Notice given 23 June 2003

Senator Brown: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 1564-1565)—

(1) (a) Does the Minister support the integrated management of surface run-off, river water and ground water, recognising that these systems are physically interconnected; and (b) will the Minister make this a pre-requisite for water reform through the Council of Australian Governments process.

(2) What steps are being taken to achieve integrated water management, including protection of the environment and common systems of allocating water so that switching between sources is accounted for.

1565 Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Senator Webber: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 1570-1575)—

(1) How many staff at the senior executive service (SES) level are employed in the department within Western Australia.

(2) Given Western Australia’s contribution to the nation’s economy, is the department adequately represented in Western Australia to ensure that development opportunities are maximised.

(3) Does the lack of senior Commonwealth departmental representatives or SES staff have a negative impact on Commonwealth program funds in Western Australia.

(4) Would Western Australia be advantaged by an increase in the number of SES staff located within the state.

1572 Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry