was the total cost of administering the online transactions in (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000 and what is the estimated cost for (c) 2000-01, (d) 2001-02, (e) 2002-03 and (f) 2003-04.

While it does deliver a range of Commonwealth grants and payments, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and its portfolio agencies are primarily providers of policy advice to the Prime Minister and Ministers Assisting.

However, online delivery of service is a firm Government commitment that the department and portfolio agencies are working to meet. As a result of the Government's Online Strategy, Online Action Plans are currently being prepared, supported by more detailed project plans for the implementation of e-procurement and e-publishing.

I am advised that, each agency within the portfolio is separately examining ways in which business might most effectively be conducted online. Audits are taking place of information and services provided currently and proposed for the future. This information will be integral in meeting the Government's commitment.

The answers detailed below have been provided by the portfolio agencies where data is readily available and on the basis of the definitions stated.

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC)

(1) (a) nil, (b) 4, (c) - (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Nil.

(4) (a) nil, (b) $30, (c) - (f) nil.

(5) Not applicable.

Office of National Assessments (ONA)

(1) (a) - (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Not applicable.

(4) (a) to (f) nil.

(5) Not applicable.

Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (OIGIS)

(1) (a) to (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Nil.

(4) (a) and (f) nil.

(5) Not applicable.

Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman

(1) (a) to (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Nil.

(4) (a) to (f) nil.

(5) Not applicable.

Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)

(1) (a) to (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Nil.

(4) (a) to (f) nil.

(5) Not applicable.

Public Service and Merit Protection Commission (PSMPC)

(1) (a) 7, (b) 13, (c) - (f) nil.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”.

(3) Nil.

(4) Estimated cost of administering the transactions were (a) $175, (b) $325, (c) not applicable, (d) not applicable, (e) not applicable and (f) not applicable.

(5) Not applicable.

Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General

(1) (a) 378, (b) 422, (c) to (f) estimates for future years are not available but are expected to be of a similar order.

(2) The definition of transaction used to determine these figures is “a good or service sold to an individual for consideration”. The transactions referred to in (1) above comprise a small number of additional and replacement medals and insignia that are sold to Honours and Awards recipients.

(3) Nil.

(4) Approximately $1500.

(5) Not applicable.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC)

ATSIC deals principally with indigenous organisations rather than with individuals. While individuals may contact an office of ATSIC with a query, the National Media and Marketing Office only keep records of such queries, when the query is directed to that office.

(1) (a) 10,250, (b) 14,140, (c) - (f) nil.

(2) A transaction is any query by phone to, or physical attendance at, the National Media and Marketing Office counter.

(3) Nil.

(4) No analysis of the administrative cost of these queries is available.

(5) Not applicable.