1. What expenditure on legal costs has been incurred by the Departments under the control of the Minister in 1998/99 to date.

2. If such expenditure has been incurred, for what purpose were the funds expended and were legal costs incurred in taking action against any person or persons.

3. Has the Minister’s Departments provided any third group or non government organisation with funds for legal action either in 1997/98 or in 1998/99 to date. If so, how much, for what purpose and to whom.

ANSWER


DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES

1. The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries incurred legal costs of $398,000.

2. Legal advice (various matters) $ 33,000.
Defence of litigation - legal representation $365,000
TOTAL $398,000

3. No.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Up to 7 December 1998 the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment incurred legal
costs of $30, 806.50.

2. Legal Advice (various matters) $6,598.00
Defence of Litigation - Legal representation 15,498.50
Document Preparation -
Land sale documents 6,537.00
Land administration documents 192.00
Administrative Appeals 847.00
Enforcement Actions 1,134.00
TOTAL $30,806.50

3. No.

OFFICE OF ETHNIC AFFAIRS

1. The Office of Ethnic Affairs has not expended any funds on legal costs.

2. Not applicable.

3. No.