(1)   What sum was spent by the Commonwealth Government on (a) travel, (b) accommodation, (c) security and (d) other expenses (including meals and incidentals) as a consequence of the visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Afghanistan in December 2005 by His Excellency the Governor-General.

(2)   What are the details of the accommodation used by the Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery on this journey.

(3)   What meetings did His Excellency have with foreign heads of state and/or government, ministers and/or senior officials during the trip.

(4)   Who accompanied His Excellency on this journey.

(1) (a)   $642.341, (b) $Nil2, (c) Not available3, (d) $1,450.81

(2)   The Governor-General was a Guest of Government during his visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (19-26 December 2005) with accommodation provided by the respective governments. No accommodation was used in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

(3)   The list of meetings with foreign heads of state, government ministers and senior officials can be found in the Vice-Regal News notices (for 18 December 2005) on the Governor-General’s website at: http://www.gg.gov.au/governorgeneral/vr-news.php?action=view&id=1192

(4)   The Governor-General was accompanied by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, an Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General, one personal staff member and a doctor3.

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1 Excludes Defence costs

2 The Governor-General was hosted as ‘Guest of Government’ while in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia - refer also to response to question (2)

3  The Australian Federal Police does not provide detail on security arrangements or protection for the Governor-General, as doing so may breach the Governor-General’s security