Ms Roxon asked the Treasurer, in writing, on 2 December 2004:

(1) What sum did the Minister's department spend during 2003-2004 on outsourced (a) barristers, and (b) solicitors (including private firms, the Australian Government Solicitor and any others).

(2) What sum did the Minister's department spend on internal legal services.

(3) What is the projected expenditure on legal services for 2004-2005 for the Minister's department.

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

(1) Department of the Treasury spent $1,549,000 on outsourced barristers and solicitors during 2003-04. Barristers are engaged through the Australian Government Solicitor and/or private firms - as a result, these costs are included in the expenditure relating to solicitors.

(2) Nil - Treasury had no expenditure on internal legal services.

(3) Treasury's budgeted (projected) expenditure on legal services for the 2004-2005 financial year is $1,463,000.