Page 2846 - Week 09 - Thursday, 26 August 1993

CHIEF MINISTER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

Question No. 875

Economic Development Division - Lunchtime Meetings

MRS CARNELL - Asked the Chief Minister upon notice on 17 August 1993:

In relation to the Economic Development Division within the Chief Ministers

Department -

(1) Why, are a large proportion of Economic Development Division meetings and

committees held during lunch-time rather than during normal business hours.

(2) Is lunch provided to staff in attendance at such meetings.

(3) If so, from which program within the program budgeting division of the Chief

Ministers Department are such lunches paid.

(4) If they are not paid from that program in (3), from where are they paid.

(5) What was the total amount spent on such lunches during the last financial year.

MS FOLLETT - The answer to the members question is as follows:

(1) A large proportion of Economic Development Division meetings are not held

during lunch time. While resources do not permit an accurate count of the

number of meetings involving people from outside the Division, it is estimated that

between 1,200 and 1,500 such meetings would have been held in 1992-93. On 37

occasions in 1992-93, either because it suited the needs of private or community

sector representatives for meetings to be held during lunch time, or because

meetings went for most of the day, a light lunch consisting of sandwiches, cheese;

fruit and fruit juice was provided. In-all cases, these meetings involved people

from the private and/or community sectors. No lunches were provided for

meetings at which only Divisional staff were present. The number of meetings at

which lunch was provided represents less than 3 % of the estimated total number of

meetings.

(2) Lunch is provided to staff attending the meetings referred to above. Lunch is not

provided at staff only meetings which may go through or be held at lunchtime.

(3) The cost is charged against the sub-program which has responsibility for the

function.

(4) N.A.