Notice given 30 April 2003

1419  Senator Ludwig: To ask the Minister representing the Attorney-General—

(1) (a) How many staff currently hold: (i) ongoing, and (ii) non-ongoing, positions in the Human Rights Branch; and (b) what is the Australian Public Service (APS) level of these positions.

(2) (a) How many ongoing and non-ongoing staff based elsewhere in the department are working on human rights matters; and (b) what is the APS level of these staff.

(3) (a) Which positions are currently vacant in the Human Rights Branch; and (b) how long have they been vacant.

(4) Since the additional estimates hearings in February 2003, how many staff have left the Human Rights Branch.

(5) What is currently the average period of service of staff in the Human Rights Branch.

(6) Since the additional estimates hearings in February 2003, what has been the absentee rate for: (a) sick leave (including workers compensation leave); (b) annual leave; (c) miscellaneous paid leave; and (d) long service leave, in the Human Rights Branch, and in the department as a whole.

(7) What involvement did the Human Rights Branch have in the development of the Australian Human Rights Commission Bill 2003.

1420  Senator Ludwig: To ask the Minister representing the Attorney-General—

(1) How was the tender for the review of copyright reforms advertised.

(2) When was it advertised.

(3) How many tenders were submitted.

(4) How was the winning tender selected.

(5) What qualifications in copyright law, including legal, technical and economic aspects, was the Government looking for in the winning tender.

(6) Does the law firm of Phillips Fox have an interest or specialise in copyright law; if so, can details be provided.

(7) Where is the law firm Phillips Fox located.

(8) How many employees of Phillips Fox will be working on the review process.

(9) What is the total cost tendered for by the law firm Phillips Fox for the review of copyright reforms.

(10) Can a copy be provided of the tender submitted by Phillips Fox.

(11) What outcomes are expected from the review.

(12) When will the review be completed.

(13) Does the Government have any input into the review process performed by the law firm Phillips Fox.

(14) What qualifications does the law firm Phillips Fox have in the economic and technical aspects of copyright law.