(1) Did he request a report from the Navy into the awarding of bravery medals and awards from the Westralia tragedy; if so, when did he request the report.

(2) Has he received the report; if so, when did he receive it.

(3) Will he make the report publicly available; if not, why not.

(4) Were families advised in writing that they could write to the Chief of Navy about the matter; if so, when; if not, why not.

(5) What action has be taken in response to the report.

(6) Has the citation awarded to Leading Seaman Bradley Meek been upgraded; if not, why not.

(1) Yes. 12 May 2000.

(2) Chief of Navy's office briefed my office on 17 May 2000.

(3) All documentation relating to Honours and Awards, regardless of the incident, is classified `Honours-in-Confidence' and, in accordance with Departmental privacy guidelines, cannot be released.

(4) Since the tragedy on 5 May 1998, the families have been advised on three occasions in writing that they could write to the Chief of Navy on matters concerning the awarding of bravery medals and awards.

(5) Mr Meek was advised in a letter from the Chief of the Navy dated 2 June 2000 that he could make a representation to the Australian Bravery and Decorations Council (ABDC) concerning the consideration of Leading Seaman Bradley Meeks' performance.

(6) This is a matter for Government House and the ABDC.