Notice given 16 January 2012

1503  Senator Cormann: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation—With reference to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Goldsmith and Associates Pty Ltd (Goldsmiths), on what date did ASIC first:

 (a) become aware that Goldsmiths were operating in Australia and seeking investments from the general public;

(b) receive a complaint from any individual or organisation in relation to Goldsmiths’ operations in Australia, and what was the nature of this complaint and how was it communicated to ASIC;

(c) become aware that Goldsmiths was not a holder of an Australian Financial Services licence;

(d) commence action to restrict or stop Goldsmiths from operating in Australia, and what was the nature of this action; and

(e) communicate to the Australian public that it was concerned about Goldsmiths’ operations in Australia, and what was the nature of this communication.

1512  Senator Birmingham: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities—

(1) What was the total funding in grants provided through Caring for our Country in the following financial years:

(a) 2008-09;

(b) 2009-10; and

(c) 2010-11.

(2) For each organisation receiving more than $1 million in those grants in any given year, and in relation to each grant received by the organisation in that year, can a list be provided detailing the:

(a) total amount;

(b) timing of payments; and

(c) purpose of the grant.

1513  Senator Birmingham: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency—With reference to the legal advice, relating to the potential for compensation claims from any possible repeal of the carbon tax legislation, requested on 16 September 2011 and received on 21 September 2011, as referred to in the answer to question no. 66 taken on notice during the October 2011 supplementary budget estimates hearing of the Environment and Communications Committee:

(1) Who requested the advice and by what means was the request made.

(2) To which departmental officers was the advice provided.

(3) To which ministers and/or parliamentary secretaries, or their offices, was the advice provided.

(4) On what date (or dates) was the advice forwarded to any ministers and/or parliamentary secretaries or their offices.

(5) Was the advice formally noted by any ministers or parliamentary secretaries; if so, by whom and on what date (or dates).