Senator Bolkus asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 2 July 1999:

With reference to recommendation 13 of the 18 recommendations presented to the Government by the Prime Minister's Coastal Surveillance Task Force:

(1) For what reasons did the task force recommend that the position of Director General Coastwatch be filled by a seconded Australian Defence Force (ADF) officer.

(2) What is to be the term of appointment of the officer seconded to the position.

(3) What criteria have been developed to identify ADF officers suitable for the position.

(4) What are to be the roles of additional ADF personnel seconded to Coastwatch.

(5) Did the task force assess the effects of various levels of seconded ADF personnel on the functioning of the Australian Customs Service chain of command.

Senator Hill (Environment and Heritage) —The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) To help broaden the range of professional skills within Coastwatch and to improve coordination between Coastwatch and the Australian Defence Force.

(2) The term of appointment is expected to be two years.

(3) The criteria include strong personal leadership skills, strong interpersonal relations skills and extensive professional background in maritime operations and surveillance.

(4)—(5) The need for additional ADF personnel to be seconded to Coastwatch and the roles of such personnel are to be examined by the Director-General Coastwatch.