THINKERS IN RESIDENCE

In reply to Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (8 November 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development): I have been advised of the following:

In regard to Laura Lee, each resident Thinker is paid a negotiated fee for their residency, in agreed instalments, which is determined by a number of factors. These factors include the global status and reputation of the Thinker, the length and nature of the residency, the number of visits, and the agreed reporting mechanism. The total fee includes accommodation and travel allowances. In Laura Lee's case, the total fee included costs associated with her assistant.

The $39,900 paid to Laura Lee in 2010-11 consists of the final stipend payment of $15,000 for the residency and $24,900 for preliminary planning associated with the Integrated Design Commission (IDC) which emerged from the residency recommendations.

Payment of the $15,000 final stipend was previously reported as being in 2009-10, but was actually paid in 2010-11.

The $24,900 associated with the IDC was previously reported as being paid in 2009-10 however this invoice was caught up in end of year financial processes and was paid in 2010-11. This payment is additional to the residency, but is a direct outcome of the residency recommendations.