(1)   At 12 September 2006, what office space rented by the Minister’s department was vacant.

(2)   In respect of vacant office space identified in Part (1), (a) from what date has it been vacant, (b) how long will it remain vacant, (c) what is the monthly rental cost and (d) how long will the department continue to pay rental.

Core Department

Child Support Agency

(1)   The Child Support Agency has no vacant properties.

(2)   Not applicable.

CRS Australia

(1)   At 12 September 2006, CRS Australia had vacant office space at Echuca, Bairnsdale and Moreland, all in Victoria. All were new leaseholdings temporarily vacant pending completion of fitout and occupation for business.

(2)   In respect of vacant office space identified in Part (1),

Echuca

(a)   1 August 2006.

(b)   Office space will remain vacant until required fitout works have been completed, enabling its occupation for business. The current estimated occupation date is February 2007. Difficulties have been encountered in obtaining architectural and building services in the current building market in this location.

(c)   $1,559.16 per month.

(d)   Until lease expiry on 31 July 2011.

Bairnsdale

(a)   1 July 2006

(b)   Tenancy occupied and opened for business on 1 November 2006.

(c)   $1,875 per month.

(d)   Until lease expiry on 30 June 2011.

Moreland

(a)   1 August 2006

(b)   Planned occupation date is 30 November 2006 when it will be opened for business.

(c)   $4,583 per month.

(d)   Until lease expiry on 30 June 2011.

Centrelink

(1)   Centrelink has one leased property that is currently vacant, being 70 Main Street Meekatharra, Western Australia.

(2)   This property was leased by Centrelink in June 2005 with the intention of establishing a new Remote Area Service Centre. Alternative uses for these premises are being considered.

(a)   The current lease expires on 31 May 2010. Centrelink is presently tendering for a more suitable accommodation solution.

(b)   The monthly rental is $867.

(c)   This rental will continue to be payable until lease expiry.

Medicare Australia

(1)   Medicare Australia had no vacant office space at 12 September 2006 within the leased premises portfolio.

(2)   Not applicable.

Australian Hearing

(1)   Australian Hearing has no vacant properties as at 12 September 2006.

(2)   Not applicable.

Health Services Australia

(1)   Health Services Australia has no vacant property as at 12 September 2006.

(2)   Not applicable.

To prepare this response has taken 11 hours and 56 minutes at an estimated cost of $744.