(Question No. 2751)
Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 11 March 2010:

(1) Can the Minister outline each step in the decision-making process leading up to the decision to direct the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) to extend $US400 million of loans to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project using the national interest account.

Senator LUDLAM-Mr Baxter, yesterday I put a couple of questions to the department and they referred me to you.

Mr P Baxter-How nice!

Senator LUDLAM-They relate to a recent inquiry into Africa conducted by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Are you aware of that work?

Mr P Baxter-Yes, Senator.

Senator LUDLAM-Great. Submission No. 50 to that inquiry was made by the Australia-Africa Minding Industry Group. Is that a group that you are aware of?

Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (5.34 pm)-I rise briefly to add some comments to those of my colleague Senator Xenophon and indicate that the Greens support the second reading amendment that Senator Xenophon has moved and which we have signed on to. It is basically the logical consequence of the additional comments of the dissenting report that I submitted last year with Senators Joyce and Xenophon on exactly the issues that we have been discussing this afternoon.

Senate Finance and Public Administration Standing Committee
SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET ESTIMATES - 20 October 2009
ANSWER TO QUESTION ON NOTICE
Human Services Portfolio

Question reference number: HS30
Senator: Ludlam

Question:
a) What financial counselling services does Centrelink currently provide to its clients, particularly those at risk of homelessness?
b) How many people are currently employed in this service and how many clients would they see per year?

Senate Finance and Public Administration Standing Committee
SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET ESTIMATES - 20 October 2009
ANSWER TO QUESTION ON NOTICE
Human Services Portfolio

Question reference number: HS29
Senator: Ludlam

Topic: HAF
Senator Ludlam asked:
Can you provide the price differential between the developments that were funded relative to the surrounding environment or surrounding suburbs?

Answer:
The price differential is not captured relative to the surrounding environment or suburb. An average saving per dwelling of $18,075 is expected and will be independently valued.

Topic: Rockbank Project

Topic: National Partnership on Homelessness - Implementation Plans

Senator Ludlam asked:
The COAG communiqué for Affordable Housing stated that Implementation Plans will be finalised by 1 April 2009. Why did it take until September 2009 for the Plans to be made public?