Mr Gibbons asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 24 November 2003:

(1)  Is the Minister aware that at the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation at Fortuna, Bendigo there is currently underway (a) a Hard Print Copy Review to review the current hard copy map printing capability of the organisation, and (b) an internal organisational review on the most suitable structure and location of the organisation.

(2)  Can he confirm that the internal organisation review is considering three options: (a) no movement of facilities, (b) relocation of some of the functions to Canberra, and (c) relocation of the entire facility to Canberra.

(3)  Is the Minister aware of the impact the loss of 150 jobs from this facility would have on the economy of the Bendigo region.

(4)  When will a final decision be made.

Mr Brough —The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question as follows:

(1)  Yes.

(2)  The review will examine a number of options for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the business at the Fortuna complex.

(3)  It is premature to speculate about the future of the Defence capability at Bendigo.

(4)  The results of the review will be submitted to the Government for consideration in due course.