Notice given 20 March 2012

*1727  Senator Johnston: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport—With reference to the report that the Adagold Aviation Pty Ltd contracted Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO) aircraft, operated by the Portuguese carrier Hi Fly, was involved in an incident at Darwin airport after departing Sydney on Tuesday, 28 February 2012:

(1) When did the incident occur.

(2) What were the weather conditions when the Hi Fly aircraft experienced a heavy landing at the Darwin airport.

(3) What damage was sustained by the Hi Fly aircraft during the landing.

(4) What is the nationality of the pilot/s who landed the aircraft.

(5) What certification and qualifications are held by the pilot/s who landed the aircraft.

(6) Was the aircraft inspected by Australian authorities to determine its air-worthiness; if so:

(a) when; and

(b) can a copy of the inspection report be provided.

(7) Given that the aircraft involved in the incident was held in Darwin subject to a technical assessment by the aircraft operator and an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), can:

(a) details of the investigation into the technical status of the aircraft; and

(b) a copy of the ATSB report, be provided.

(8) When was the aircraft cleared by ATSB as ready to fly and operate on the MEAO Air Sustainment Charter.

(9) What was the age, model and condition of the aircraft.

 (10) In regard to the replacement aircraft used to fly to Dubai:

(a) who provided the necessary certification enabling a replacement aircraft to be flown to Dubai without undergoing inspection in Australia;

(b) can a copy of this certification be provided;

(c) from whom was the aircraft chartered; and

(d) how did it meet the very strict operating conditions of the MEAO Air Sustainment Charter in such a short period of time.

*1728  Senator Abetz: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations—With reference to Fair Work Australia’s report Investigation into the Victoria No.1 Branch of the Health Services Union under section 331 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 :

(1) When did the Minister:

(a) first receive a copy of the report;

(b) commence reading the report; and

(c) conclude reading the report.

(2) In regard to the report’s referral to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO):

(a) when did the Minister decide to refer the report to the ATO;

(b) what was the date and time of referral; and

(c) can a copy of the accompanying covering letter be provided.

(3) Can details be provided as to which other agencies the Minister has referred the report, including:

(a) the time and date of each referral; and

(b) a copy of the covering letter accompanying each referral.

(4) Why has the report not been referred to the Victoria Police Fraud Squad.

*1729  Senator Siewert: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport—With reference to the wrecking of the MV Tycoon at Christmas Island:

(1) Can the Minister confirm that up to 70 per cent of the ship has been washed away; if so:

(a) what percentage is estimated to have been washed away; and

(b) where are the pieces of wreck located.

(2) Given that reports by Christmas Island residents and the media state that oil has continued to leak from the vessel, contradicting evidence provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) at estimates, on what basis did AMSA make the assessment that all the oil had already leaked from the vessel.

(3) Why did AMSA fail to make use of calm weather between 7 February and 29 February 2012, to further assess the vessel or pump out the remaining oil.

(4) Is the Minister aware that local residents are still being affected by fumes produced by the leaking oil; if so, what action is the Government taking to address these concerns.

(5) Are clean-up actions still being undertaken on the island; if so, can details be provided of these actions and the timeline to completion.

 (6) In regard to the clean-up process:

(a) where was the contaminated sand and rock disposed of following the clean-up;

(b) how much material was disposed of;

(c) was Isabel Beach cleaned; if so, in what manner; and

(d) how much has ASMA spent on the clean-up.

(7) Can the Minister confirm whether phosphate bags are still covering the reef around the wreck site; if so:

(a) why have the bags not been removed; and

(b) is their impact being monitored.

(8) Has the issue of responsibility for the wreck been resolved; if so, who is responsible; if not, why not.

(9) When will the remaining wreck be removed.

*1730  Senator Siewert: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities—

(1) Is the Minister aware of the ongoing dust problems associated with phosphate loading at Christmas Island.

(2) Are the impacts of the dust associated with phosphate loading being monitored on an ongoing basis.

(3) Are the impacts of spilled phosphate on the surrounding marine environment monitored.