MINISTERIAL STAFF POSITIONS

In reply to Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (25 June 2009).

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change): I have been advised of the following:

As at 30 April 2009 there were 35 actual persons in my ministerial office. The functions include a broad range of policy and media advice across government, and general office administrative services.

There were 11 actual persons in the Media Monitoring Unit. They provide a specialist media monitoring service for Government Ministers, other members of parliament and key staff.