(1)   How was the current National Landcare Facilitator (the facilitator) appointed.

(2)   Was the position advertised; if so:

(a)   how many applicants were there;

(b)   how many applicants were shortlisted;

(c)   who undertook the interview process; and

(d)   was the Minister given the shortlist of suitable candidates.

(3) (a)   If the position was not advertised, how was the appointment determined; and (b) who made that decision.

(4)   What is the role of the facilitator.

(5) (a)   How much is the facilitator paid; and (b) how was the salary determined.

(6) (a)   Who was appointed; and (b) when were they appointed.

(7)   Under what terms was the facilitator employed.

(8) (a)   Under what agreement is the facilitator employed; and (b) what are the terms and conditions of that agreement.

(1)   The current National Landcare Facilitator was appointed on a 12 month non-ongoing contract as an employee of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

(2)   The position was not advertised.

(3)   The facilitator was appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the basis that his skills and experience deemed him highly suitable for the role. This process was undertaken in compliance with the guidelines governing recruitment of Senior Executive Service employees issued by the Australian Public Service Commission.

(4)   The National Landcare Facilitator is to: - provide advice to the Australian Government on stakeholder feedback about the delivery of the ‘Caring for our Country’ Program, with emphasis on Landcare, as well as the early identification and communication to the Australian Government of emerging issues that may impact on national NRM programs and priorities, especially the Landcare component of ‘Caring for our Country’. - assist in promoting Australian Government NRM programs and priorities, especially the Landcare component of ‘Caring for our Country’, to the Landcare movement and national organisations/bodies. - assist the Australian Government to implement the integrated network of regional Landcare facilitators across Australia. The National Landcare Facilitator will play a pivotal role in linking and supporting the 56 Landcare facilitators across the network and will provide training and mentorship in this capacity. - support the development of the Australian Framework for Landcare and promote the National Landcare Forum.

(5)   The National Landcare Facilitator is paid at the Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1 level representing a salary of $162 567 per annum. This salary has been determined by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as commensurate with the role.

(6)   Mr Brett de Hayr. Mr de Hayr was appointed as National Landcare Facilitator on 4 January 2010 on a 12 month non-ongoing contract. This term is due to expire on 31 December 2010.

(7)   The National Landcare Facilitator is employed as an SES Band One officer with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under an Individual Agency Determination under the Public Service Act.

(8)   The National Landcare Facilitator is employed on a non-ongoing contract for a period of 12 months with terms and conditions as determined by the Secretary consistent with Section 24 of the Public Service Act 1999.