Notice given 14 June 2005

Senator O’Brien: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 960-962)—

(1) For each financial year since 1 July 1997 can information be provided on undertakings given to fund the Australian School of Fine Furniture (ASFF) in Tasmania and the relevant program(s) under which they were given.

(2) For each financial year since 1 July 1997 can information be provided on actual funds provided to the ASFF and the relevant program(s) under which they were made available.

(3) When was each undertaking to provide Commonwealth funding to the ASFF announced and who made the announcement.

(4) For each undertaking by the Minister or the department to make Commonwealth funding available to the ASFF can information be provided on: (a) what due diligence or other examination of the project was carried out to ensure the financial viability of the project and to ensure Commonwealth funds would be effectively used prior to making the undertaking to make funds available to the ASFF; (b) who conducted the due diligence or other examination of the project and how were they selected; (c) when did the due diligence or other examination of the project commence and when was it completed; (d) what was the cost to the Commonwealth of the due diligence or other examination of the project; (e) when was the due diligence or other examination of the project made available to the Minister; and (f) can a copy of the due diligence or other examination of the project be provided; if not, why not.

960 Minister representing the Prime Minister

961 Minister representing the Minister for Education, Science and Training

962 Minister representing the Minister for Education, Science and Training