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Monday, 12 September 2011
Page: 5823

Defence: Hospitality

(Question No. 522)

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 21 March 2011:

With reference to the answer provided to Questions on Notice No's. 117-119:

(1) Who attended the Majestic Cruises, Sydney Harbour event on 30 November 2010.

(2) What was the cost per head for this function.

(3) What was the official purpose of this function.

(4) Who approved the expenditure.

Senator Chris Evans: The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The inaugural Asia South-West Pacific Region Reserves Capability Forum was hosted by Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Major General A.G. Melick, on behalf of the Australian Defence Force, from 30-31 July 2010. A social activity on Sydney Harbour was conducted on the evening of 30 July 2010 aboard a Majestic Cruises ship. There were 76 attendees, which included delegation members and their partners from Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, The Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. Australian attendees included members of the Defence Reserve Support Council and Defence Reserves Association, Navy, Army and Air Force representatives and Forum staff.

(2) The cost per head for the function was $120.00.

(3) The official purpose of the function was 'Official Hospitality for International Guests attending the inaugural Asia South West Pacific Region Reserves Capability Forum (ASWPRRCF) 2010'.

(4) The activities conducted as part of the Forum, including the official dinner function, were authorised by Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division. The funding of the Forum dinner was authorised in the Forum Administration Instruction, signed by the Deputy Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division.