For each financial year since 2000-01 to 2004-05 to date:

(1) (a)   What overseas travel was undertaken by the Minister; (b) what was the purpose of the Minister’s visit; (c) when did the Minister depart Australia; (d) who travelled with the Minister; and (e) when did the Minister return to Australia.

(2) (a)   Who did the Minister meet during the visit; and (b) what were the times and dates of each meeting.

(3) (a)   On how many of these trips was the Minister accompanied by a business delegation; and (b) can details be provided of any delegation accompanying the Minister.

(4)   Who met the cost of travel and other expenses associated with the trip.

(5)   What total travel and associated expenses, if any, were met by the department in relation to: (a) the Minister; (b) the Minister’s family; (c) the Minister’s staff; and (d) departmental and/or agency staff.

(6)   What were the costs per expenditure item for: (a) the Minister; (b) the Minister’s family; and (c) the Minister’s staff, including but not necessarily limited to: (i) fares, (ii) allowances, (iii) accommodation, (iv) hospitality, (v) insurance, and (vi) other costs.

(7)   What were the costs per expenditure item for each departmental and/or agency officer, including but not necessarily limited to: (a) fares; (b) allowances; (c) accommodation; (d) hospitality; (e) insurance; and (f) other costs.

(8) (a)   What was the total cost of air charters used by the Minister or his/her office or department; and (b) how many occasions did the Minister or his/her office or department and/or agency charter aircraft, and in each case, what was the name of the charter company that provided the service and the respective costs.

The Special Minister of State provided an answer on behalf of all Ministers to parts (1), (4), (6) and (8). Please refer to the answer to Question on Notice 733.

(2)   and (3) Please refer to the answer provided by the Special Minister of State in response to Question on Notice 733.

(5) (a)   , (b) and (c) The costs of overseas travel for the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (including any accompanying spouse and Ministerial Staff costs) is met by the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Group of the Department of Finance and Administration for the financial years 2000-01 to 2004-05. Details are available as part of the six monthly tabling of Parliamentarians’ Travel paid by the Department of Finance and Administration. (d) Please refer to the answer provided by the Special Minister of State in response to Question on Notice 733.

(7)   Please refer to the answer provided by the Special Minister of State in response to Question on Notice 733.