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SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES A, B, C, D , E, F, G and H
Reports to the Senate on Departmental Additional Estimates 1981-82
Bro ught up and ordered to be p rinted 4 and 5 M ay 1982
Parliamentary Paper No. 92/1982
Parliamentary Paper No. 92 / 1982
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H
Reports to the Senate on Departmental Additional Estimates I 981 - 82
The Commonwealth Government Printer Canberra 1982
© Commonwealth of Australia 1982
ISBN 0 644 01883 6
Printed by Authority by the Commonwealth Government Printer
I. Resolution of the Senate-25 March 1982 2. Estimates Committee A-
CONTENTS
Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-25 March 1982 22 April 1982 27 April 1982 4 May 1982 3. Estimates Committee 8 -
Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-25 March 1982 19 April 1982 27 April 1982 29 April 1982 4. Estimates Committee C-
Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-25 March 1982 19 April 1982 5. Estimates Committee D-
Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-19 April 1982 29 April 1982 6. Estimates Committee E-
Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-22 April 1982
7. Estimates Committee F-Report . . . . .
Minutes of Proceedings 1982-22 April 1982 4 May 1982 8. Estimates Committee G
Report Minutes of Proceedings 1982-23 April 1982 4 May 1982 9. Estimates Committee H
Report Minutes of Proceedings 1982-23 April 1982 4 May 1982
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RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE PASSED 25 MARCH 1982
Reference to Estimates Committees- Senator Sir John Carrick , pursuant to notice, moved-( I) That the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982 and the Particulars of Certain Proposed Ad
ditional Expenditure in respect of the Year ending 30 June 1982 be referred forthwith to Estimates Committees for Examination and Report. (2) That the Committees consider Proposed Additional Expenditure in the Esti mates Committee groupings agreed to by the Resolution of the Senate on 2
Aprill981. Estimates Committee A Parliament Attorney-General's
Industrial Relations Business and Consumer Affairs Estimates Committee B Education
Communications Home Affairs and Environment Estimates Committee C Prime M inister and Cabinet
Treasury Finance Administrative Services Estimates Committee D
Defence Foreign Affairs Immigration and Ethnic Affairs Estimates Co mmittee E
National Development and Energy Employment and Youth Affairs Housing and Construction Estimates Committee F
Science a nd Technology Capital Territory Transport Estimates Committee G
Health Social Security Veterans' Affairs Aboriginal Affairs Estimates Committee H
Primary Industry Industry and Commerce Trade and Resources (3) That the Committee report to the Senate on or before T uesday, 4 May 1982. Question- put and passed.
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A REPORT TO THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee A has the honour to report to the Senate.
1. On 25 March 1982, the Senate referred to the Committee the Additional Esti-mates for the year 1981-82 relating to the following departments:
Parliament Attorney-General's Industrial Relations Business and Consumer Affairs
2. The Committee has considered these Additional Estimates, together with the Departmental Explanatory Notes, and has received evidence in relation to them from the President of the Senate, Senator the Honourable Harold Young, the Attorney General, Senator the Honourable Peter Durack, Q.C., and offi cers of the Departments ccncerned. Copies of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of the evidence
taken by the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in connection with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1981-82 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1981 - 82. Answers to questions which were deferred and subsequently given in writing since the Com mittee's last hearings will be tabled in the Senate and incorporated in the final Hansard
report of the Committee's hearings.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the fo llowing matters aris ing from its consideration of the Additional Estimates:
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Petroleum Products Pricing Authority The Petroleum Products Pricing Authority was set up following the review of Com monwealth functions in 1981, its principal role being the justification of prices for pet roleum products and related services. The Committee was concerned to note that although the P.P.P.A. has this regulating function, the retail price of petrol in various
locations along the east coast of Australia and in Tasmania varies by as much as 10 cents per litre. Such variations should not be justifiable on the basis of freigh t differen tial, as the Petroleum Products Freight Subsidy scheme (operational since 1 July 1978) ensures that all consumers of petroleum products pay a price which includes not more
than 0.44 cents per litre of freight differential costs. In the current financial year, the Crown will pay out an estimated $129 million under this subsidy scheme. In line with concern expressed in previous reports, the Committee questions whether in fact the benefits of this subsidy scheme are being passed on to consumers, and recommends that
checks be made to ensure that its benefits are reflected in retail prices.
If the retail price difference of petrol between various locations is due to aggressive market discounting, one can only assume that there is considerable flexibility in the maximum wholesale price. A frequent complaint from many of the retail outlets is that they cannot even purchase petrol from a wholesaler at a price that is being charged by a
nearby retail outlet to its customers. If significant variations in the retail price can be sustained by oil companies, one can only surmise that consumers in one area are sub sidising consumers in other areas. The Committee therefore considers that the setting of a maximum wholesale price for petrol under the present criteria used by the P.P.P.A.
allows oil companies to do what the wholesale price fixing was supposed to prevent,
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that is, to ensure that oil companies do not significantly vary the wholesale price to take account of competitive forces within a particular region.
The Committee would therefore recommend that the P.P.P.A. be requested to re examine the criteria on which the maximum wholesale price is presently set. This re examination should include not only the justification for any increments to the existing price, but also a re-examination of the justification for the setting of the original base price to ensure that the Crown's equalisation policy and payments achieve more than a subsidisation for major city consumers to the detriment of those Australians for whose benefit it is paid. At present, the system of freight equalisation and maximum wholesale price fixing enables retail price differentials of up to one-third to be charged between various metropolitan areas.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT
Services for retired judges
During examination of additional appropriations for the Attorney-General's De partment, the Committee noted with some concern an amount of $32 000 to cover the cost of hire car charges incurred in respect of the former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia for the twelve months ending 30 June 1982. Further, the Committee was told of other services such as telephones which have been provided for other retired judges. These benefits have been conferred by executive fiat, and lack any legislative
basis.
The Committee does not dispute the principle that retired members of the judiciary should receive such benefits, as similar benefits are conferred upon other former holders of public office. However, such benefits, which can be regarded as payment in kind, conflict with the principle which the Committee has sought to the finan cial arrangements between the Government and the judiciary of a country should be sanctioned by the Parliament and be totally known and made known within that country to avoid the possibility of a government influencing a judiciary by offering pri vate terms and benefits. Payments of cash or the provision of services to judges or
former judges, including the Chief Justice of Australia, should not be done by way of executive fiat but should be by way of legislation.
After objections by this Committee had been raised over a long period of time, legis lation was finally introduced in 1979 concerning some aspects of payments to judges. This piece of legislation does not, in the Committee's view, mc>et all of its objections; therefore the Committee recommends that this legislation be changed so as to cover the provision of all services as well as monetary considerations.
Incidence of travel for Federal Court judges and staff Under Division 170, Sub-division 2, Item 01, additional estimates had been requested to cover increased costs incurred in travel, in particular the increased travel by Federal Court and Family Court judges and their staff. An examination of the Fed eral Court revealed that, on average, around $37 000 per annum was incurred by each
Federal Court judge and his staff on travel. The principal reason for this high level of travel appears to be the geographical distribution of judges' residences.
Of the twenty-five Federal Court judges, two are resident judges of the Australian Capital Territory and committed virtually full time to the A.C.T. Supreme Court. Three are resident judges of the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Three other judges are presently engaged in work outside of the Federal Court. Of the remaining seventeen
Federal Court judges, there is one judge in each of the following locations- Adelaide,
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Brisbane, Darwin; four are located in Melbourne, three in Canberra and seven in Syd ney. If one assumes that the judges who are located in Adelaide and Brisbane do most of their work in their respective States, then the amount of travel per Federal Court judge and his staff averages out at around $42 000 per annum.
Not only does the Committee believe that this expenditure on travel may appear ex cessive, it also questions the loss of efficiency in the amount of time taken up by Federal Court judges in moving from one location to another. The Committee considers that the efficiency of the Federal Court of Australia could be significantly improved if Fed eral Court judges and their staff were more appropriately located.
The Committee does acknowledge that some judges may have developed a particu lar expertise and it may be more appropriate for those judges to deal with cases involv ing their expertise wherever that particular case may occur. However, this particular reason may not fully explain or justify the high travel costs and probable associated loss of efficiency incurred by Federal Court judges.
PARLIAMENT
Joint House The Committee was unable to accept the explanation from officers of the Joint House Department as to why they could not conform to the established presentation for Additional Estimates Explanatory Notes. The Committee noted with grave concern in its last report (October 1981) that further reductions in proposed expenditure were made by the Government without consultation with Presiding Officers; this cut applied to many of the Parliamentary departments.
In the case of the Joint House Department, cuts totalled $167 000, but were appar ently ignored under instructions from one of the Presiding Officers. These instructions placed the Department in an awkward position, as explained by the Secretary, Mr Jorgensen.
Mr Jorgensen: Senator Evans did raise at the Estimates hearing in September the question as to why the Joint House Department had presented its estimates in the form that it did. As Secretary to the Joint House Department I was in a difficult pos ition because I had instructions from one Presiding Officer in relation to the estimates
presented that, as they had not been approved by the Executive and there had not been consultations, they were to remain as they were . That was the reason for the President's preliminary statement at this hearing that they were regarded as sub judice. Subsequent consultations enabled those funds to be restored, so to present the
Additional Estimates in the form that complied with what has been specified we would have had to make notional calculations of the original appropriation, which I think would only further confuse. The amounts that were estimated for our programs were worked out with some care and I was told that if we did not get all those funds I
was to continue with our expenditure programs until the money ran out and then the Presiding Officers would have to inform the Parliament that those services for the Parliament would have to cease. These included amounts for electricity, heating, water and so forth . So I tried to explain at the last Estimates hearing the difficulty in
which I was placed, and I thought there was some acknowledgment by Senator Evans that we were in an unusual position and that it was a one-off situation. It seems to me that in the presentation of the Additional Estimates one would have to start with that original presentation, no matter how painful it was and what comments were likely
to be made about it. But to introduce a notional third set of figures into the additional estimates would, to my way of thinking, just add confusion.
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Senator Evans: You are saying that those notional calculations were never in fact made, as to what particular sub-components would have to be cut back in order to accommodate the $167 000 that was originally, at least, ordered as a cut.
Mr Jorgensen: Yes, my understanding was that I was not to do it.
Later in the hearings, the President made it clear that he was not the Presiding Officer from whom the instructions to Mr Jorgensen originated.
The President: May I say also that although Mr Jorgensen referred to "a Presiding Officer" giving instructions, the instructions were not given by me , just the presentation. That is just to get the record straight.
To simply ignore the cut-backs, and to continue on as though nothing had hap pened, is not in the view of this Committee, a basis for good housekeeping. For example, forward planning of expenditure on particular items is made all the more dif ficult if the Department has not given consideration as to which areas have been affected by the reduction of $167 000 in the original bids . The Department of the Senate and the Parliamentary Library suffered similar arbitrary reductions in their orig inal bids for funds for 1981 - 82 and in both cases made adjustments to their original esti mates to reflect these cut-backs. While gravely concerned at the unilateral imposition of government controls upon the Parliament reflected in the cuts suffered by Joint House and the other Parliamentary Departments, this Committee considers that the Joint House Department should have made similiar adjustments to their original esti mates and formulated their Additional Estimates accordingl y, making it quite clear where in the estimates and why such Additional Estimates were necessary.
GENERAL
Copyright During consideration of the Additional Estimates for the Attorney-General's De partment, the Committee noted with some concern that current copyright law and practice has been placing considerable obstacles on the distribution and use of judicial rulings. The Committee considers that judicial rulings should be freely available to the general public, as the effects of the law fundamentally affect the lives of many people.
The Committee acknowledges that copyright is a somewhat vexed question, but expresses the sincere hope that a similar fate to that of judicial rulings does not befall Parliamentary Papers, Hansard and other documents associated with the Parliament.
Attendance of departmental officers The Committee noted that, as usual, large numbers of senior officers attended the Committee hearings to provide information if needed. The Committee further noted that many of these officers were not required, a matter of some concern when the total amount of time wasted by senior and highly paid people is considered.
While attendance of officers ultimately remains the prerogative of the Minister, the Committee recommends that only officers who are directly involved in the items under consideration, in particular of Additional Estimates, be required to attend hearings. If other officers are required, prior notice could be given by Committee members.
The Committee's right to seek information Estimates Committee hearings have generally been notable for the high level of co operation received from Ministers and departmental witnesses. However, during the hearings just completed, the Commiitee noted that the usual high level of co-operation
was not fo rthcoming from one departmental witness.
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The witness answered questions in a manner which the Committee found both par ticularly unhelpful and bordering on rudeness. The attitude exhibited by this officer contrasted with the co-operative and very helpful attitudes exhibited by the President of the Senate, the Attorney-General and all the other officers attending. While the Committee does not recommend that the Senate proceed further with this matter on
this occasion, it does recommend that departmental officers be reminded of the Esti mates Committee's rights to seek information under Standing Orders.
In conclusion, the Committee expresses its appreciation of the assistance given by the President of the Senate, the Attorney-General, and the officers of the various Depart ments who assisted the Committee.
4 May 1982
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PETER RAE Chairman
Estimates Committee A of Proceedings
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No. tO
THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met in private session at 6.00 p.m. in Senate Com mittee Room 5. The Chairman (Senator Peter Rae) took the Chair.
2. DATE OF HEARINGS: The Committee was informed that several Committee members would be unable to attend the scheduled meeting of the Committee on 19 April 1982. It was agreed, after discussion, that the Chairman wou ld attempt to arrange an exchange of schedule with another Estimates Committee.
3. ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES: The Committee considered various options for reducing unnecessary attendance of departmental officers at Estimates Committee hearings. It was agreed, after discussion, that the Chairman wo uld contact the Attorney-General and convey the Committee's suggestion that only those officers di rectly concerned with items for which an additional appropriation was bei ng sought be
required to attend.
4. BACKGROUND PAPERS: The Committee noted that background papers would be provided to members before the public hearings. It was agreed that these back ground papers would be limited to material based on past Estimates Committee reports and Hansards, but if Committee members had any specific research requirements,
these could be directed to the research officer attached to the Committee.
5. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 6.10 p.m.
6. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Peter Rae (Chairman) , Senator N. Bolkus, Senator M. E. Reid and Senator M. C. Tate. Apologies were received fr om Senators G. J. Evans and D. J. Hamer, D.S.C.
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PETER RAE Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.ll
THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met at 2.30 p.m. The Chairman (Senator Rae) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman made a statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 198 2.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 -82-DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable P. Durack, Q.C., Attorney-General (representing the Minister for Industrial Relations) , accompanied by the following officers: Department of Industrial Relations:
Mr John Maher, Deputy Secretary Mr John Woodrow, First Assistant Secretary, Labour Economics, Review and Services Division Mr Bernard J. Frawley, Principal Adviser, Industry Policy and Operations
Division Mr Kevin Power, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Mr Frank Kovachevich, Director, Finance and Services Office of the Industrial Registrar
Mr John McMahon, Industrial Registrar Mr John Hall, Administrative Officer Australian Trade Union Training Authority Commissioner Matthew E. Heagney, National Director
Mr David Hamilton, Administrator Industrial Relations Bureau Mr Desmond L. Lineham, Director Mr William M. Maddigan, Assistant Director Management
Mr Brian A. Holdorf, First Assistant Director, Legislation Division Mr Peter W. Fisher, First Assistant Director, Awards Division Department of Finance: Mr J. A. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Industrial Relations, subject to an undertaking by the Attorney General to provide additional information to the Committee.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981-82- DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS In Attendance: Senator the Honourable P. Durack, Q.C., Attorney-General (representing the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs), accompanied by the following officers:
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Department of Business and Consumer Affairs: Mr R. J. Carmody, Acting Deputy Secretary Mr J. L. Gibson, First Assistant Secretary, Management Services Division Mr B. A. Bissaker, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Operations Division
Mr P. A. Murphy, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr W. J. Symington, Assistant Secretary, Industries Assistance Division Mr H. J. McMahon, Acting Assistant Secretary, Inland Services Branch
Industries Assistance Commission Mr A. G. Koukoulas, Assistant Commissioner, Services Branch Mr K. B. Mourant, Secretary, Public Liaison Mr P. L. Ward, Finance Officer Trade Practices Commission
Mr R. B. Wyatt, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Policy Planning and Secretariat Mr R. Leggott, Acting Director, Management Services Department of Finance:
Mr J. A. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 202, 195, 198, 205, 195 (re-examination) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure
for the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, subject to a request being made that it resume to consider further any of the matters which were raised.
5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981-82- A TTORNEY -GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT In Attendance: Senator the Honourable P. Durack, Q.C., Attorney-General, ac companied by the following officers:
Attorney-Genera/'s Department: Mr H. T . Bennett, Deputy Secretary Mr L. Glare, First Assistant Secretary, Management and Special Services Division
Mr L. Curtis, First Assistant Secretary, Federal Courts Division Mr B. O'Donovan, Crown Solicitor Mr P. Loof, Divisional Manager, Crown Solicitor's Division Mr E. Wright, First Assistant Secretary, Legislative Drafting Division
Mr C. Creswell, Senior Assistant Secretary, Business Affairs Division Mr J. Ley, Acting Assistant Director, Australian Legal Aid Office Division Mr B. Fernando, Senior Assistant Secretary, Family Law Branch Mr R. Morgan, Senior Assistant Secretary, Business Affairs Division
Mr J. Carnsew, Assistant Secretary, Special Services Branch Mr P. Baskett, Assistant Secretary, Operations Branch Mr A. Green, Chief Reporter, Commonwealth Reporting Service Mr R. Smeaton, Assistant Secretary, Establishments and Planning Branch Mr G . Wheeler, Director, Legal Aid Commission (A.C.T.)
Mr G. Kolts, First Parliamentary Counsel Mr R . Venables, Acting Director, Finance Miss M. Campbell, Principal Legal Officer, Commonwealth Legal Aid Council Mr B. Paterson, Acting Director, A.D.P.
Mr M. Cramsie, Director, Legal Aid Sub-section
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Department of Finance: Mr J. A. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 180, 186, 188, 190, 192 The Committee suspended its consideration of the Additional Estimates for the Attorney-General's Department.
6. FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPEN DITURE 1981-82-DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS The Chairman called on the following Division for further consideration:
Division 195 The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, subject to an undertaking by the Attorney-General to provide additional information to the Committee.
7. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82- ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 165, 170 The Committee adjourned its consideration of the Additional Estimates for the Attorney-General's Department.
8. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at I 0.45 p.m.
9. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Peter Rae (Chairman), Senator Evans, Senator Bolkus, Senator Reid, Senator Hamer. The President of the Senate, Senator the Honourable Harold Young, the Deputy President, Senator the Honourable Douglas McClelland, and Senators Grimes, Kil gariff, Macklin, McLaren, Mulvihill and Siddons also attended.
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PETER RAE Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No. 12
TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 1982
I . MEETING: The Committee met at 8.35 p.m. in Senate Committee Rooms I and 2. The Chairman (Senator Peter Rae) took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981-82-ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT In Attendance: Senator the Honourable Peter Durack, Q .C., Attorney-General, ac companied by the following officers:
Attorney-General's Department: Mr H. T. Bennett, Deputy Secretary Mr L. Glare, First Assistant Secretary, Management and Special Services Division Mr L. Curtis, First Assistant Secretary, Federal Courts Division
Mr B. O'Donovan, Crown Solicitor Mr P. Loof, Divisional Manager, Crown Solicitor's Division Mr E. Wright, First Assistant Secretary, Legislative Drafting Division Mr C. Creswell, Senior Assistant Secretary, Business Affairs Division
Mr J. Ley, Acting Assistant Director, Australian Legal Aid Office Division Mr B. Fernando, Senior Assistant Secretary, Family Law Branch Mr R. Morgan, Senior Assistant Secretary, Business Affairs Division Mr J. Carnsew, Assistant Secretary, Special Services Branch Mr P. Baskett, Assistant Secretary, Operations Branch
Mr A. Green, Chief Reporter, Commonwealth Reporting Service Mr R. Smeaton, Assistant Secretary, Establishments and Planning Branch Mr G. Wheeler, Director, Legal Aid Commission (A.C.T.) Mr G. Kolts, F irst Parliamentary Counsel
Mr R. Venables, Acting Director, Finance Miss M. Campbell, Principal Legal Officer, Commonwealth Legal Aid Council Mr B. Paterson, Acting Director, A.D.P. Mr M. Cramsie, Director, Legal Aid Sub-section
Department of Finance: Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 175, 177, 165 (re-examination) - Attorney-General's Department (Document A) Division 818-Attorney-General's Department (Document B)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82, subject to an undertaking by the Attorney-General to provide additional information to the Committee.
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3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981-82-PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS In Attendance: Senator the Honourable Harold Young, President of the Senate, ac companied by the following officers:
Department of the Senate: Mr K. 0. Bradshaw, Clerk of the Senate Mr H. G . Smith, Clerk-Assistant Mr P. N. Murdoch, Usher of the Black Rod Mr G . M. Nankervis, Senior Parliamentary Officer (Administration) Mr M. W. H. Rosser, Senior Parliamentary Officer (I.P.U.) Parliamentary Reporting Staff:
Mr J. W. Roberts, Principal Parliamentary Reporter Mr M. J. Farrelly, Administrative Officer Parliamentary Library: Mr H. MacLean, Acting Parliamentary Librarian
Dr G. Webb, Head, Legislative Research Service Mr J. Brudenall, Head, Systems and Co-ordination Mr H. Knight, Finance Officer Joint House Department:
Mr J. M. Jorgensen, Secretary Mr F. W. Bradley, Director, Finance and Administration Mr J. B. Holdforth, Manager, Commonwealth Parliamentary Refreshment Rooms Mr L. N. Kelly, Personnel Manager Mr C. R. Crapp, Principal Technical Officer Department of Finance:
Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 101-105- Parliamentary Departments (Document A) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82 for the Parliamentary Departments, subject to an undertaking by the President of the Senate to provide additional information to the Committee.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 10.20 p.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Peter Rae (Chairman), Senator N. Bolkus, Senator G. J. Evans, Senator D. J. Hamer, D.S.C., Senator M. C. Tate. Senator B. Harradine also attended.
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PETER RAE Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No. 13
TUESDAY, 4 MAY 1982
l. MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative session at 12.50 p.m. in Senate Committee Room No. 5. The Chairman (Senator Peter Rae) took the Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the meetings held on 25 March 1982, 22 April1982 and 27 April 1982 were confirmed.
3. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman's draft Report to the Senate. Resolved: That the draft Report be agreed to.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 12.55 p.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Peter Rae (Chairman), Senator G . J. Evans, Senator M. E. Reid. Apologies were received from Senator N. Bolkus, Senator D. J. Hamer, D.S.C., and Senator M. C. Tate.
4 May 1982
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PETER RAE Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B REPORT TO THE SENATE
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee B has the honour to present its Report to the Senate.
1. On 25 March 1982 the Senate referred to the Committee the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Year 198 1-82, relating to the following departments:
Education Communications Home Affairs and Environment
2. The Committee has considered the Proposed Additional Expenditure and has received explanations from the Minister and officers representing the Departments concerned. Copies of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of the evidence taken by the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in connection with
the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1981 - 82 and the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1981 - 82. Certain answers to questions which were deferred and subsequently given in writing since the Committee's hearing will be tabled in the Senate and incorporated in the final Hansard report of the Committee's hearings.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the following matters:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Australian Broadcasting Commission- Division 221 - 1. Committee Han sard, 19 Aprill982,pp.l7- 18
A private contractor is seeking $75 000 as the ABC's contribution to the provision of canteen services at various ABC facilities. The contribution is part of an agreement under which the contractor 'covers a certain degree of expenditure and if they do not cover that . . they seek reimbursement or a subsidy from the ABC'. (Mr A.
Coulter, Acting Controller, Finance)
The Committee notes that it is the practice of the Commonwealth Accommodation and Catering Service to recover all operating costs from users in canteens it provides to Commonwealth Departments. Further information has been sought from the ABC on its policy in relation to the provision of staff canteens and particularly wh y ABC prac
tice differs from that applying to Commonwealth Departments. The Committee is not persuaded that public funds should be used to provide subsidised canteen facilities for Commonwealth employees.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Australian National University- Division 279. Committee Hansard, 19 April 1982,p.45
The Australian National University still receives $650 000 under the Special Appropriation- Australian National University Act 1946. The basis for funding the University has long since changed and the appropriation under the 1946 legisl ation is an anachronism. The Government should consider amending the relevant legislation to
ensure that all the funds for the University 's recurrent expenditure are provided through the Appropriation Bills.
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DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS AND ENVIRONMENT
Christmas Island-Division 335. Committee Hansard, 19 April 1982, pp. 51 - 7
The Report of the Auditor-General of March 1982 was critical of a number of aspects of the administration of Christmas Island. 1 The Report listed the 'more significant mat ters' as: ⢠Certain prescribed internal control procedures were not being observed fo r cash
collections, accounts certification, payroll, procurement, debtors, cash advances and accountable forms.
⢠Asset records did not include transactions after November 1977 although the records had been reconstituted for the Administration in October 1977 by a central stocktaking team.
⢠There was no evidence of prescribed stores procedures and there were no stores records.
⢠Accounting records for Trust Fund- Other Trust Moneys, deceased estates and Supreme Court awards were inadequate.
⢠Some accounting functions were being performed by persons not holding the necessary delegations.
⢠There was no evidence of competent authority to support the practice of non recovery from employees of medical and pharmaceutical, telephone and electricity charges paid on behalf of Administration employees to the British Phosphate Commission.
⢠There were no tenancy agreements between the Administration and tenants of Administration houses and controls over housing, furniture inventories and the recording and charging for housing rentals were inadequate.
⢠There was a need to improve control over Administration motor vehicles.
⢠Weaknesses in internal control were noted in motor veh icle registration procedures.
⢠Collection of fines imposed in the Magistrates Court was in arrears.
⢠Clarification was sought of procedures applicable to the processing and accounting of moneys awarded in Supreme Court judgments particularly the investment of judgment moneys.
⢠There was a need to improve the standard of management and recording of de ceased estates which are the responsibility of the Administrator in his role as Public Trustee.
The Committee is concerned at the weakness of financial and property control within the Islands administration which this list demonstrates. The Committee also notes the Auditor-General's comment that:
A number of these matters had been referred previously to the Administrator following a n inspection of Island based accounting procedures and records in 1978. . It is therefore a matter of some concern that, despite remedial measures proposed or taken by both the Administration and the Department of Home Affairs and Environment following that in spection, the audit again disclosed similar unsatisfactory features, particularl y in relation to
the recording of assets and the maintenance of the Trust Fund- Other Trust Moneys Account.
1
Report of the Auditor-General , March 19 82, pp. 99- 101
24
In view of the Auditor-General's criticisms of the administration and the failure of the responsible authorities to remedy deficiencies in financial control and property manage ment found by the .Audit, it is disturbing that the Departmental officers who appeared before Estimates Committee B could not provide satisfactory explanations either of the
Department's role vis-a-vis the Island's administration or of the measures taken, or proposed, to rectify these deficiencies. Cocos (Keeling) Islands-Division 336. Committee Hansard, 19 April1982, pp. 62- 5 The Auditor-General's inspection and audit of the Islands' Postal and Philatelic Ser
vices in June 1980 'identified serious weaknesses in internal controls which have an im portant bearing on the reliability of the accounts and records of the Postal and Phila telic Service'. 2 The Report of March 1982 comments on a noticeable improvement in the standard of recording but also lists a number of unsatisfactory matters under the
following general headings:
⢠arrangements with printers and agents
⢠philatelic sales ⢠reconciliation of standing order client credit balances
⢠stock controls ⢠independent stock checks
⢠spoiled stock ⢠replacement of stamps lost in transit Departmental officers appearing before this Committee stated that the Department's role in respect of the Islands' Postal and Philatelic Services was advisory and that oper ational responsibility lay with the Administrator of the Territory. The Committee is concerned that this division of responsibility inhibits the Department in ensuring that
the findings of the Auditor-General are acted upon. The Administrator of Cocos (Keeeling) Islands is also currently in dispute with the Auditor-General over a number of matters of general administration which the Audit found to be unsatisfactory. These are collection of public moneys, purchasing, tele
phone and telegraphic services, electricity charges, asset inventories and housing operations. The Committee is extremely concerned at its inability to examine properly the administration of many Commonwealth responsibilities in the Territories of Christmas
Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Of particular concern is the lack of clear responsi bility and authority within the Department of Home Affairs and Environment to super vise effectively the administration of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The Committee recommends that the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and
Government Operations investigate the adequacy of present legislation, administrative authority and procedures as it relates to the Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands and report to the Senate on action necessary to bring financial ac countability for Commonwealth funds into conformity with practice in other Common
wealth Departments and semi-government authorities.
Norfolk Island-Office of the Administrator- Division 337. Committee Hansard, 19 Aprill982, pp. 65- 6
Norfolk Island is a self-governing Territory of the Commonwealth. At present the Commonwealth Auditor-General provides audit services for the Norfolk Island
2
Report oft he Auditor-General, March 1982, p. 97.
25
Government. However, that Government is under no obligation to accept the Audit or General's finding or to implement his recommendations. In view of the catalogue of deficiencies in the Island's financial management and general administration revealed in the Report of the Auditor-General of March 1982, pages 92- 4, this situation can only be characterised as highly unsatisfactory. The Committee believes that the Com monwealth Government should act as a matter of urgency to resolve the ambiguous re lationship between the Auditor-General and the Government of Norfolk Island.
4. The Committee thanks the Minister and Departmental officers concerned for explanations provided during the Committee's examination of the Estimates, a nd for the substantial information provided by Departments subsequent to the hearings. It also records its appreciation to those officers who at short notice were required to travel interstate to attend the hearings.
26
S. J. COLLARD Chairman
Estimates Committee B of Proceedings
27
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.8
THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1982
I. PRIVATE MEETING: The Committee met at I 0.00 a.m. The Chairman (Senator Collard) took the Chair.
2. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE: The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 24 March 1982 relating to membership of the Com mittee that Senator Ryan had been discharged from the Committee and that Senator Haines was duly appointed to the Committee.
3. ORDER OF EXAMINING ESTIMATES: The Committee agreed to consider the estimates in the following order: the Department of Communications, the Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs and Environment, commencing at I 0.30 a.m. on Monday, 19 April1982.
4. OTHER BUSINESS: The Chairman drew attention to research material prepared by the Secretariat that would be distributed to members later in the day and asked that any further research requests be directed to the Secretary.
5. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at I 0.10 a.m.
6. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Collard, Colston and Martin. S. J. COLLARD Chairman
29
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.9
MONDAY, 19 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.34 a.m. The Chairman (Senator Collard) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman stated that, pursuant to the Resolution of the Senate on 25 March 1982, the Committee would consider the follow ing Departmental estimates.
Document* Page Division No. Department Amount
A B A B A
B
20 6
16 5
28 7
270- 284 848-851 220- 227 841 330- 344
890
Education Education Communications Communications
Home Affairs and Environment Home Affairs and Environment
$
12 389 000 I 132 000 18 827 000 100 000
5 041 000 I 935 000
* Document A-'Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982'. * Document B- ' Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in Respect of the Year ending on 30June 1982 '.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981-82-DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS Appearing: Senator the Honourable Peter Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, ac companied by the following officers:
Department of Communications: Mr E. E. Payne, Deputy Secretary Mr P. B. Westerway, First Assistant Secretary, Braodcasting Division Mr R. T. Lord, First Assistant Secretary, Communications Development
Division Mr A. F. Guster, First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Policy and Projects Division Mr C. W. Pike, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Radio Frequency Management
Division Mr A. Garner, Assistant Secretary, Station Establishments and Operations Branch Mr D. Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Broadcasting Policy Branch Mr D. Eyles, Assistant Secretary, Communications Development Division Mr R.N. Smith, Assistant Secreta;-y, Management Services Mr D. M. Large, Acting Assistant Secretary, External Relations Branch Australia Post Inquiry:
Mr M. Mayoh, Assistant Secretary to the Inquiry Telecom Inquiry: Mr M. Hanna, Senior Advisor, Telecom Inquiry
30
Australian Broadcasting Commission: Mr K. L.Jennings, Assistant General Manager, Management Services Mr G . G. White, Assistant General Manager, Television Mr K. C. Mackriel, Assistant General Manager, Radio Mr T. K . Bourke, Controller Engineer
Mr A. Coulter, Acting Controller, Finance Australian Postal Commission: Mr T. Clarke, Assistant General Manager, Finance Mr B. Beilby, Assistant General Manager, Marketing
Australian Telecommunications Commission: Mr L. Sebire, Superintendent Engineer, Radio Branch Mr P. F . Connell, Manager, Commercial Services Department Special Broadcasting Service:
Mr R. Fowell, Executive Director Mr R. Stokes, Director Administration Mr M. Britten, Senior Finance Officer Mr D. Forsyth, Estimates Officer Australian Broadcasting Tribunal:
Mr B. Connolly, Secretary Mr C. Answerth, Senior Executive Officer Department of Finance: Mr J. A. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 220- 227- Department of Communications (Document A) Division 841 - Department of Communications (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Communications.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Appearing: Senator the Honourable Peter Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs ac companied by the following officers: Department of Education: Mr D. Morrison, Deputy Secretary
Mr R. Allen, Director, Office of A.C.T. Further Education Miss J. Miller, Assistant Secretary, International Education Branch Mr I. Ward, Assistant Secretary, School and Aboriginal Students Assistance Branch Mr B. Milligan, Assistant Secretary, Education Planning Group
Mr J. Burnett, Assistant Secretary, Education Planning Group Mr P. Kearns, Assistant Secretary, Territorial Policy and Co-ordination Branch Mr P. Maher, Assistant Secretary, Departmental Services Branch Mr J. Shipway, Senior Adviser, ADP
Mr J. Morey, Director, Territorial Policy and Co-ordination Branch Mr W. Bowron, Director, Tertiary Students Assistance Branch Commonwealth Schools Commission: Ms D. Mildern, Head, Operations, Legislation and Recoveries Co-ordination
Branch Mr D. Mackie, Director, Management Services
3 I
Mr V. Blackburn, Director, Program Finance Section Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission: Mr R. H. Grame, Director, Executive Mr R. Walker, Director, Finance and Management Services A.C. T. Schools Authority:
Mr B. Hutchison, Director, Management Services Branch Miss T. Reilly, Assistant Director, Finance and Services Department of Finance: Mr J. A. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 270- 284-Department of Education (Document A) Divisions 848-851-Department of Education (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Education. 5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPEN DITURE
1981-82-DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS AND ENVIRONMENT Appearing: Senator the Honourable Peter Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, ac companied by the following officers: Department of Home Affairs and Environment:
Culture, Sport and Recreation Division: Mr P. Brettell, Acting Assistant Secretary, Sport and Recreation Branch Mr G. Dempster, Assistant Secretary, Cultural Affairs Branch Mr R. J. McArthur, Assistant Secretary, Heritage Branch Territories Division:
Mr T. F. Paterson, First Assistant, Secretary Mr K. P. Cooper, Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean Territories Branch Environment Division: Mr D. Gascoine, Assistant Secretary, Environment Assessment Branch
Mr G. Morvell, Co-ordination Officer Co-ordination and Management Services Branch: Mr B. W. Palmer, Assistant Secretary Mr B. Zanetti, Acting Director, F inance and Services Section Australian Exhibits Organisation:
Mr P. M. Ryan, Principal Executive Officer Australian Archives: Professor R. G. Neale, Director-General Mr C. D. Pitson, Assistant Director-General, (Business Management) Australian War Memorial:
Mr B. Kelson, Senior Assistant Director Mr M. Coley, Assistant Director, Administrative Services Australia Council: Mr J. Kitney, Acting Director
Dr T. Pascoe, Chairman Australian National Library: Mr H. Bryan, Director-General Mr G . Clark, Assistant Director-General, Co-ordination and Management
Services
32
Australian Film and TV School: Mr W . A. Morrison, Controller, Program Services Mr D. Berry, Executive Officer, Finance Australian Film Commission:
Mr B. J . Gittings, Secretary Office of Women's Affairs: Mr J. Wood, Senior Advisor Department of Finance:
Mr A. J. Chapman, Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called upon the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 330-344-Department of Home Affairs and Environment (Document A)
Division 890- Department of Home Affairs and Environment (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Home Affairs and Environment.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.36 p.m. 7. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Collard, Colston, Haines, Hearn, Martin and Teague. Senators Giles and Robertson also took part in the Committee's proceedings.
33
S. J. COLLARD Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.lO
TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 1982
1. PRIVATE MEETING: The Committee met at 9.30 a.m. The Chairman (Senator Collard) took the Chair.
2. CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT REPORT: The Committee considered items to be included in the Committee's Report.
3. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 10.00 a.m.
4. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Collard, Colston, Haines, Hearn, Martin and Teague.
34
S. J. COLLARD Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.ll
THURSDAY, 29 APRIL 1982
I. PRIVATE MEETING: The Committee met at 9.30 a.m. Senator Martin took the Chair in the absence of the Chairman (Senator Collard).
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of meetings held on 25 March, 19 and 27 April 1982 were confirmed.
3. CONSIDERATION OF THE DRAFT REPORT: The Committee considered items in the draft Report and made amendments to Section 3: Department of Com munications (Australian Broadcasting Commission), the Department of Education (The Australian National University) and the Department of Home Affairs and
Environment (Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island).
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.54 a.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Martin, Teague and Hearn.
35
S. J. COLLARD Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C REPORT TO THE SENATE
37
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee C has the honour to present its Report to the Senate. I. On 25 March 1982 the Senate referred to the Committee the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Year 1981 - 82 for the following departments: Prime Minister and Cabinet
Treasury Finance Administrative Services 2. The Committee has considered the Estimates and received explanations from the Minister for Finance (Senator the Honourable Dame Margaret Guilfoyle), the
Minister for Veterans' Affairs (Senator the Honourable Tony Messner) and officers of the departments. A copy of the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee is included in this report, and the Hansard report of the evidence taken by the Committee is presented for the information of the Senate in its consideration of Appropriation Bill
(No.3) 1981 - 82 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) 1981 --82. 3. During the hearing of evidence undertakings were given to supply additional written information to the Committee. Written replies to questions will be presented for the information of the Senate, and incorporated in the final Hansard report of the Committee's hearings.
4. The attention of the Senate is drawn to the following matters:
(a) The Committee notes that 64.7% of the additional appropriations required for ordinary annual services by the departments examined was by way of increases in salaries and payments in the nature of salaries. (b) The Committee wishes to highlight the satisfactory resolution of a matter
raised in our October 1981 Report to the Senate. That report recommended that no reduction take place in the staff ceiling of the Australian Taxation Office. It had been proposed to reduce the ceiling by 167. Following a review that decision has been reversed and total staff increased by an additional 164.
The additional staff are to be employed on enforcement activities. 5. The Committee records its appreciation of the explanations provided by the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the officers of the departments.
39
AUSTIN LEWIS Chairman
Estimates Committee C of Proceedings
41
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.6
THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1982
1. MEETING OF COMMITTEE: The Committee met in private session at 1.07 p.m. in Senate Committee Room No. 3.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES: The Committee dis cussed the procedure to be followed in the consideration of the Additional Estimates and noted areas of interest to the Committee's inquiries. The Chairman indicated that notes on the Additional Estimates of the departments would be forwarded to members during the Easter recess.
3. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 1.30 p.m.
4. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee attended the meet ing: Senator Lewis (Chairman) and Senators Bjelke-Petersen, McLaren and Martyr.
43
AUSTIN LEWIS Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.7
MONDAY, 19 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING OF COMMITTEE: The Committee met in public session at 10.30 a.m. in Senate Committee Room No.6. The Chairman, Senator Lewis, took the Chair.
2. DEPARTMENT OF PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET Appearing: Senator the Honourable Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, Minister for Finance, accompanied by the following departmental officers:
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Mr A. D. Rose, Deputy Secretary Mr B. F . Cox, First Assistant Secretary, Operations Division Mr J. G. Hinton, Assistant Secretary, Services Branch Office of National Assessments:
Mr N . Mcinnes, Deputy Director-General, Economics Financial Mr N . D. Denning, Chief Executive Officer, Management Services Auditor-General's Office: Mr A. A. Taylor, First Assistant Auditor-General
Mr B. H. Farrow, Director (Management) Mr F. P. Campbell, Finance and Accounts Office of the Public Service Board: Mr B. R. Hamilton, Secretary
Mr I. T. Allen, Assistant Commissioner, Management Branch Mr R. M. Wedgwood, Director, Finance and Services Mr W. A. Lawrence, Assistant Director, Finance and Accounts Department of Finance:
Mr John L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The following Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure were called upon by the Chairman and considered: Document A:1
Division 500-Administrative $1 475 500 Division 504-Conveyance of Governor-General etc. $284 000 Division 505-0fficial Establishments $174 000 Division 506- Governor-General's Office $88 000 Division 511 - 0ffice of National Assessments $125 000 Division 515- Auditor-Genera1's Office $1 297 500
Division 516-Public Service Board $145 000 Document B: 2 Division 938- Capital Works and Services $16 000 Consideration of these Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure was concluded.
'Document A: Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of t he Yea r ending 30 June 1982. ' Document B: Particulars of Certain Proposed Additiona l Expenditure in Respect o f the Ye a r end ing on 30 June 1982.
44
3. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Appearing: Senator the Honourable Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, Minister for F inance, accompanied by the following departmental officers:
Department of the Treasury: Mr J. D. Moore, Deputy Secretary (General) Mr K . W. Popple, Assistant Secretary, Revenue Loans and Investment D ivision Dr N . Johnston, Senior Advisor, General Financial and Economic Policy
Division Mr R. Smith, Assistant Commissioner, Legislation and Special Assessments Branch, Office of the Insurance Commissioner Mr S. Curley, Acting Director, Development and Projects, Office of the In-
surance Commissioner Mr N. Stuparich, Chief Finance Officer, Financial Institutions Division Mr R. Q. Freney, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr T. L. Job ling, Director, Finance and Services Section Mr D. W. Holmesby, Finance Officer, Finance and Services Section Australian Taxation Office:
Mr J. J. Daly, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Management Division Mr P. J . McCann, Inspector, Finance, Management Resources and Devel opment Branch Mr R. L. C onwell, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Legislation
Division Mr K. L. Beddoe, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Sales Tax Branch Mr A. J. Mclnery, Executive Assistant, Revenue and International Division Australian Bureau of Statistics:
Mr W. McLennan, First Assistant Statistician, Co-ordination and Management Division Mr J. Maurer, Assistant Statistician, Management Services Branch Mr J. Mackay, Director, Finance and General Services Section Ms M. Jones, Senior Inspector, Finance and Accounts Sub-section Department of Finance:
Mr John L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The following Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure were called upon by the Chairman and considered: Document A:
Division 670- Administrative $3 334 400 Division 674-Taxation Boards of Review $32 600 Division 677-Australian Taxation Office $19 629 000 Division 678-Australian Bureau of Statistics $5 238 000 Document B:
Division 978-0ther Services $3 000 000 Consideration of these Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure was concluded.
4. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Appearing: Senator the Honourable Dame Margaret G uilfoyle, Minister for F inance, accompanied by the following departmental officers: Department of Finance:
Mr J. R. Bennett, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Mr M. N. Woolley, First Assistant Secretary, Accounting and Supply Division Mr K. A. Searson, Assistant Secretary, Retirement Benefits Branco Mr C. W. Patch, Senior Finance Officer, Employment and Government Branch
Mr I. M. Briggs, Acting Senior Finance Officer, Estimates and Accounts
45
Australian Government Retirement Benefits Office: Mr J. McCullagh, Director, Services Mr R. Jackson, Finance Officer Superannuation Fund Investment Trust:
Mr W. Gynn, Secretary Mr J. L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The following Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure were called upon by the Chairman and considered:
Document A: Division 304-Administrative $1 336 000 Division 306-Australian Government Retirement Benefits Office $441 000 Division 308 - Superannuation Fund Investment Trust $71 000 Consideration of these Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure was concluded.
5. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Appearing: Senator the Honourable Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, Minister for Finance, and Senator the Honourable Tony Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, ac companied by the following departmental officers:
Department of Administrative Services: Mr H. B. MacDonald, Deputy Secretary Mr B. E. Hinchcliffe, First Assistant Secretary, Management Services Division MrS. Wenger, Assistant Secretary, Finance and General Services Branch , Man-
agement Services Division Mr I. D. Gillespie, Director, Estimates and Expenditure Control Section, Finance and General Services Branch, Management Services Division Mr D. M. Lenihan, First Assistant Secretary, Secretariat and Policy Division Miss M. P. Lance, M.B.E., Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary and Ministerial
Services Branch, Secretariat and Policy Division Mr H. E. Keen, Acting Assistant Secretary, Honours Secretariat Mr W. D. Kennedy, O.B.E., Surveyor-General, Australian Survey Office Mr P. J. Galvin, Director of Property, Property Directorate Mr M. H. Mills, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Transport and Storage
Division Mr P. Westaway, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Information Services Division Mr W. S. Brooks, Assistant Secretary, Australian Information Service Branch,
Information Services Division Mr G. A. Low, First Assistant Secretary, Purchasing Division Mr T. H. Mooney, Protective Services Co-ordination Centre Mr G. V. Halliday, First Assistant Secretary, Public Order and Police Affairs
Division
Australian Federal Police: Mr J. C. Johnson, Q.P.M., Deputy Commissioner MrS. B. Gavin, Chief Executive Officer Commonwealth Grants Commission:
Mr A. A. Glasson, Secretary Australian Electoral Office: Mr H. R. Hegarty, Acting Deputy Chief, Australian Electoral Officer Mr D. P. Reynolds, Director, Management Services
Dr G. Snider, Assistant Secretary, Development Mr E. Klatt, Assistant Director, Finance and General
46
Information Co-ordination Unit: Mr J. Lleonart, Head Renumeration Tribunal: Mr A. A. Shakespeare, Secretary
Department of Finance: Mr J. L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The following Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure were called upon by the Chairman and considered:
Document A: Division 130-Administrative $11 419 400 Division 132- Remuneration Tribunal $18 500 Division 138-Australian Federal Police $2 763 700
Division 140-Parliamentary and Ministerial Staff and Services $2 4 73 400 Division !55-Commonwealth Accommodation and Catering Services Limited $2 174 000 Division 160-Grants Commission $199 000
Division 161-Australian Electoral Office $890 000 Document B: Division 811-Capital Works and Services $8 294 200 Division 813-0ther Services $3 067 800 Consideration of these Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure was concluded.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 6.07 p.m.
7. ATTENDANCE: All members of the Committee attended.
47
AUSTIN LEWIS Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D REPORT TO THE SENATE
49
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee D has the honour to present its Report to the Senate.
l. On 25 March 1982, the Senate referred to the Committee the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981 - 82 for the following departments:
Defence Foreign Affairs Immigration and Ethnic Affairs
2. The Committee considered the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expendi ture and received explanations from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs (Senator Messner) and officers of the departments concerned. A copy of the Minutes of Pro ceedings and Hansard report of the evidence taken by the Committee are presented for the information of the Senate in connection with its consideration of Appropriation Bill
(No. 3) 1981 - 82 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) 1981 - 82.
3. During the hearing of evidence, undertakings were given that additional written information would be made available to the Committee. Written replies to questions will be tabled for the information of the Senate, and incorporated in the final Hansard report of the Committee's hearings.
4. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the following matters aris ing from its consideration of the Additional Estimates.
Seniority and expertise of departmental witnesses Two matters upon which Estimates Committees have commented regularly over re cent years have been the level of seniority of departmental witnesses and the degree of their expertise or familiarity with items under examination. These matters were also re
ferred to in the Fourth Report of the Standing Orders Committee for the Fifty-ninth Session.
In general, officers representing a department should be sufficiently senior to be able to respond authoritatively to questions asked by Senators. The officers present should also be able to answer most questions immediately and competently. Undertakings to supply answers subsequent to a hearing should be a last resort.
Given the range of possible questions and the size and scope of activities of some de partments it is not always practicable to have all the experts present without involving large numbers of officers as possible witnesses and, in practice, compromises may be necessary on some occasions. Estimates Committees can assist by giving advance warn
ing of areas where detailed questioning is anticipated. Nevertheless, this Committee considers that departments have a continuing responsibility to ensure that their wit nesses are sufficiently expert and sufficiently briefed to be able to provide most answers at hearings rather than subsequently.
While many of the departmental officers present at a hearing will, of necessity, be those officers who are most familiar with the detail of areas under examination, the Committee considers that departments should also be represented by officers of the most senior levels who can give answers, in the words of Estimates Committee A of
October 1976, 'of a breadth and responsibility not necessarily available to officers of lesser levels'.
51
One of the benefits of Estimates Committee hearings is that they provide a val uable opportunity for Senators to identify and meet the most senior officers of the publi c ser vice and statutory authorities working in their areas of special interest. This benefit should not be overlooked by departments.
This Committee considers that, where possible, departmental permanent heads should be present at Estimates Committee hearings in order to assist most effectively the Minister present (who is not always the Minister responsible for the particular de partment), to lead departmental witnesses, and as a recognition of the important role of Estimates Committees in examining departmental expenditure and activity.
In the current hearings, two of the three departments under examination by this Committee were represented by their permanent heads. The Committee co nsiders that it benefited more at the hearings in considering the estimates of those departments (Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Ethnic Affairs) than it did of the third (Defence ) both because of the presence of the permanent heads and the extent of briefing of other senior officers present.
The Committee finds it not without relevance that the number of undertakings from the Department of Defence to supply answers in writing subsequent to the hear ing were more than those from the other two departments combined. The Committee considers that the total of such undertakings from the Department of Defence was ex cessive for a short Additional Estimates hearing, even after allowing for the fact that the department has a greater range of activity than most departments.
Two cases in point where the briefing of officers might have been better concerned details of the conditions of sale of the Invincible (Hansard, p. 138) and whether steps were being taken by the Natural Disasters Organisation to increase its contingency planning for nuclear disasters (Hansard, p. 148). Detailed questions in both areas could reasonably have been anticipated-in the case of the Invincible because of the controversy over its purchase and, more recently, its involvement in the Falklands
Islands dispute, and in the case of planning for nuclear disasters because thi s matter was commented on in the Committee's Report of October 1981 and follow-up might reasonably have been expected. In both cases officers of the Department of Defence had to undertake to supply answers subsequent to the hearing-in practice precluding the Committee fro m follow-up questioning.
Explanatory Notes While the details provided in Departmental Explanatory Notes are much better than they used to be, there is still room for improvement in some areas, particularly where expendit ures relating to one particular program are divided between a number of divisions and sub-divisions. It is difficult in such cases to obtain an overall picture of the cost of that program.
The allocation of expenditure to several divisions sometimes can produce expla nations which are in fact misleading. Two examples of this can be fou nd in the Explana tory Notes of the Department of Defence.
In the first case an amount of $2 600 000 is shown (on p. 82) as a 'saving as a resu lt of undertaking HMAS SUPPLY's refit at Garden Island Dockyard in lieu of private dockyard'. When questioned as to the reasons why the refit could be done mo re cheaply at Garden Island a departmental witness stated that the saving was only apparent, not
real: No, it is a matter of accounting. Division 235 accounts for the day labour rates. It does not account for the overheads. The overheads of salaried staff appeared in the earlier Divisions we examined. However, when we put a job to industry, say the Newcastle State Dockyard,
52
the price incl udes every detail, including overheads, and is therefore shown as a charge against Division 235. So there is apparently a net saving by not having the work done by in dustry but the saving is only apparent. (Hansard, p. 147)
In the second case an amount of $600 000 is shown as being necessary to cover 'increased repairs in the private sector following Review of Commonwealth F unctions' (p. 84). When questioned on this the same witness responded: As I said partly in answer to your question on Garden Island Dockyard in relatio n to the
refit of HMAS SUPPLY, the work carried out in the private sector is a total charge to Div ision 235. The transfer of work from the defence workshops to industry included an in crease in Division 235 of $600 000. One would expect to find in the maze of fig ures that add up to civil salaries the offset of that amount of money but it shows as an increase in this Division.
(Hansard,p. 148)
Questions in both cases could have been avoided if the explanatory note details had included cross-reference to the Additional Expenditure or the offsetting expenditure in other Divisions. The Committee-considers that the explanations given by the depart ment in relation to Division 235 in the Explanatory Notes, while perhaps correct when limited only to Division 235, were misleading when considered in the broader context
of, in the first case, the total costs of a refit done at Garden Island compared to private dockyards, and, in the second case, the cost of repairs in the private sector. Some form of cross-referencing would have avoided any possibility of misinterpretation. Another area where additional detail would be helpful is where a total amount is
shown as an increase for salaries and allowances. When examining the Additional Esti mates sought by the Department of Foreign Affairs the Committee noted an increase of 39.32% for salaries and allowances for the Australia-Japan Foundation in 198 1-82 over 1980-81 . Questioned on the extent of this increase a departmental witness
responded that the increase was due to 'a variation in the number of positions withi n the organisation' (Hansard, p. 164) as well as changes in salary. Explanations in Ex planatory Notes in such cases should distinguish between increases due to staff in creases and increases due to award variations etc.
OVERSEAS PROPERTY
Overseas property, while occupied in the main by the Department of Foreign Affairs, is maintained by the Department of Administrative Services. While evidence was give n that the two departments maintain close liaison, the Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs pointed out that on occasions there were certain practical difficulties:
It is the Minister for Foreign Affairs who is responsible for the wellbeing at posts. T he we ll being of individuals at posts has very much to do with the state of upkeep of their apart ments, whether there is enough money for regular maintenance, whether, for example, there is enough money for maintenance in Moscow to keep the heaters going and in Jakarta to
keep the refrigerators going. Yet that is the ministerial responsibility of somebody else, and that can be a problem. (Hansard, p. 157)
Additional problems may result when accommodation overseas is designed to stan dards suitable for Australia but not necessarily suitable for particular conditions encountered overseas (e.g. see Hansard, p. 157). The Department of Foreign Affairs, with personnel on the spot, may be better situated to provide an input of local knowl
edge, and to employ local architects and tradesmen where necessary. The Committee is not in a position to judge whether the existing administrativ e ar rangements are the most effective, or whether a system whereby the Department of Foreign Affairs assumed responsibility for property at overseas posts would be prefer
able. Given the large amounts of money involved in the purchase, construction and maintenance of overseas property, a review of the present arrangements would seem
53
desirable. The Committee recommends that such a rev1ew be undertaken by the Finance and Government Operations Committee.
NEW MIGRANT SELECTION SCHEME
On 24 November 1981, during consideration of Appropriation Bill (No. I) 1981 - 82, the Senate passed a Resolution stating it was of the opinion that the Committee should monitor the impact of the new migrant selection scheme on Australia's migration intake.
In accordance with that Resolution the Committee has maintained a watching brief on preparations for the new migrant selection scheme and its introduction on 19 April 1982-coincidentally, the day that this Committee examined the Additional Estimates of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs.
The Committee wrote to the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in February requesting details of preparations for the new scheme, and the Minister's reply is attached as Appendix A. The Minister also forwarded an information paper, which is attached as Appendix B.
The Committee will continue to monitor the administration of the new scheme and will report further after hearings on the estimates for 1982- 83. The Committee records its appreciation of the evidence given by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and officers of the various departments whose estimates were
considered.
4 May 1982
54
B. F. KILGARIFF Chairman
Senator B. F. Kilgariff Chairman Estimates Committee D Australian Senate
Parliament House Canberra, A.C.T. 2600 Dear Senator Kilgariff
Appendix A
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS Parliament House Canberra, A.C.T. 2600
14 April1982
Thank you for your letter of 16 February 1982 about the new migrant selection system. As you know, the new policy has two broad approaches. First, it places more em phasis on family migration- working age parents, non-dependent children, brothers
and sisters are now included in a.n expanded family migration program. Under the former policy such applicants were considered under the General Eligibility Category, although a small range of concessions was made to them. Secondly, independent migra tion has been curtailed to exclude applicants whose occupations are not in demand in
Australia. The effect of this is that, under the new policy, people without close relatives in Australia and whose occupations are not in demand will generally not be considered for migration. There were a number of aspects of the new system which were not finalised at the
time of my statement of 29 October 1981 - the weightings for the
Economic/Employment Assessment, the Settlement Assessment, the new sponsorship system and the Assurance of Support. Last week I made public an information paper setting out details of how these aspects of the system would operate. Copies of the paper are enclosed for the Committee's information together with my accompanying
press statement. As to the specific questions asked in your letter, preparation for the introduction of the new migrant selection system has included the following: ⢠development of the Economic/Employment Assessment and the Settlement
Assessment ⢠development of forms and procedures for the new system ⢠writing a Handbook for migration officers (the handbook will be available for pub lic inspection on 19 April and should be on sale shortly afterwards through Aus
tralian Government Publishing Service bookshops) ⢠a new program management system has been devised which will give me a better picture of how the selection system is operating ⢠the staffing requirements for the new policy have been reviewed and a submission
has been made to the Public Service Board to provide additional staff to handle the new sponsorship arrangements ⢠development of new information leaflets for the public ⢠State Ministers and officials have been briefed on the new system. Opportunities
have also been taken to informally brief ethnic and employer organisations and
55
unions on the operations of the policy. A seminar was held in Canberra last week to familiarise Electorate Secretaries with the new system. The selection criteria and points outlined in the attached Information Paper were devised after examination of typical cases in Australia and overseas. It is very difficult to judge the effect of the policy on applicants in the new Category C (brothers, sisters and non-dependent children). The new policy gives a fully sponsored applicant in this category with an arranged job a start of 33 points, which is over half the passmark . I expect that, after about 3- 4 months, I will have a fairly clear picture of the impact of the new scheme. The progress of the new scheme will be carefully monitored a nd , if necessary, adjustment will be made.
The Government is now considering the size of the intake for 1982 -- 83, 1983- 84 and 1984-85 and I expect to be able to make an announcement on this later in April. How ever, I can say that I expect only a moderate growth in the size of the program. Precise estimates of the intake are very difficult to make because of uncertainties about the likely sponsorship and application rates.
You asked about the interim arrangements until the new policy becomes oper ational. Since my statement of 29 October, applicants have generally been considered under existing policy. However, the new policy has been anticipated for applicants whose occupations are not in demand in Australia and who have no close relatives here; these cases have been rejected. Applications on hand at the time the new policy com mences will be dealt with under whichever policy is the most generous.
The intake for 1981 - 82 is expected to be approximately 123 000. The distribution of this should be: Family Reunion General Eligibility
Refugees and Special Humanitarian Program Special Eligibility
20 000 60000 23 000 20 000
123 000
The ratio of refugees to other migrants in the next couple of years is not expected to change significantly as a result of the new migration policy. Refugees and other special humanitarian cases are not subject to the new selection system and decisions on their entry continue to be subject to separate criteria. However, as I have mentioned earlier,
for non-refugee migrants there will be an increase of family migration a t the expense of non-sponsored migrants. I hope that this information will be useful to the Committee. If there is any other way in which I can help, please let me know. Yours sincerely
Ian Macphee
56
AppendixB
AUSTRALIA'S MIGRANT SELECTION SYSTEM INFORMATION PAPER ON OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM
In a statement to Parliament on 29 October 1981 the Minister for Immigration and Eth nic Affairs outlined a new migration policy, which will come into effect on 19 April 1982. This paper gives details of a number of aspects of the operation of the new policy which were not covered in detail in the Minister's statement- the Economic/ Employ ment Assessment, the Settlement Assessment, the Sponsorship System, the Assurance of Support and arranged employment.
MIGRATION CATEGORIES
The five eligibility categories of the new policy were set out in the Minister's statement of 29 October.
Broadly speaking, the following groups of people can be considered for migration:
FAMILY MIGRATION
⢠People who have a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister or fiance resident m Australia who can sponsor them and provide support after arrival in Australia.
LABOUR SHORT AGE AND BUSINESS MIGRATION
⢠People in an occupation which is in demand in Australia. ⢠People who have been nominated by an Australian employer for a specific job under the Employment Nomination Scheme. ⢠Experienced business people with definite proposals and sufficient capital to set up
substantial enterprises of value to Australia and self-employed people with capital and demonstrated success in certain areas of expertise.
OTHER
⢠People who wish to retire in Australia. Applicants must have reached Australian retirement age (60 years for women, 65 for men). They need to have substantial transferable assets sufficient to establish a home in Australia and to provide ad equately for their future, including any care and support services likely to be
required.
⢠People with a record of achievement in creative or sporting fields which would benefit Australia.
⢠A small number of people who are not eligible under other categories but who have outstanding characteristics of obvious benefit to Australia.
The policy also makes provision for refugees, displaced persons and others seeking entry to Australia on humanitarian grounds. New Zealand passport holders continue to be exempt from visa requirements.
Selection and Assessment Standard requirements for all migrants are good health and good character.
57
Prospective migrants are also further assessed in two ways:
⢠Economic/Employment Assessment (the points system): Labour Shortage and Business Migrants must undergo this assessment. Sponsored adult children, brothers and sisters are also considered in this way, but they may receive additional points according to the degree of support provided by their sponsor.
⢠Settlement Assessment: Nearly all migrants are subject to this assessment.
Safeguards in the Family Migration Category The re-uniting of families is an important objective of migration policy. Apart from the compassionate side of the policy, such families are likely to devote their energy and en thusiasm to the benefit of the Australian community and add to the vitality and diver sity of life in Australia. On the other hand, a number of migrants in this category (e.g. aged parents) may require social welfare and health support; others may have trouble
finding a job. It would be unfair on the community at large and on the migrants them selves not to have safeguards for this category to minimise settlement problems. The safeguards are:
⢠Sponsorship: All family migrants must be sponsored by Australian relatives who undertake to give support to the migrant.
⢠Assurance of Support: The Assurance is required in cases where the migrant is un likely to be able to support himself for a period and might require the payment of Special Benefit by the Commonwealth or support from State Governments or pri vate agencies.
⢠Arranged Employment: This is required in cases where the migrant may experi ence difficulty in obtaining employment on arrival.
A summary of sponsorship and selection requirements applying to each category is set out at Attachment A.
ECONOMIC /EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT This is an objective assessment, which allocates points for a number of factors, designed to test an applicant's prospects of obtaining employment and being able to support him self and his family in Australia.
The factors in the Economic/Employment Assessment and the range of points apply ing to each factor are as follows:
Factor Skills
Occupational demand
Arranged employment
Professional, technical and skilled workers Professional, technical and skilled workers whose qualifica-tions are not fully recognised Service occupations Clerical, commercial and administrative occupations Semi-skilled workers Rural workers Unskilled workers Shortage Minor shortage Balance Minor oversupply Oversupply Employment Nominees Other Arranged Employment
58
Points 10
6
4
3
2
0
0
28 24 18 0
0
10 8
Factor Age
English
Education
Other occupational attributes
Economic viability
Growth area
25- 35 23-24 and 36- 37 20-22 and 38-39 Less than 20 and 40- 45
46 and over Reads and converses with complete fluency Reads and converses satisfactorily Limited English only or the capacity to learn English No significant knowledge and no capacity to learn Completed tertiary
Full secondary First part secondary Completed primary Less than completea primary
Outstanding Good Satisfactory Low employment prospects
Excellent Good Satisfactory Likely to encounter minor short term problems
Likely to encounter major long term problems Fully sponsored Applicant intends to settle in designated growth area
Points 8
6
4
2
0
6
5
4
0
8
6
4
2
0
10 8
5
0
20 15 10 5
0
25 6
Applicants must obtain 60 points out of 100 in order to pass. Non-dependent chil dren, brothers and sisters who are fully sponsored (see 'sponsorship' below) auto matically score 25 points on the Economic Viability factor. Details of the individual factors are as follows:
Skill level: Points are awarded according to the skill level of the occupation which the applicant intends to follow in Australia. Persons who are professional, technical or skilled workers must have their qualifications recognised in Australia to gain full points.
Occupational demand: The assessment is made on the basis of the Occu pational Demand Schedule which is a list of occupations prepared by the Depart ment of Employment and Youth Affairs showing the demand situation in each State. Full points on this factor are also awarded to applicants who are the subject of an ap
proved Employment Nomination. Arranged employment: Points are awarded under this factor if an applicant has a specific job to go to in Australia. The Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs must receive confirmation of the employment offer from the employer.
Age: The points on this factor fa vour those considered to have the optimum combination of youth and experience to settle here. They take account of the high in cidence of unemployment among very young workers and the difficulties facing many older workers in gaining employment.
English: Points are awarded under this factor depending on an applicant's competence in the English language or ability to learn it. Indicators used in determin ing ability to learn are a knowledge of other languages, the applicant's fluency in his own language, good level of education, youth, an interest in learning English, and
59
whether the person has an understanding of problems likely to arise if Engli sh is not learnt. Education: Points are awarded according to the applicant's level of education overseas. Recognition of qualifications in Australia is not taken into account in thio factor.
Other occupational attributes: This factor is rated separately from such mat ters as level of skill, demand for the applicant's occupation in Australia and the exist ence of an employment offer in Australia. It involves assessment of such matters as the applicant's experience in the proposed field of employment and record of employment.
Economic viability: This factor involves assessment of an applicant 's likely ability to support himself or his family in Australia. Considerations taken into account in scoring are size and composition of the family group, ages and degree of dependence of the children, likely family incomes, past performance in earning a liv ing, whether the family will arrive in Australia in debt, the amount of available capi tal, any pension or annuity which will continue permanently in Australia and any support promised by a migrant organisation in Australia.
Growth area: An applicant who intends to settle in an area to which a State or Territory wishes to attract migrants may obtain additional points under this factor.
SETTLEMENT ASSESSMENT
In the Settlement Assessment the selection officer makes a judgment about the appli cant's, or where there are family members, the applicant and his family 's ability to make a successful transition to life in Australia. In making this judgment, the selection officer considers the applicant under three headings:
⢠ability to cope with migration ⢠capacity to adjust to Australian society ⢠whether the applicant's family is supportive and cohesive. The Settlement Assessment is not made on a points system. The applicant may be rated 'outstanding', 'good', 'satisfactory', 'unsatisfactory' or 'settlement risk '.
In making an assessment, the selection officer may consider the following settlement indicators: Ability to cope with migration: ⢠Evidence of adaptability, resourcefulness and independence
age in relation to maturity and likely flexibility likely capacity to cope with changes in lifestyle, such as fall in income or differ ent type of housing previous experience in coping with changes in lifestyle ⢠Evidence of preparedness for migration
- whether the family has made enquiries about Australia - knowledge of, or links with Australia ⢠A ware ness of implications of migration whether expectations are realistic
whether the family understands that they may feel loss or alienation for a while whether the reasons for migrating are positive or negative whether a situation of conflict or failure is principal reason for migration ⢠Ability to cope with the stress of migration
60
whether likely problems have been anticipated experience of other situations of stress in the family, such as other members mi grating, or economic hardship Capacity to adjust to Australian society: ⢠Capacity to communicate in Australia
-- level of English spoken and comprehended - recognition of the difficulties which a lack of English may create ⢠Educational and age levels favourable to learning English whether the family members will accept student status while learning English ,
and their likely ability to learn whether they have a willingness to learn English ⢠Likely support from ethnic groups in Australia whether there is an established ethnic group in Australia which can provide sup
port in the area in which the applicant proposes to settle whether there are existing ties with this group whether the expectation of the level of support is realistic ⢠Evidence of tolerance and flexibility
awareness of options and willingness to consider them lack of rigidity in expectations and approach to problems attitudes to other national groups whether he is likely to accept people of other races, religions and cultures
whether he holds extreme views likely to put him in conflict with sections of Australian society Whether the family is supportive and cohesive: ⢠Effect of significant events in the family
- what has been the effect of events such as a recent marriage, death, divorce, birth etc. ⢠Attitude of spouse and teenage children whether they are in favour of the changes migration will bring
likely effects on family members, particularly adolescents, of removing them from a familiar environment whether they understand that changes will occur in family relationships, such as those caused by a spouse working
SPONSORSHIP
People whose claim for entry to Australia is based on family connections here must be sponsored by a close relative. The sponsorship system allows certain relatives, who might otherwise be rejected, to be considered for migration because of the support offered by their relatives in Australia.
The sponsorship system also allows brothers, sisters and non-dependent children. to receive significant additional points on the Economic/Employment Assessment. In re turn for these concessions, the sponsor in Australia must agree to provide support for his relative.
The policy makes provision for two types of sponsorship- standard sponsorship and full sponsorship: Standard sponsorship: By providing this type of sponsorship, a sponsor agrees to provide general advice and assistance to help his relatives settle in Australia and to
ensure that suitable accommodation is available on arrival.
61
Full sponsorship: By providing this type of sponsorship, a sponsor agrees, in ad dition to the standard assistance outlined above, to provide any accommodation and financial assistance that the sponsored relatives might need for a period of twelve months after their arrival in Australia. A brother, sister or non-dependent child (Catego ry 1 C) who has a full sponsorship automatically receives 25 points on the Economic Viability facto r of the Assessment.
Sponsors are required to give details of their financial circumstances and the De partment will examine their ability to meet the commitments they undertake before accepting a sponsorship. In addition, sponsors will be asked to provide details of their relative's circumstances to enable the Department to decide whether an application would be likely to succeed. All sponsorships take the form of a Statutory Declaration.
ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT
The Assurance of Support replaces and is si milar to the Maintenance Guarantee. As surances are required for people who may not be able to support themselves or find work and who may become a charge on public funds . Examples of such people are parents or other sponsored relatives within 10 years of the Australian re tiring age or older. It does not apply to sponsored relatives in Family Migration Category I C. In an Assurance sponsors are required to promise to fully support their sponsored relatives
for a specified period and to agree to repay any Special Benefits pai d out by the Com monwealth (or similar financial benefits from States or charitable institutions) during that period. Unlike the Maintenance Guarantee which was often in fo rce for an indefinite period, Assurances are closely tied to the period in which the person to be covered might have difficulty supporting himself (e.g. an Assurance would be required for a period of 10 years-the age pension eligibility period- for a person within 10 years of retiring age or older). The existence of an Assurance does not affect eligi bility fo r pen sions or benefits; it places an obligation on the person offering the Assurance to repay
particular benefits. The purpose of the sponsorship scheme is to req ui re sponsors to take responsibility for their relatives. People giving Assurances are required to give details of their financial circum stances and the Department will, before accepting an Assurance, examine their ability to meet the commitments they undertake.
ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT
In some cases, particularly those where it is clear that major difficulties could be encountered in obtaining employment, applicants are required to have arranged a job in Australia before they can be admitted for settlement. Other applicants may arrange employment if they wish and receive additional points on the Economicj Employment Assessment.
The Department will examine offers of employment to determi ne whether they are genuine and meet the requirements for arranged employment for migration purposes.
MIGRANT ENTRY HANDBOOK
So that people can understand the basis of decisions by the Department, the Migrant Entry Handbook, which sets out detailed procedures and instructions, will be available for public inspection at offices of the Department from 19 April. It will be on sale through Australian Government Publishing Service bookshops shortly after that date.
62
REVIEW OF DECISIONS
Under the arrangements for review of decisions set out in the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs' statement of 18 January i 982 any sponsor whose re lative is not ap proved for entry by the Department may have the case reviewed by the Immigration Review Panel.
63
ATTACHMENT A
FAMILY
MIGRATION
SUMMARY
OF
REQUIREMENTS
Whether
Qualifying Whether a n econo
mi c Whether
period
of
Whether assurance Whether a standard employment em pl oyme nt
selllement
res i dence by
of
support required or
full
sponsor-
offer
is
assessment assessment
Category Description sponsor
1
and the period' s hi p
is r equired ' required required requir ed
I A(i)
Spouses
None
No
Standard
No
No
Ye s,
w here
nec essa ry
lA
(ii)
Unmarried
children
None
No
Standard
No No
Yes,
where
if part
of
the
family neces sa ry
unit
-----
lA(iii)
Children
under
18
None
Yes,
until c hild reaches
18
Standard
No N o
Yes,
where
a--
years for
adoption
years in case
of
ch ildren ne cessa ry
+>-
from overseas not a lready
adop
ted
lA
(iv)
Orphaned
unmarried
None
Yes,
until chi
ld reaches
18
Standard
No No
Yes,
wh e re
relatives
under
18
years
of
age necessary
yea
rs
lA
(v)
Specia l
need relatives None Required for
10 years if F ull Sponsorship where If likely
to
enter
the No
Yes
within
I 0 years
of
ret iring
appl
icant
likely t o
enter
workforce
age
or
older
the
workforce
l A (vi) Fiance
None
Yes,
until m arriage has
Sta ndard
No No
Yes
taken
place
IB (i)
Parents
of
retiri ng
Two
years
Yes,
for
I 0 yea
rs
Standard
No No
Yes,
where
age necessary
IB (ii)
Parents
of
working
Two
years
Yes,
f o r
I 0 yea r s if within F ull spo n sors
hi p w h ere If likely t o
enter
the
N o
Yes
age
I 0 years
of
retiring age
applicant
likel y
to
enter
workforce
the
wo rkforc e
I
B (iii)
Aged
dependent
relatives
I B (iv) L a st remaining
brother,
sister
or
adu
lt child outside Australia
IC (i)
IC (ii)
Non-dependent children Non-dependent brothers
and
sisters
Two
years
Yes,
for
I 0 years
Two
years
Yes,
for
I 0 years if within
I 0 years
of
retiring age
or
older
Two
yea rs
No
Two
yea rs
No
'A ustralian citizens
are
deemed
to
have satisfied the
qualif
y ing period.
Standard Full
s ponsorship, where
applicant
lik ely
to
enter
the workforce
Sponsor m a y c h oose
standard
or
fu ll
spon s orsh ip Sponsor
may choose
standard
or
f ull
sponsorship
No
No
Yes,
if
li kely to
enter
No
the
workforce
Yes,
where
app
li cant
's
Ye s
occupation
is in
over-supply
or
minor
o ver-supply
Yes,
where
app
lic a nt ' s
Yes
occ
up ation
is in
over-supply
or
minor
over-supply
'Officers may require an Assurance
of
Support
or
a
full
sponsorship if
the
ap pli
cant
is a high risk
of
becoming a c harge on public funds.
ALL
APPLICANTS
ARE
SUBJECT
TO
HEALTH
AND
CHARACTER
REQUIREMENTS.
Yes,
wher
e
necessary
Yes
Yes
Yes
NON-SPONSORED MIGRATION CATEGORIES SUMMARY OF REQU IREMENTS
Whelher
Whelheran economic
emp/oymenl emp/oymenl
offer is assess men/
Sub-calegory Descriplion required required
2. LABOUR SHORTAGE AND BUSINESS MIGRATION
2 (i) Occupations in demand No Yes
2 (ii) Employment nominees Employment Yes
Nomination required
2 (iii) (a) Business migration No Yes
2 (iii) (b) Self-employed applicants No Yes
3. INDEPENDENT MIGRATION
3 Independent migration No Yes
4. REFUGEES AND SPECIAL HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS
Separate requirements apply
5. SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY
Whelher seu/emenl assess men/ required
Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes
5 (i) Trans Tasman arrangement Persons holding NZ passports are generally exempted from
5 (ii) 5 ( ii i)
visa requirements
Self-supporting No No
Creative and sporting talents No No
Yes Yes
ALL APPLICANTS ARE SUBJECT TO HEALTH AND CHARACTER REQU IREMENTS.
66
Estimates Committee D of Proceedings
67
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTE E D
MINUTES OF P RO CEEDINGS No. 7
MONDAY, 19APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.15 a.m. The Chairma n (Senator Kilgariff) took the Chair.
2. REFERENCE OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPEN DITURE: The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 25 March 1982 re ferring Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981 - 82 to the Committee.
3. APPROACH TO QUESTIONING AND FORM AND CONTENT OF BACK GROUND PAPERS: The Committee considered its approach to the questioning of de partmental witnesses and the form and content of background papers provided by Committee staff.
4. CORRESPONDENCE/PAPERS: The Committee received and noted a letter and attachment from the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs relating to the intro duction of the new migrant selection scheme.
5. ATTENDANCE: Senator Kilgariff (Chairman), and Senators Jessop, Mulvihill, Sibraa and Watson.
69
B. F . KILGARIFF Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.8
MONDAY, 19APRIL 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. The Chairman (Senator Kilgariff) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman stated that, pursuant to the Resolution of the Senate of 25 March 1982, the Committee would consider the Particu lars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for departments as follow s:
Document* Page
A 17
A 25
B 7
A 32
B 8
Departmental Estimates to be Examined
Division N o. Department
230- 250 Defence .
315- 31 8 Foreign Affairs 875- 876 Foreign Affairs 360- 365 Immigration and Ethnic Affa irs 903- 904 Immigration and Ethnic Affairs
A moum
$
336 212 000 15 844 000 I 200 000 10 756000
202 000
⢠Document A- 'Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Yea r endin g on 30 June 1982 '. ⢠Document B- 'Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Ex penditure in Respec t of th e Yea r endin g on 30 June 1982'.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL E XPENDITUR E 1981 - 82- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
Appearing: Senator the Hon. Tony Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, represent ing the Minister for Defence, accompanied by the foll owi ng officers: Mr G. P. Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Defence, Facilities Management Policy Mr G. E. Barlow, Deputy Chief Defence Scientist
Mr P. E. Bazley, Assistant Secretary, Manpower, Policy and Requirements Mr A. M. Beveridge, Director, Finance and General Services Mr P. G. Collins, First Assistant Secretary, Industrial Mr R. W. Corey, Acting Assistand Secretary, Resources Planning- Army
Mr F . R. Harvey, Assistant Secretary, Science and Technology Brigadier C. N . Kahn, Director-General, Recruiting Mr J. W. Knight, Acting Chief of Supply Mr D. M. McAlister, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Programmes and Budgets Mr L. A. McGee, Assistant Secretary, Quality Assurance and Engineering Re-
sources Policy Mr J. E. McMahon, Assistant Secretary, Resources Planning- Navy Brigadier G . J. Murphy, Director-General, Joint Plans and Operations Mr J. A. Nockels, Assistant Secretary, International Policy, PNG and Defence
Co-operation Programmes Mr J. S. O'Neill, Assistant Secretary, Budgets and Estimates (General and Co-ordination)
71
Air Commodore W. E. Sansum, Director-General, Materiel Force Mr J. L. Simmonds, Acting Assistant Director, Policy and Support, Natura l Disasters Organisation Dr A. Taloni, Assistant Secretary, Projects Co-ordination (Computing
Services) Brigadier B. Wade, Director-General, Operations and Mr M. J. Welch, Assistant Secretary, Project Planning and Evaluation Commodore B. L. West, Deputy Chief of Naval Materiel
Mr N . C. Y eend, Acting Assistant Secretary, Resources Air Force Department of Finance: Mr A. C. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Accounts and Operations Branch, Ac counting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Document A:
Divisions 230,232,233,234,235,238,240,241,242 Division 250 (under control of Department of Administrative Services)
$
335 851 000
361 000
336 212 000
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure for the De partment of Defence, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Appearing: Senator the Hon. Tony Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, represent ing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanied by the following officers: Mr P. G. F. Henderson, Secretary Mr R. J. Smith, First Assistant Secretary, Management and Foreign Service
Division Mr I. G . Bowden, First Assistant Secretary, Consular, Information and Cultural Division Mr A. J. Melhuish, Chief of Protocol Mr N. R. Manton, Deputy Chief of Protocol Mr H. C. Brown, Acting Assistant Secretary, Economic Relations Branch Mr J . A. Piper, Senior Adviser, Economic Organisations Branch Mr. B. D. B. Smith, Acti ng Assistant Secretary, Administrative Services Branch Mr I. James, Acting Assistant Secretary, International Organisations Branch Mr G . R. Harber, Assistant Secretary, Technical Services Branch Mr J. S. F. Bowan, Assistant Secretary, Europe Branch Mr B. L. Parkes, Director, Overseas General Accounting Section Mr P. A. J. Fitzgerald, Director, Organisation and Resources Planning Section Mr K. A. Oakman, Director, Property and Office Services Section Mr K. B. Scott, Director, Diplomatic Security Section Mr R. Holly, Acting Director, Communications/Registry Section Mr B. J. Hickey, Director, Personnel Policy Section MrS. D. Brooks, Budget Officer, Overseas and General Accounting Section Mr G . C. Dauth, Head, Commonwealth and Multilateral Organisations Section
72
Australian Development Assistance Bureau: Mr J. Powell, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Policy, Training and Organis-ations Division Mr I. Burston, Acting Assistant Secretary, Finance and Services Branch
Dr R . Hills, Senior Executive Officer, Research for Development Section Mr R. Harman, Head, Food Aid Unit Mr F. W ojtaszak, Action Section Head, Finance Section Ms R. Scott-Charlton, Acting Budget Officer, Strategic Planning Section
Department of Finance: Mr A. C. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Accounts and Operations Branch, Ac counting and Supply Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Document A Divisions 315,316,317,318 $15 844 000
Document B Divisions 875, 876 $1 200 000
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure for the De partment of Foreign Affairs, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide ad ditional information.
5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82 - DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS
Appearing: Senator the Hon. Tony Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, represent ing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, accompanied by the following officers: Mr J. L. Menadue, Secretary
Mr R . Anderson, First Assistant Secretary, Management Mr B. Machin, Senior Advisor, Ethnic Affairs Mr M. J. Roche, Assistant Secretary, Finance and Services Mr B. Murray, Assistant Secretary, Review Panel
Mr H. Ramsay, Ass1stant Secretary, Education Mr K. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Policy Co-ordination Mr A. Robertson, Assistant Secretary, Operations No. 1 Mr N. Hoffmann, Assistant Secretary, Settlement
Mr T . Griffiths, Acting Assistant Secretary, Refugees and International Mr I. McNeil, Director, Financial Policy and Estimates Mr J. Hope-Allan, Secretary and Director of Research, Committee of Inquiry into the Recognition of Overseas Qualifications
Mr G. Woodward, Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs Department of Finance: Mr A. C. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Accounts and Operations Branch, Accounting and Supply Division
The Chairman called on the following divisions for consideration: Document A Divisions 360, 364,365 $10 756 000 Document B
Divisions 903, 904 $202 000
73
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure for the De partment of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 5.16 p.m.
7. ATTENDANCE: Senator Kilgariff (Chairman), and Senators Jessop, Mulvihill, Sibraa and Watson.
74
B. F. KILGARlFF Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.9
THURSDAY, 29 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative session at 9.30 a.m. The Chairman (Senator Kilgariff) took the Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of meetings (2) held on 19 April 1982 were read and confirmed.
3. REPORT OF COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman's draft Report to the Senate. Resolved- That the Report, as amended, be adopted.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.45 a.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: Senator Kilgariff (Chairman), and Senators Jessop, Mulvihill and Sibraa.
75
B. F. KILGARIFF Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E REPORT TO THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee E has the honour to present its Report to the Senate. I. On 25 March 19 82 the Senate referred to the Committee the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Year 1981 - 82, relating to the following Departments:
Employment and Youth Affairs Housing and Construction National Development and Energy 2. The Committee has considered the Proposed Additional Expenditure and has received explanations fr om the Minister and officers representing the Departments concerned. Copies of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of the evidence
taken by the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in connection with the Appropriation Bill (No.3) 1981 - 82 and the Appropriation Bill (No.4) 1981 - 82. Certain answers to questions which were taken on notice at the Committee's hearing and subsequently provided in writing are also tabled and will be incorporated in the
final Hansard report of the Committee's hearing. 3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the following matter:
The Committee has been informed by the Department of Housing and Construc tion that it has written to the Department of Finance concerning the adoption of cer tain procedures to facilitate examination by Estimates Committees of the particulars of new works proposals of individual Departments, as recommended by the Com
mittee in its Report to the Senate of 13 October 1981. 4. The Committee records its appreciation of the assistance provided it by the Minister and the officers representing the Departments concerned.
4 May 1982
79
A.M. THOMAS Chairman
Estimates Committee E of Proceedings
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.8
THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 2.20 p.m. The Chairman (Senator Thomas) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman stated that, pursuant to the Res olution of the Senate on 25 March 1982, the Committee would consider the following Departmental Estimates of Proposed Additional Expenditure:
Division
Document* Page No. Department Amount
$
A 36 430- 43 2 National Development and Energy 684 000
B 9 925- 926 National Development and Energy 396 000
A 23 286 Employment and Youth Affairs 24 985 000
B 6 857 Employment and Youth Affairs 191 000
A 31 350-354 Housing and Construction 71 594 000
B 8 895 Housing and Construction 7176000
⢠Document A- 'Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure fo r the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982'. ⢠Document B- 'Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in Respect of the Year ending on 30 June 1982'.
3. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82- DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS
Appearing: Senator the Honourable Sir John Carrick, Minister for National Develop ment and Energy, accompanied by the follow ing officers:
Department of Employment and Youth Affairs: Mr J. E. Cooley, First Assistant Secretary, Management Services Division Mr A. G. Abrahart, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Youth Affairs and Proj-ects Division
Mr R. Saunderson, Acting General Manager, Planning and ADP Division Mr P. Mason, Acting General Manager, CES Programmes Division Mr B. MacDonald, Assistant Secretary, Finance Branch Mr R. Marshman, Assistant Secretary, Industry Training Services Branch
Mr J. Ray, Assistant Secretary, Manpower Skills Branch Mr N. Schouten, Acting Assistant Secretary, Youth Programs Branch
Department of Finance: Mr J. L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Division 286- Department of Employment and Youth Affairs (Document A) Division 857-Department of Employment and Youth Affairs (Document B)
83
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981 - 82 of the Department of Employment and Youth Affairs, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to supply additional information to the Committee.
4. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITUR E 1981 - 82 - DEPARTME NT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION Appearing: Senator the Honourable Sir John Carrick, Minister for National Develop
ment and Energy, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Housing and Construction: Mr K. J. Rodda, Deputy Secretary Mr B. J. Wight, Assistant Secretary (Home Ownership) Mr K. F . Culph, Acting Assistant Secretary (Finance) Mr T. Slater, Acting Assistant Secretary (Works)
Department of Finance: Mr J. L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 350- 354- Department of Housing and Construction (Document A) Division 895-Department of Housing and Construction (Document B) The Minister for National Development and Energy made a statement relating to the Proposed Additional Expenditure of the Department of Housing and Construction. The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional
Expenditure 1981-82 of the Department of Housing and Construction, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to supply additional information to the Committee.
5. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82-DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY Appearing: Senator the Honourable Sir John Carrick, Minister for National Develop ment and Energy, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of National Development and Energy: Mr D . J. Ives, Deputy Secretary Mr W. H. Ratcliff, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr A. Manderson, First Assistant Secretary, Water and Development Division Mr P. Ryan, First Assistant Secretary, Uranium and General Division Mr G. C. Gorrie, Assistant Secretary, Energy Conservation Branch Mr A. Burdon, Principal Executive Officer, Electricity Section Mr C. Veenstra, Acting Director, Division of National Mapping Dr A. J. Jensen, Acting Assistant Director (Operations), Bureau of Mineral
Resources
Australian Atomic Energy Commission: Dr D . G . Walker, Deputy Director Department of Finance: Mr J. L. Griffin, Chief Finance Officer The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 430- 432-Department of National Development and Energy (Docu ment A)
84
Divisions 925-926- Department of National Development and Energy (Docu-ment B) The Minister for National Development and Energy made a statement relating to the Proposed Additional Expenditure of the Department of National Development and
Energy. The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82 ofthe Department of National Development and Energy.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 5.57 p.m.
7. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Childs, Crichton-Brown, Elstob, Hill, Robertson and Thomas. Senator McLaren also took part in the Committee's proceedings.
85
A.M. THOMAS Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F REPORT TO THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee F has the honour to present its Report to the Senate. 1. On 25 March 1982 the Senate referred to the Committee the Additional Esti-mates for 1981 - 82 relating to the following Departments: Science and Technology
Transport Capital Territory 2. The Committee has considered the Estimates, together with the Departmental Explanatory Notes, and has received explanations from the Minister fo r Veterans' Affairs (Senator Messner) and officers of the departments concerned. Copies of the
Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of the evidence taken by the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in connection with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1981 - 82, Appropriation Bill (No.4) 1981 - 82. 3. The Committee wishes to draw attention to the following matter:
Department of Transport- Additional Estimates During its examination of the estimates of the Department of Transport the Committee was advised that the Additional Estimates for that Department fell short of require ments by approximately $7 .7m.
The Department of Transport advised that $6.3m of this underprovision was due to the failure by that Department to identify the requirements for funds flowin g from vari ous Arbitrator's Determinations, in time to meet the timetable for finalisation of Ap propriation Bill (No.3) 1981 - 82.
The Committee was advised that the Acting Minister for Transport had written to the Minister for Finance on 19 April 1982 seeking advice on whether the additional wages and salary requirements should be met by an amendment to the Bill or funded through the Advance to the Minister for Finance. At the time of finalising this Report,
the Committee has not been advised of the outcome of this correspondence. The Committee considers that such a requirement for funds should have been readily identifiable and the Committee is concerned that such an underprovision for wage and salary increases, resulting from Arbitrator's Determinations, was not ident
ified by either the Department of Transport or the Department of Finance in time for inclusion in Appropriation Bill (No. 3). The Committee believes that such an omission precludes the proper Parliamentary scrutiny of Departmental Estimates. The Committee considers that provision for these funds should have been made in
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1981 - 82, and is concerned that the funding of the underprovision through the Advance to the Minister for Finance might be a misuse of the Advance under the guidelines relating to urgent and unforeseen expenditures, set out by the Minister for Finance in her statement to the Senate on 26 May 1981.
4. Further written replies to questions are awaited and on receipt will be dis tributed to members of the Committee and where appropriate to other Senators who participated in the Committee's examination. The replies will also be incorporated in the final Hansard report of the Committee's hearings.
5. In conclusion, the Committee wishes to record its appreciation for the expla nations provided by the Minister and officers of the various departments who assisted the Committee. M.TOWNLEY
Chairman
89
Estimates Committee F of Proceedings
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.7
TH URSDAY, 22 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 2.10 p.m. The Chairman Senator Trrwnlc ⢠took the Chair.
2. APOLOGIES: Senator Withers.
3. REFERENCE TO ESTIMATES COMMITTEES: T he Resolution of of 25 March 198 2 relating to the referral to Estimates Committees of the Particul
4. OPERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE: Discussion ensued on the method questioning departmental witnesses during the meeting of t he Committee.
5. ADJOURNMENT: T he Meeting adjourned till 2. 15 p .m . Thu r. day, 22 An' 1982.
6. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were pr Senators Coates, Georges, Jones, MacGibbon and Townley (5).
93
M.
Chafrm,.<"
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
MINUTES OF P ROCEEDINGS No.8
THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met at 2.1 8 p.m. The Chairman (Senator Townley) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman made a Statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of the Particul ars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82 -DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Appearing: Senator the Hon. A. J. Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister assisting the Treasurer accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Science and Technology: Mr C. A. Webster, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Mr P. B. Free, First Assistant Secretary, Operations and Management Division Mr G. Parker, Executive Officer, Finance and Supply Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Dr N.J. Sullivan, Assistant Secretary, Research Policy arid Development Mr H . C. Crozier, Secretary, Finance and Administration Mr I. L. Farrar, Assistant Secretary (Budget) Mr I. L. Harvey, Chief Finance Officer (Budget) Mr R. A. Riches, Senior Finance Officer Department of Finance:
Ms P. Lyndon, Senior Finance Officer (Grade 2) Mr A. C. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Accounting and Operations Branch The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 540- 554- Department of Science and Technology (Document A) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure from the De partment of Science and Technology subject to an undertaking by the Minister to pro vide additional information to the Committee.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82 -DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT Appearing: Senator the Hon. A. J. Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister assisting the Treasurer, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Transport: Mr K. H. Toakley, First Assistant Secretary (Finance and Commercial) Mr H. B. O'Keefe, First Assistant Secretary (Airways Operations) Mr P. B. Eccles, First Assistant Secretary (Coastal Services)
Mr F . E. Yeend, First Assistant Secretary (Flying Operations and Airworthiness) Mr K . J. Cosgrove, Acting First Assistant Secretary (Land Transport Policy) Mr N. Wicks, Acting First Assistant Secretary (Management Services)
94
Mr J. W. E. Huggett, Senior Assistant Secretary (Airport Development) Mr B. Dockrill, Assistant Secretary (Domestic Regulation) Mr E. P.R. Bowen, Assistant Secretary (Finance) Mr D. W. O'Brien, Assistant Secretary (Coastal and Overseas Bulk)
Mr G. J. Harper, Acting Director, Budget Bureau of Transport Economics: Mr W. P. Egan, Deputy Director Independent Air Fares Committee:
Mr R. Elder, Acting Secretary Department of Finance: Mr A. C. Harris, Assistant Secretary, Accounting and Operations Branch Ms P. Lyndon, Senior Finance Officer (Grade 2) The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 655 to 663 - Transport (Document A) Division 969- Transport (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure from the De partment of Transport subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional
information to the Committee.
5. PARTICULARS O F PROPOSED EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82 -DEPARTMENT OF CAPITAL TERRITORY Appearing: Senator the Hon. A. J. Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister assisting the Treasurer, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Capital Territory: Mr D. M. Lalor, Assistant Secretary, Finance and Supply Branch Mr B. J . Lenihan, Acting Director, Programs and Budgets Section Mr R. Corrigan, First Assistant Secretary, Lands Division
Mr G . Fraser, Assistant Secretary, Policy Co-ordination Branch Mr B. Rope, Assistant Secretary, Housing Branch Mr J. Wall, Assistant Secretary, Welfare Branch Mr J. Turner, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Transport and Technical Ser-
vices Division Mr R. J. O'Connell, Assistant Secretary, Systems Branch Mr P. Skinner, Director, Management Consultancy Section Mr J . Gray, Senior Inspector, Personnel and Services Section Mr K . J. Curtis, Secretary--Manager, National Capital Development
Commission Mr B. M. Browning, Assistant Secretary, Program Management The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 210 to 214- Capital Territory (Document A)
Division 834- Capital Territory (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Expenditure for the De partment of Capital Territory subject to an undertaking by the Ministers to provide ad di tional information to the Committee.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.09 p.m.
7. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were in attendance: Senator Townley (Chairman) and Senators Coates, Jones, Georges and MacGibbon. Senators Jessop and Mulvihill were also in attendance. M. TOWNLEY
Chairman
95
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.9
TUESDAY, 4 MAY 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met at 12.45 p.m. The Chairman (Senator Townley) took the Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the meetings held on 22 April 1982 were read and confirmed.
3. REPORT OF COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman 's draft Report to the Senate. Resolved: That the Report be adopted with amendments.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Meeting adjourned at 12.55 p.m. till a time and date to be fixed .
5. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Townley (Chairman) and Senators Coates and Withers (3).
96
M. TOWNLEY Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE G REPORT TO THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE G
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee G has the honour to present its Report to the Senate: I. On 25 March 1982 the Senate referred to the Committee the Additional Esti-mates for the Year 1981 - 82 for the following departments: Health
Social Security Veterans' Affairs Aboriginal Affairs 2. The Committee has considered these Estimates and has received explanations of them from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs (Senator Messner) and the Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Health (Senator Baume) and officers of the depart ments concerned. A copy of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of the evidence taken by the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in con nection with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1981 - 82 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4)
19 81- 82.
3. The Committee expresses its appreciation of the assistance given by the Minis ters and the officers.
99
N. T . BONNER Chairman
Estimates Committee G of Proceedings
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE G
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.9
FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.05 a.m. The Acting Chairman (Senator Walters) took the Chair.
2. STATEMENT O F CHAIRMAN: The Acting Chairman made an introductory statement.
3. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1981 - 82
Pursuant to Order of t he Senate, the Committee commenced consideration of the Par ticulars of Proposed Additional Exrenditure for the Service of the Year ending 30 June 1982 and the Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in Respect of the Year ending 30 June 1982 as follows:
Division
Document* Page No. Department Amount
$
A 27 325- 329 Health 16 800 000
B 7 882 Health 249 000
A 43 590- 591 Social Security 30 547 000
B 10 956 Social Security 830 000
A 50 690- 693 Veterans' Affairs 28 502 000
B II 984- 987 Veterans' Affairs 8 015 000
A 6 120 Aboriginal Affairs 2 060 000
B 4 804- 806 Aboriginal Affairs 80 000
⢠Document A- 'Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982.' ⢠Document 8 - 'Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in Respect of the Year ending on 30June 1982.'
4. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Appearing: Senator The Hon. A. J. Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, ac companied by the following officers:
Department of Veterans'Affairs: Mr D. Volker, Secretary and Chairman of the Repatriation Commission
Management Services Division: Mr G.T. Miller, First Assistant Commissioner Mr B. Partridge, Assistant Commissioner (Manpower Services) Mr N. Hunt, Acting Assistant Commissioner (Finance)
Medical Division: Dr M. M. Kehoe, Chief Director (Medical Services)
103
Treatment Services Division: Mr B. O'Shannassy, Acting First Assistant Commissioner Benefits and Legislation Division: Mr R. J. Hill, Acting First Assistant Commissioner Special Studies Group:
Mr E. D. Letts, First Assistant Secretary Defence Service Homes Corporation: Mr A. Selleck, General Manager Mr J. Reynolds, Acting Manager (Corporate Planning and Evaluation Branch) Department of Finance:
Mr J. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division Mr A. M. Cantwell, Acting Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on Divisions 690- 693 and 984-987, Department of Veterans' Affairs. Consideration commenced of the following Particulars of Proposed Additional
Expenditure: Divisions 690-693-Veterans' Affairs $28 502 000 (Document A) Divisions 984-987-Veterans' Affairs $8 015 000 (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information.
5. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY Appearing: Senator the Honourable P. E. Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Health, representing the Minister for Social Security, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Social Security: Mr A. J. Ayers, Director-General Mr J. M. Mahoney, First Assistant Director-General (Benefits) Mr C. Calvert, Acting First Assistant Director-General (Management) Mr D. R. Scott, Acting First Assistant Director-General (Rehabilitation and
Subsidies) Mr K. T. Kimball, First Assistant Director-General (Systems and Operations) Mrs M. Y. Coleman, Director, Office of Child Care Department of Finance:
Mr J. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division Mr A. M. Cantwell, Acting Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on Divisions 590- 591 and 956, Department of Social Security. Consideration commenced of the following Particulars of Proposed Additional
Expenditure: Divisions 590- 591 - Social Security $30 547 000 (Document A) Division 956- Social Security $830 000 (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information.
104
6. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Appearing: Senator the Honourable P. E. Baume, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Health: Mr M. Carroll, Deputy Director-General Mr L. W. Lane, First Assistant Director-General, Management Services Division
Mr J. McCauley, First Assistant Director-General, Medical Benefits Division Mr R. H. Searle, First Assistant Director-General, Quarantine Division Dr C. Selby Smith, First Assistant Director-General, Insurance, Hospitals and Nursing Homes Division
Mr G . M. James, Acting First Assistant Director-General, National Health and Medical Research Division Dr W. A. Langsford, First Assistant Public Health Division
Dr K. W. Edmondson, First Assistant Director-General, Therapeutics Division Mr P. Pflaum, First Assistant Director-General, Policy and Planning Division Dr D . Travers, First Assistant Director-General, Medical Services Division Mr K. J. Kleist, Assistant Director-General, Finance Branch
Mr G. F. Bunfield, Director, Finance Dr K. M. Doust, Chairman, Capital Territory Health Commission Mr R. A. Foskett, Secretary, Capital Territory Health Commission Mr G. R. Thorn, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Finance, Capital Territory
Health Commission Department of Finance: Mr J. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division Mr A. M. Cantwell, Acting Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply
Division
The Chairman called on Divisions 325- 329 and 882, Department of Health. Consideration commenced of the following Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure: Divisions 325- 329- Health $16 800 000 (Document A)
Division 882- Health $249 000 (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981-82, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information to the Committee.
7. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS Appearing: Senator the Honourable P. E. Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Health, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Aboriginal Affairs: Mr J. C. Taylor, Secretary Mr L. A. J. Malone, First Assistant Secretary, Co-ordination Division Mr G. M. Brownbill, First Assistant Secretary, Development Division
Mr R. A. Jenkins, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr R. Toohey, Assistant Secretary, Programs Branch Mr K. Wanganeen, Regional Director, Victoria- Tasmania Mr W. Miller, Director, Program Development Section
Mr M. Baker, Acting Assistant Director, Budget Co-ordination Section
lOS
Department of Finance: Mr J. Landrigan, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division Mr A. M. Cantwell, Acting Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on Divisions 120 and 804- 806, Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Consideration commenced of the following Particulars of Proposed Additional
Expenditure: Division 120-Aboriginal Affairs $2 060 000 (Document A) Divisions 804- 806-Aboriginal Affairs $80 000 (Document B) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1981 -82 subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information.
8. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 4.30 p.m.
9. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator Walters (Acting Chairman), and Senators Giles, Grimes and Teague. Senators McLaren, Colston and Peter Rae were also in attendance.
106
N. T. BONNER Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE G
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.lO
TUESDAY, 4 MAY 1982
1. MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative session at 1.39 p.m. in Room M52, Parliament House, Canberra.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 April1982 were read and confirmed.
3. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT: The Chairman presented his draft Report to the Committee. Resolved: That the Report be agreed to.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 1.40 p.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Bonner (Chairman), Giles, Teague and Walters.
107
N. T.BONNER Chairman
ESTIMATES COMMI'ITEE H REPORT TO THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE H REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee H has the honour to present it s Report to the Senate. I. On 25 March 1982 the Senate referred to the Committee the Additional Esti mates of Expenditure for the Year ending 1981 - 82, relating to the following departments:
Primary Industry
Industry and Commerce Trade and Resources 2. The Committee has considered the Estimates of Additional Expenditure and has received explanations of them from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and M inis ter for Health, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and officers of the Departments con cerned. A copy of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard report of evidence taken by
the Committee are tabled for the information of the Senate in connection wi th Appropriation Bill (No.3) 1982 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) 19 82. Further written explanations furnished by Departments will be presented separately and printed in the Hansard record.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the following:
Consideration of the Estimates by Committees
For some time, the Committee has been co ncerned about the numbers of departmental officers which, twice a year, are required to attend upon the Estimates Committees. Often these officers are to be found. jamming the corridors, waiting for their turn to appear before the appropriate Committee. Many of the same officers are again found
waiting upon the Committee of the Whole during the consideration of the Appropri ation Bills. A cursory addition of the numbers of man-h ours involved, coupled with the salaries of the officers, shows that the total cost may by measured in hundreds of dollars per hour. This ignores the costs of transporting interstate officers to Canberra and di s
ruption to the normal functioning of the departments cause d by the absence of the officers.
In its consideration of the Additional Estimates recently, the Committee attempted to reduce the total costs of the operation and the disruption to normal departmental functions by giving notice to the departments of the most likely aspects of the Ad ditional Estimates about which the Committee had some concern. Jn this way it was
hoped to reduce to a minimum the number of officers who attended the hearings on the chance that questions may be asked about particular aspects of departmental operations.
In pursuing its aim, the Committee at no time intended to usurp the right of Minis ters to determine the number and positio ns of departmental officers attending the hear ings. Nor did the Committee wish to deny the rights of Senators, not being members of the Committee, to ask questions at the hearings. As in the past, where appropriate
officers have not been present or where detailed information has been so ught, unans wered questions have been taken on notice for later written reply.
At the hearings it was noticeable, from the reduced numbers of officers attending and the ability of those who did attend to answer most questions put to them, that the Committee's objects were realised. Subsequent responses from the departments in volved have been complimentary of the Committee's efforts.
Ill
In all, the Committee desired to improve the efficiency of the Senate's scrutiny of public expenditure by increasing the likelihood that the appropriate officers are avail able to answer the Committee's questions, whilst causing as little disruption as possible to the normal operations of the departments.
Encouraged by its recent experience, the Committee intends to adopt a similar ap proach in its consideration of the Estimates for 1982- 83 during the Budget Session . 4. The Committee records its appreciation of the assistance of the Ministers and t he officers of the departments concerned.
4 May 1982
112
BRIAN R. ARCHER Chairman
Estimates Committee H of Proceedings
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE H
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.8 FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met in public session at 9.30 a.m. in Senate Com mittee Rooms 1 a nd 2. The Chairman (Senator Archer) took the Chair.
2. PROCEDURE OF THE COMMITTEE: The Chairman made a statement relat in g to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982-Document A; and Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in
Respect of the Year ending on 30 June 198 2- Document B for the departments as indicated:
Division
Document* Page No. Department Amount
$
A 37 490- 497 Pri ma ry Industry 431 6 000
B 9 932- 933 Prim a ry Industry 3 525 000
A 35 380- 387 Industry and Commerce 20 009 000
B 9 917- 9 19 Industry and Commerce 6 204 000
A 45 640- 644 Trade and Resources 13 05 3 000
⢠Document A- 'Particula rs of Proposed Additional Ex pend iture for the Service of the Year ending on 30 June 1982'. * Doc ument B- ' Pa rticu la rs of Certa in Proposed Additional Expenditure in Res pect of the Ye ar ending on 30J une 1982'.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1982 FO R THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY
Appearing: Senator the Hon. Peter Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minis ter fo r Health, representing the Minister for Primary Industry, accompanied by the fo l lowing officers:
Department of Primary Industry: Mr L. P. Duthie, Secretary Mr T . J. Kelly, First Assistant Secretary, Operations Division Mr P. H . Langhorne, Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr D . D . R. Pearson, Director, Financial Management
Mr M. Blarney, First Assistant Secretary, Meat and Wool Division Mr J. L. Smith, Assistant Secretary, Wool Branch, Meat and Wool Division Mr A. E. Wallace, First Assistant Secretary, Dairy and Intensive Livestock Division
Mr A. J. Bennett, Assistant Secretary, Field Crops and Sugar Division Mr R . D. Coutts, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Forestry and Horticultural Crops Division Mr D . R. Barnes, Assistant Secretary, Administration Branch, Fisheries
Division
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Mr M. B. Lilburn, Assistant Secre tary, External Relations Branch, F ishe ri es Division Mr P. Allan, Assistant Secretary, Development and Co-ordina tion Division Mr P. T. Core, Acting Director, Export Inspection Service Divisio n Mr R. W. Gee, Director, Bureau of Animal Healt h Dr A. Stoeckel, Director, Bureau of Agricultural Economics
Department of Finance: Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Div ision
The Chairman called on the followi ng Divisions for consideration:
Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1982 Division 490- 497- Department of Primary In dustry (Documen t A) Division 932- 933 - Department of Primary Industry (Document B)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particul ars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Primary Industry.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EX PEN DIT URE 1982 FOR THE DEPARTMENT O F INDUSTRY AND COMM ERCE
Appearing: Senator the Hon. Peter Baume, Min ister for Aborigina l Affa irs a nd Minis ter for Health, representing the Minister fo r Industry and Commerce, accompa ni ed by the following officers:
Department of Industry and Com m erce: Mr P. G. Gifford, F irst Assistant Secretary, Management Division Mr K . McKnown, Assistant Secretary, Finance and Property Branch Mr B. G. Hegarty, Assistant Secretary, Commerce and Sma ll Business Branch,
Tertiary Industry Division Dr K. A. Tucker, Assistant Director, Bureau oflndustry Economics Mr A. P . Foley, Director (Aircraft) , Aircraft , Guided Weapons and Electronics Supply Division Mr W. M. Drysdale, Principal Executive Offi cer (Administration), Aircraft,
Guided Weapons and E lectronics Supply Division Mr J . C. Comerford, Principal Executive Officer (Finance) , Munitions Su pply Division Mr J. C. Snell, Acting Principal Executive Officer, Marketing Bra nch Mr J. F. Hickey, Acting Assistant Director, Administrative Servi ces Branch,
Management Division
DepartmenT of Finance: Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Accounti ng and Sup pl y Di vis ion
The Chairman called on the foll owing Divis ions for consideratio n:
Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1982 Division 380- 387- Department of Industry and Commerce (Document A) Division 917- 919- Department oflndustry and Commerce (Document B)
The Committee concluded its considerations of the Particul ars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Industry and Commerce.
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5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1982 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND RESOURCES Appearing: Senator the Hon. A. J. Messner, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Trade and Resources, ac companied by the following officers:
Department of Trade and Resources: Mr R. A. Daly, Executive Member, Export Development Grants Board Mr E. Exell, Acting Senior Assistant Secretary, Management and Overseas Division
Mr I. K. Forsyth, Director, Trade Policy Division Mr B. F. Meere, Principal Adviser, Commodities No. l Division Mr P. Pond, Acting Director, Management and Overseas Division MrS. Ryan, Acting Assistant Secretary, Management and Overseas Division
Mr P. L. Webb, Acting Assistant Secretary, Trade Policy Division Department of Finance: Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Accounting and Supply Division The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1982 Division 640- 644- Department of Trade and Resources (Document A) The Committee concluded its consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Trade and Resources.
6. ADJOU RNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 12.13 p.m.
7. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Archer, Foreman, Primmer, Scott and Walsh.
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BRIAN R. ARCHER Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE H
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS No.9
TUESDAY, 4 MAY 1982
I. MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative sessio n at 1.30 p.m. in Senate Committee Room 6. The Chairman (Senator Archer) took the C hair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MIN UTES: The Minutes of Proceedi ngs of the Meeti ng held on 23 April 1982 were read and co nfi rmed.
3. REPORT OF COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman 's draft Report to the Senate. The draft was adopted wi thout amendment.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adj ourned at 1.40 p.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: The follo wing members of the Commi ttee were present: Senators Archer, Foreman, Lajovic, Primmer, Scott a nd Walsh.
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BRIAN R. ARCHER Chairman