12956 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Ethnic Communities

12956 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Ethnic Communities: What is the total amount, if any, spent on temporary accommodation for staff, contractors, or consultants by any agencies under the Minister’s responsibility since 27 November 2023, broken down by agency and purpose?

Hon Mark Mitchell: The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is a departmental agency under the Department of Internal Affairs. I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that its accounting system does not have the ability to accurately generate information part way through the month. Accordingly, the information provided is from 1 December 2023 to 28 February 2025. I am advised that since 1 December 2023, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities spent a total of $46,696 on temporary accommodation domestically. There has been no expenditure on temporary accommodation associated with international travel. The Ministry’s spend on temporary accommodation is associated with business travel and in accordance with the Ministry’s travel policy. For the breakdown by purpose, I am advised that providing the Member with this information would require a substantial collation of information exercise and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 185-6, I consider that the time and hence expenses of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.