| Title | Estimates - Senate Committees - Report together with Hansard record of proceedings - Committees A, B, C, D (together with 7 attachments), E and F on Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 1987 |
| Source | Senate |
| Date | 07-05-1987 |
| Parliament No. | 34 |
| Tabled in Senate | 07-05-1987 |
| Parliamentary Paper Year | 1987 |
| Parliamentary Paper No. | 164 |
| System Id | publications/tabledpapers/HPP032016007158 |
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia
SENATE ESTIM ATES COMMITTEES A, B, C, D, E and F
Reports to the Senate on Departmental Additional Estimates 1986-87
Presented and ordered to be printed 7 M ay 1987
Parliamentary Paper No. 164/1987
:
Parliamentary Paper No. /1987
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES A, B, C, D, E, AND F
Reports to the Senate on Departmental Additional Estimates 1986-87
The Commonwealth Government Printer Canberra 1987
® Commonwealth of Australia 1987 ISBN 0 644 06313 0
Printed by Authority by the Commonwealth Government Printer
CONTENTS PAGE
1. Resolution of the Senate (v )
2. Membership of Committees (v i )
3. Estimates Committee A
Report 3
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
25 March 1987 17
31 March 1987 19
3 April 1987 23
1 May 1987 29
Index of Issues 31
4. Estimates Committee B
Report 41
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
24 March 1987 47
31 March 1987 49
3 April 1987 53
7 April 1987 59
5 May 1987 63
Index of Issues 67
5. Estimates Committee C
Report 75
Guidelines for Provisions of Assistance to
Senate Estimates Committees by the
Australian Audit Office 83
Index of Issues 89
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
31 March 1987 99
3 April 1987 106
24 April 1987 111
6 May 1987 115
( iii )
CONTENTS PAGE
6. Estimates Committee D
Report 119
Documents tabled during Public Hearings,
or provided as additional information
to the Committee 130
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
30 March 1987 133
16 April 1987 135
30 April 1987 139
4 May 1987 141
6 May 1987 145
Index of Issues 149
7. Estimates Committee E
Report 165
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
26 March 1987 171
9 April 1987 173
27 April 1987 181
4 May 1987 185
Index of Issues 191
8. Estimates Committee F
Report 221
Minutes of Proceedings 1987
6 April 1987 (2 meetings) 227
6 May 1987 241
Index of Issues 247
(iv)
RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE
AGREED TO ON 25 MARCH 1987
ESTIMATES COMMITTEES - REFERENCE OF PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87
(1) That the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 1987 in relation to the Parliamentary Departments, the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the year ending on
30 June 1987 and the Particulars of Certain Proposed
Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 1987 be referred forthwith to Estimates Committees for examination and report.
(2) That the Committees consider Proposed Additional Expenditure in the Estimates Committee groupings agreed to by Resolution of the Senate of 20 March 1987 . *
(3) That the Committees report to the Senate on or before
Thursday, 7 May 1987.
* Estimates Committee Groups
Estimates Committee A Parliament Industry, Technology and Commerce Prime Minister and Cabinet Trade
Science
Estimates Committee B Resources and Energy Attorney-General Immigration and Ethnic
Affairs Foreign Affairs Defence
Estimates Committee C Finance Employment and Industrial Relations Treasury
Primary Industry Communications
Estimates Committee D Education Housing and Construction Sport, Recreation and
Tourism Arts, Heritage and Environment
Estimates Committee E Veterans' Affairs Transport Aviation
Territories Local Government and Administrative Services
Estimates Committee F Special Minister of State Community Services
Social Security Health
(v)
MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Senator Cook (Chairman) Senator Alston Senator Jessop Senator Ray Senator Richardson Senator Short
Senator Cooney (Chairman) Senator Morris Senator Newman Senator Puplick Senator Reynolds * Senator Teague Senator Zakharov '
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
Senator Black ^"(Chairman) Senator Aulich * Senator Michael Baume * Senator Peter Baume * Senator Sir John Garrick " Senator Crowley * Senator Elstob. Senator Giles * .
Senator MacGibbon * Senator Sheil * Senator Walters. * Senator Watson *
Senator Foreman * (Chairman ) Senator Aulich * ^
Senator Michael Baume * Senator Black * 2
Senator Sir John Garrick * Senator Hill " Senator Lewis â _
Senator MacGibbon. * Senator McIntosh ' Senator McKiernan * Senator Reid * Senator Vanstone * Senator West *
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
Senator Childs (Chairman) Senator Boswell Senator Brownhill Senator Devlin Senator Hill " Senator Maguire Senator Parer *
Senator Reynolds^"' (Chairman) Senator Peter Baume * Senator Crowley ' Senator Foreman * Senator Giles * Senator Dame.Margaret
Guilfoyle * Senator McKiernan * Senator Reid * 1
Senator Reynolds * Senator Sheil ' Senator Townley * Senator Vanstone. * Senator Walters " Senator Zakharov '
1. Appointed 24.3.87 2. Discharged 24.3.87 3. Appointed 24.3.87, discharged 31.3.87 and re-appointed
29.4.87
4. Appointed 31.3.87 and discharged 29.4.87 5. Discharged 31.3.87 and re-appointed 29.4.87
6. Appointed 24.3.87 and discharged 3.4.87 7. Appointed 3.4.87 8. Appointed 6.4.87 (for that
day only)
9. Appointed 24.3.87 and discharged 6.4.87
(vi)
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
REPORT TO THE SENATE
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I
AUSTRALIAN SENATE ' âAKiBF PvRA a i
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee A has the honour to report to the
Senate.
1. On 25 March 1987, the Senate referred to the Committee
the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for 1986-87
relating to the Parliamentary Departments, the Department of
Industry, Technology and Commerce, the Department of Science,
the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the
Department of Trade.
2. The Committee has considered the estimates of these
departments, together with the departmental explanatory notes,
and has received evidence in relation to them from the President
of the Senate (Senator the Hon. Kerry Sibraa) , the Minister for
Industry, Technology and Commerce (Senator the Hon. John
Button), 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 the Appropriation (Parliamentary
Departments) Bill (No. 2) 1986-87, the Appropriation Bill (No.
3) 1986-87 and the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1986-87 . Written answers provided subsequent to the Committee's hearings will be
tabled in the Senate and incorporated in the final Hansard
report of the Committee's proceedings.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the
following matters arising from its consideration of the
estimates:
Commonwealth Record
The Committee has, in a number of recent reports, noted
the expenditure involved in providing subscriptions to the
Commonwealth Record for Senators and has requested that the
Standing Committee on Appropriations and Staffing examine the
level of subscriptions to which Senators are entitled. In its
consideration of the first bids for 1986-87 for the Department
of the Senate, the Standing Committee on Appropriations and
Staffing agreed to a reduction in the entitlement to
subscriptions to the Commonwealth Record from ten to two per
Senator.
The new level of subscriptions involves an allocation
of $56 ,000 in the 1986-87 revised estimates. A circular sent to
all Senators in June 1986 indicated that a reduction in
subscriptions would result in a saving of $53 ,000; in the event
the actual saving is now $19 644. This discrepancy arises from
the fact that the main recipients of the Commonwealth Record are
Senators and Members, and a reduction in the overall number of
subscriptions results in an increase in the cost of each
subscription. The cost of each annual subscription has risen
from $112 in September 1982, to $144 in November 1984, to $280
in January 1986 , to $488 in September 1986 , to $498 in March
1987.
In the light of the stringent financial climate within
which the Parliament is required to operate; the fact that other
services to Senators are being curtailed, for example, the
entitlement to newspapers; that the material contained in the
4 .
Commonwealth Record is largely non-parliamentary in nature and
is available from other, more up-to-date, sources; and, that the
Parliament appears to bear most of the costs associated with the
production of the Commonwealth Record; the Committee reiterates
its recommendation to the Standing Committee on Appropriations
and Staffing, through the President, that consideration be given
to removing completely the entitlement of Senators to
subscriptions to the Commonwealth Record.
Use of Annual Reports bv Estimates Committees
Since the Department of Industry, Technology and
Commerce moved to a system of program budgeting in 19 84/85, its
annual report has been drawn up so as to provide a framework
against which departmental activites may be assessed, and to
describe the economic and policy environment within which the
Department operates. The new approach adopted by the Department
in preparing its Annual Report has three main characteristics:
. first, the Department's corporate goals and strategies, or programs, have been articulated: . secondly, the practice of reporting on
the divisions, branches and sections with in the Department has been
discontinued. Instead, the year is
reviewed through the Department's major programs and sub-programs, reflecting the Department's move to program
budgeting; and . thirdly, explanatory material in the body of the report and in the appendixes outlines important environmental factors
ranging from industry conditions and macro-economic changes to various
Government policies and programs, which affect industry performance.
The annual reports of other departments are also
reflecting this approach as they move to the program budgeting
system. The annual reports, provided they have been presented
in time to be available, therefore have the potential to become
valuable aids to the Estimates Committees. This potential would
be increased if the Department of Finance guidelines for the
preparation of explanatory notes could require some cross-
referencing to relevant portions of annual reports. If this were
done, it would also provide a basis for fruitful co-operation
between the Estimates Committees and the Legislative and General
Purpose Standing Committees, through the latter s' task under
Sessional Orders to examine annual reports. The annual reports
could become a major instrument in improving the accountability
of departments and agencies to the Parliament, with the Standing
Committees concentrating more on performance, while the
Estimates Committees focussing more on financial issues.
The future work of Estimates Committees
As the Committee reported in October 1985 there are
important issues relating to the work of Estimates Committees
which will need to be addressed by the Senate as program
budgeting becomes the Public Service norm. These issues include:
(1) an inevitable increase in involvement of Estimates
Committees in making judgements on policy matters,
as various programs are assessed against their
objectives;
(2) a shift in the emphasis of Estimate Committee
examinations from proposed to actual expenditures
(i.e. a shift in emphasis from consideration of
the current year's estimates to a consideration of the previous year's expenditure); and,
(3) the need for re-examination of the role and method
of operation of Senate Estimates Committees: will
the current process of part-time examination of
estimates by committee staffed with part-time
officers be adequate to an effective scrutiny of
the wide range of programs within the various
government departments and authorities?
In addition, the Parliament as a whole may need to
re-examine the way it appropriates funds. The presentation of
information in a program budgeting format, as in the Explanatory
Notes, is not compatible with the current presentation of the
estimates in the Appropriation Bills which the parliament
considers. Should, then, the format of the Appropriation Bills
be changed, with funds being appropriated on a program basis? In
answering such a question, consideration would need to be given
both to the constitutional issues involved (the powers of the
Senate with respect to Money Bills) and to the existing
agreement on the content of the two Appropriation Bills.
To effectively examine a program, all relevant
expenditures must be included. About two-thirds of expenditure
from the Consolidated Revenue Fund is from 'special'
appropriations, i.e. appropriations of an on-going nature
authorised by the parliament in separate Acts. Only about
one-third of expenditure is authorised by the annual
Appropriation Acts. To what extent should Estimates Committees
be examining these?
The Estimates Committees have played an important role
in the establishment of the Senate Committee system as a
valuable component in the scrutiny of Government activity. At
this time, with a major change in financial management about to
be implemented throughout the public sector, a unique
opportunity exists to review the role, procedures and operations
of the Estimates Committees. The issues identified by the
Committee in its Report to the Senate in October 1985 (p.17)
remain relevant and should form the basis of such an inquiry.
Such a review should take place if the Estimates Committees are
to maintain their improvement role in the parliamentary
examination and scrutiny of the expenditure of the Government.
The Committee recommends that a Select Committee be
established to undertake a comprehensive review of the role,
procedures and operations of the Estimates Committees, in their
consideration of proposed expenditure under the Appropriation
Bills, be undertaken. This Select Committee should be
established as a matter of urgency, and report to the Senate within six months.
Senate Information Systems
Since October 1985 the Committee has exercised
particular interest in the planning and associated expenditure
for the microcomputer information systems program which began in
1984. In its Report of October 1985 the Committee commended the
thorough and methodical approach being taken by the Senate in
planning the progressive introduction of a system, beginning
with word processing capability, with the ultimate objective of
establishing network capability which would become available in
the new Parliament House. The President, the Hon. Senator K.W.
Sibraa, informed the Committee at its hearing on 31 March 1987
that the tender for information systems for the Parliament had
reached a stage where preferred tenderers had been selected.
There would be a four-month evaluation trial of their solutions
before contracts would be entered into. President Sibraa
expressed satisfaction in being able to select an Australian
prime contractor for a high quality work station, and in being
able to maximise Australian software and integration services in the overall solution.
8.
In the light of the most recent information it is
appropriate to remind the Senate that in its Report of October
1985 the Committee warned that unless there was a co-ordinated
approach to the supply of equipment in Parliament House and
electorate offices, there could be "a multiplicity" of
incompatible systems operating by the time the new Parliament
House was occupied. The Committee recommended that the
Government transfer responsibility for the introduction of
information systems equipment in Senators' electorate offices
from the Department of the Special Minister of State to the
Department of the Senate. This would not only ensure
compatibility but would enable distinct Commonwealth savings in
terms of purchase under one tender arrangement and the provision
of common maintenance and support services. It is appropriate at
this point for the Committee to commend the partnership that has
been established between the two Chamber departments in the
common task of developing a compatible information system for
the Parliament.
At its hearings in April 1986 the Committee was
disappointed to be informed by the President, Senator
McClelland, that the Government had decided against the transfer
of responsibility for the supply of information systems
equipment to electorate offices. The responsibility would remain
with the Department of the Special Minister of State. The
Special Minister of State in his letter of 18 March 1986 , tabled
in the Senate on 15 April 1986, informed the President that it
was intended that the electorate office equipment, and that
presently installed in the offices of the Parliament, would be
compatible and capable, at a later stage, of being linked to the
Parliament House systems. Given the Government's decision, the
Committee considered it most important that the Department of
the Special Minister of State liaise closely with the Department
of the Senate to ensure that full compatibility was achieved and
that Senators were able to gain maximum benefit from the
equipment to be installed in electorate offices. The Committee
believed that the minimum compatibility requirements included
the ability to transfer completed or partly completed documents
directly between the systems.
At its hearings in September 1986 the President advised
the Committee that the SMOS tender had been amended and that the
mandatory requirements for compatibility with existing Senators
and Members systems had been relaxed. At those hearings, Mr
President tabled correspondence on the subject between he and
the Special Minister of State. Subsequent to the current
hearings, the President has provided further correspondence to
the Committee which completes the correspondence history to
date. This last series of letters reveals that on 25 September
1986, the President wrote to the Special Minister of State,
expressing the concern of the Presiding Officers and their
respective Departments over the path being followed for the
procurement of the electorate office equipment. The President
indicated that the Parliament's tender process was no less
concerned at maximising Australian content than was SMOS, and
that discussions between multi-national and Australian companies
had aimed at meeting this aspect of the tender. The President
gave his opinion that it would be sensible and practical if the
SMOS tender were not finalized until the relevant options
arising from the evaluation of both tenders became apparent.
This would entail a solution for both tenders which would meet
user requirements in the most cost effective way, would maximize
the opportunity for compatibility of systems between electorate
and Parliament House offices, and would provide the highest
degree of Australian content. The President proposed that, as a
matter of urgency, a meeting take place between officers of the
Parliament and officers from other departments concerned (SMOS,
Local Government and Administrative Services, Finance, Industry,
Technology and Commerce) to recommend a solution to the problems
which it was perceived would undoubtedly arise.
In hie reply dated 13 October 1986 , the Special
Minister of State declined the President's proposal to arrange
an inter-departmental meeting, pleading an overriding need to
avoid further delay in the acquisition of basic office
equipment. The Minister conceded that compatibility was "highly
desirable" and that the tender specifications recognised this.
The need for "close consultation" also remained and officers of
SMOS would be in a position to discuss with officers of the
Parliamentary departments the specifications and functionalities
of final tenders by 1 November 1986.
It now appears that many of the concerns raised earlier
in the correspondence and which could and should have been
resolved in September 1986 , have now surfaced. Unfortunately,
these have arisen after implementation has commenced, to the
considerable inconvenience of Senators and Members and their
staff. Due to the separate solution chosen by SMOS, which does
not fully meet Senators' and Members' requirements, it has been
necessary to offer a remedial word processing software package
as an alternative to that which operates in Parliament House.
Senators and Members now have the choice of choosing a software
package which is compatible with Parliament House but which has
deficiencies when operating on the equipment in electorate
offices, or choosing an alternative package for the electorate
office which creates substantial compatibility difficulties with
their equipment in Parliament House.
A situation has now developed which should never have
arisen - two systems, with two training and support systems, two word processing software options, two different keyboards,
duplication and waste in staffing, and so on. The Committee
notes that Estimates Committee F has expressed similar concerns
to those of this Committee.
The Committee can only trust that the ability of
Senators and Members to access databases to be available in the
new building is not jeopardised by decisions made and being made
by SMOS in its implementation.
The obvious conclusion to be drawn from the foregoing
is that the Committee's advice has been ignored, with the
consequences that it almost exactly predicted two years ago, and
which it has drawn to the attention of the Senate in every
Report since. The Committee is of the opinion that the processes
of decision making by the Minister and the Department of
thespecial Minister of State are inexplicable given the Senate's
clear advice, through the President, concerning avoidance of the
obvious pitfalls of incompatibility in computer systems. Had
SMOS accepted the plea of President McClelland to discuss the
implications in full prior to decisions being made, the
Committee is satisfied that an Australian company would have
been able to provide a system meeting the most important
requirements of Senators and Members while being fully
compatible with the system in use in Parliament House.
The Committee has no specific recommendations to make
to the Senate concerning this problem of non-compatibility which
has now eventuated. It can only draw the Senate's attention to
it and suggests that whatever inquiries or solutions honourable
Senators wish to institute or propose, be so proceeded with.
The Committee is aware that a group of Senators and
Members are addressing the matters raised above with a view to
ensuring that Senators' and Members' overall requirements are
met with the least amount of inconvenience. The Committee would
like to think that within this for urn SMOS will be more
co-operative with the Parliament in the future on this matter.
12.
GENERAL
4. The Committee expresses its appreciation of the
assistance given by Mr President, the Minister for Industry,
Technology and Commerce, and the officers of the various
departments and authorities who appeared before the Committee.
Peter Cook
Senator For Western Australia
Chairman
13 .
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Li
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
*
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
NO. 19
WEDNESDAY, 25 MARCH 1987
1. MEETING
The Committee met in private session at 9.47 am.
2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Senator Cook was nominated for the position of Chairman of the Committee by Senator Ray and was elected unopposed.
3 . CONSIDERATION OF EXPENDITURE
The Committee agreed to examine departmental estimates referred to it in the following order:
Parliamentary Departments Industry, Technology and Commerce Science Prime Minister and Cabinet Trade
4 . RELEASE OF INFORMATION
The Committee agreed to table answers to questions received since its last meeting and to include them for printing with additional information received and tabled in the course of its forthcoming hearings.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The Committee adjourned at 9.51 am.
6. ATTENDANCE
Senators Cook (Chairman), Alston and Ray.
Confirrned:
Peter Cook fChai rman)
17.
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THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
NO. 20
WEDNESDAY, 31 MARCH 1987
1. MEETING
The Committee met in at 6.02 pm. The Chairman (Senator Cook) took the Chair.
2 . STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN
The Chairman made a statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of the supplementary estimates of the following departments referred by the Senate for consideration: Parliamentary
departments; Industry, Technology and Commerce; Science; Prime Minister and Cabinet; Trade.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 -PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS
In attendance: Senator the Hon. Kerry Sibraa, President of the Senate, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of the Senate
Mr A.R. Camming Thom, Clerk of the Senate Mr T.H.G. Wharton, Clerk-Assistant (Management) Mr H . Evans, Deputy Clerk Miss A. Lynch, Clerk-Assistant (Committees) Mr P.N. Murdoch, Clerk-Assistant (Table) Mr J. Vender Wyk, Clerk-Assistant (Procedure) Mr C.J.C. Elliott, Acting Usher of the Black Rod Mr M.A. Goodall, Principal Parliamentary Officer
(Information Systems) Mr D.G.E. Abbott, Principal Parliamentary Officer (Parliamentary Relations) Mr G.M. Nankerv is, Senior Parliamentary Officer
(Administrati on) Mr T. Magi, Senior Clerk of Committees
Department of the Parliamentary Library
Mr H. de S.C. Maclean, Parliamentary Librarian Mr M.J. Brudenall, Deputy Parliamentary Librarian Mr R.G. Kemp, Acting Finance Officer
19 .
Department of Finance
The President made an introductory statement prior to consideration of the supplementary estimates of each parliamentary department.
The Chairman called on the following divisions for
examination:
Division 101 - Department of the Senate Division 106 - Department of the Parliamentary Library
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed expenditure for the Parliamentary departments.
4 . PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 -OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
In attendance: Senator the Hon. John Button, Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, accompanied by the following officers:
Office of the Governor-General
Mr D. Smith, Official Secretary Lieutenant-Colonel G. Warner, Comptroller to the
Governor-General Mr C. Bell, Senior Executive Officer Ms L. Huey, Administrative and Finance Officer
Department of Finance
Ms J. van der Heide, Senior Finance Officer Grade 2. Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division.
The Chairman called on the following divisions for
consideration:
Division 506 - Governor-General's Office and Establishments Division 937 - Capital Works and Services Sub-division 01 - Governor-General's
Office and Establishments
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed expenditure for the Office of the Governor-General.
5· PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED EXPENDITURE 1986-1987 - DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY. TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCE
In attendance: Senator the Hon. John Button, Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, accompanied by the following officers:
Ms J . van der Heide, Senior Finance Officer Grade 2 Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
20.
Corporate Strategy and Services Division
Mr G. Hallinan Assistant Secretary, Corporate
Services Branch
Mr K. Matthews Assistant Seer etary, Strategy
Development Branch
Mr J. Grant Director, Resources Management
Section
Technoloav and Business Efficiencv
Mr B. Smith General Manager, Industry
Research & Development Branch
Mr G. Taylor Assistant Seer etary, Of f se t s &
Governme nt Procur erne nt Branch
Mr B. Bryant Assistant Seer etary, Industry
Services Branch
L iaht and Service Industries Division
Dr. J. Hagan Assistant Secretary, Food Forest
Products & Building Materi al s Branch
Heavv Industry Sectors Division
Mr G. Collopy Assistant Seeretary Metals &
Machinery Branch
Mr R. Curtain Director, Heavy Engineering Board
Secretariat
Industry Infrastructure Division
Ms J. Lawe-Davies Assistant Secretary, Trade
Development & International Relations Branch
Bureau of Industry Economics
Mr J . Stanford Acting Deputy Director
Australian Customs Service
Mr F. Kelly Mr A. Luckman
Mr D. Griffiths
Mr J. Bridge
Deputy Comptroller-General First Assistant Comptroller-General Management Division Assistant Comptroller-General Resources Management Branch
Management Division Director, Finance Resources Management Branch, Commercial Divisi on
21.
Department of Finance
Ms J . van der Heide Senior Finance Officer Grade 2
Financial Management and
Accounting Policy Division
The Chairman called on the following divisions for
exami nation :
Division 3 80 - Administrative Division 385 - Australian Customs Service Division 3 86 - Industries Assistance Commission
The Committee concluded its examination of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce, subject to undertakings to provide additional information.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The Committee adjourned at 11.58 pm.
7. ATTENDANCE
Senators Cook (Chairman), Alston, Jessop, Ray, Richardson and Short. Also in attendance were Senators Archer and Vigor.
CONFIRMED
(Peter Cook) Chairman
22 .
AUSTRALIAN SENATE CANBERRA ACT
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
NO. 21
FRIDAY, 3 APRIL 1987
1. MEETING
The Committee met at 1.48 pm. The Chairman (Senator Cook) took the Chair.
2 . PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 -DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
In attendance: Senator the Hon. John Button, Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Science
Mr J. P. For estier Dr J. S. Boyd
Mr G.W. Bull ivant Mr J. F. Ryan
Dr C. Dahl Dr H. Preston
Mr R. Wilson
Mr K. S. Stokes
Mr H. C. Crozier
Mr I. L. Farrar Mr J. H. Payne
Mr R. A. Riche s
Ms M. Voice
Acting Deputy Secretary Assistant Secretary, Resources Management Branch Director, Resources Planning Section
Assistant Director, Australian Science and Technology Centre Acting Australian Government Analyst Assistant Secretary, Grants and
Fellowships Branch Acting Commissioner, Patents, Trade Marks and Designs Office
Director, Resource Management Patents, Trade Marks and Designs Of f i ce General Manager, Finance and
Administration C.S.I.R.O. Manager, Budgets, C.S.I.R.O. Chief Finance Officer, Budgets, C.S.I.R.O. Senior Finance Officer, Budgets,
C. S. I. R. 0. Client Liaison Executive Officer, Bureau of Meteorology Assistant Director, Resource Budgets
23 .
Mr G. Carlos
Department of Finance
The Committee considered the additional estimates of the Department of Science. The Chairman called on the following divisions for consideration.
Mr. H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Grade 2 Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
Division 540 Division 542 Division 543 Division 544 Division 545 Division 5 47 Division 945
A dm ini strative Analytical Services Antarctic Division Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology
Ionospheric Prediction Service Patent Trade Markes and Design Office Capital Works and Services
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Science, subject to the undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 -DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
In attendance: Senator the Hon. John Button, Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Mr S. A. Hamilton Mr P. A. Selth Dr P. Shergold
Mr A. Kaspura
Ms S. Brooks
Mr R. Mills
Mr W.J. Blick
Deputy Secretary Manager, Corporate Services Division First Assistant Secretary, Office of Multi-cultural Affairs
First Assistant Secretary, Office of Youth Affairs First Assistant Secretary, Office of the Status of Women First Assistant Secretary,
Bicentenary and Community Relations Division First Assistant Secretary,
Parliamentary and Government
Divisi on
Efficiency Scrutiny Unit
Dr A.D. Hawke Assistant Secretary
Office of National Assessments
Deputy Director-General Chief Executive Officer, Services
Mr D.H. Robertson Mr N. D. Denning Management
Australian Science and Technology Council
Dr B . Heyde Acting Assistant Secretary
Public Service Board
Ms A. Buttsworth
Mr M.C.B. Bonsey Mr C.G. Mobbs
Mr D. Cal a by
Acting First Assistant Commissioner, Personnel Management Division Acting Secretary to the Board Acting Assistant Commissioner,
Management Branch Acting Assistant Director, Resources Management Section
Merit Protection and Review Agency
Mr P. Gifford Director
Department of Finance
Mr H. Campbell Senior Finance Officer Grade 2,
Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
The Committee considered the additional estimates f o the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Chairman called the following programs for consultation.
Division 500 Division 505 Division 511 Division 513
Division 516 Division 937 Division 9 40
Adm inistrative Efficiency Scrutiny Unit Office of National Assessments Australian Science and Technology Council
Public Service Board Capital Works and Services Public Service Board
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, subject to undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
4 . PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED EXPENDITURE 1986-1987 - DEPARTMENT OF TRADE
In attendance: Senator the Hon. John Button, Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, accompanied by the following officers: Department of Trade
Mr M.D. Lightowler Mr R.T. Anderson
Mr G.A. Thomson
Deputy Secretary First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Group Acting First Assistant Secretary, Bilateral Trade Relations Group
25.
Mr D.C. Hawes
Mr E.G. Wilshire
Mr R . J. Th om a s
Mr A.J. Glenn
Ms M.J. Bennett
Mr P.J. Urban
Mr R. K.H. Dim
Mr P.L. Webb
AUSTRADE
Principal Adviser, Multilateral Trade Group Executive Director, Trade
Development Council Secretariat Acting Principal Adviser, Minerals and Energy Group Assistant Secretary, Grains, Sugar and Tropical Products Branch,
Corporate Services Group Assistant Secretary, Resource Management and Development Branch, Corporate Services Group Assistant Secretary, Economic Branch, Economic and Trade
Development Group Assistant Secretary, Cor-ordination and Review Office Assistant Secretary, Operations
Branch, Corporate Services Group
Mr D.H. Hunter Mr R.J. Webb
Mr A. J. Hi slop Mr J .R. Bennett
Mr P.M. Boys Mr B.A. Friend
Acting Deputy Managing Director General Manager, Export Development G roup Manager, Export Credits Division General Manager, Corporate Service Group
Manager, Export Grants Division Manager, Resources and Services
The Chairman called on the following divisions for
consideration:
Division 640 - Administrative Division 642 - Trade Representatives Division 643 - Australian Trade Commission Division 965 - Payments to or for the States and the
Northern Territory
The Committee concluded its examination of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Trade, subject to undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
5 . ADJOURNMENT
The Committee adjourned at 4.27 pm.
6. NEXT MEETING
The Committee adjourned to a time to be decided.
26.
ATTENDANCE 7 .
Senators Cook (Chairman), Alston and Short.
Apologies were received from Senators Jessop, Ray and
Richardson. Senators Archer, Michael Baume, and Vigor were also present.
CONFIRMED
(Peter Cook) Chairman
· . : - - , â . · · . ·
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η
AUSTRALIAN SENATE CANBERRA. ACT
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
NO. 22
FRIDAY, 1 MAY 1987
1. MEETING
The Committee met in private session at 8.34 am in Senate Committee Room 6. The Chairman (Senator Cook) took the Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of meetings held on 25 and 31 March and 3
April 19 87 were confirmed, on motion by Senator Ray.
3. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee considered the Chairman's draft report to the Senate.
Resolved (on motion by Senator Short): That the draft report as amended be adopted.
4 . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On motion by Senator Jessop, correspondence dated 25 September and 21 October 1986 by the Presiding Officers to the Special Minister of State, and dated 13 October 1986 from the Special Minister of State to the President of the Senate,
forwarded to the Committee by the President subsequent to the hearing of 31 March 1987, was tabled.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The Committee adjourned at 8.52 am.
6. ATTENDANCE
Senators Cook (Chairman), Jessop, Ray and Short. Apologies were received from Senators Alston and Richardson.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
(Peter Cook) Chairman
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1
2 2- 3
3- 4
4- 5
5
5
5- 6
6
6
SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
HANSARD
Tuesday, 31 March 1987
INDEX TO ISSUES
Issue
Opening statement by Chairman
PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS
President's statement
Security arrangements
Tender arrangements for electorate information systems
Reductions in expenditure on newspapers
The Commonwealth Record
Contributions to international parliamentary associations
Appointments to senior positions in Department without
advertisement of vacancies
Presiding Officer's stationery expenditure
National Wage increase affecting Parliamentary Library
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
Office of the Governor-General
Expenses of State visit to Thailand using RAAF aircraft
31.
8
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCE
11 Impact of bounty cuts
Australian Customs Service
10 Involvement of Customs official in drug case
11 Allegations of fraud in the Service
12 Service co-operation and liaison with law enforcement
agencies
13 Work of the special investigation unit
13 Weakness revealed by Auditor-General1s report on
passenger and cargo clearance at airports
13 Staffing levels
14 Services' response to criticism of Auditor-General1s
report
14-16 Internal auditing and investigation of corruption
16-17 Assessment of general performance of the Service
since its establishment
17 Report on integrated system of Customs clearance and
cargo control
18 Application of "user-pays" principle
18-20 Transfer of staff to Tasmania
20-21 Increase in compensation and legal expenses
21 Occupational health and safety
Division 380 - Administrative
22-23 Delayed re-location of Department to new offices
23 Re-location of staff within Department
24 Prosecutions for breaches of Customs Act
24 Documentation checks
25 Checking of sales tax and exemption orders
25 Investigations of postal articles by Federal Police
32 .
26
26
27
27
28
28-29
29
30-31
31
31-32
32-33
33
34
34
35
35
35
35
36
37
37
37
38
38
38
3 8-3 9
39
Investigation of misdemeanours
Calculation of tobacco excise
Checks on the claims of companies by reference to industry bodies
Computerised pass system
Report of the Collector's Conference
Barrier enforcement and inspection of containers
Delays in Custom clearance
Industries Assistance Commission
Separation payments
Review of interstate shipping
References before IAC relating to rice, sugar and
wheat industries
Unspent funds under Research and Dvelopment Act
Guidelines for grant applications
Rejections of applications under GIRD scheme
150% "write-off" scheme
Technology transfer grants
Bounty reductions under Bounty (Cultivation Machinery) Act
Dispute over freight and wharfage cost data
Communications equipment industry strategy
Structural changes in communications equipment industry
Department's consultations with Telecom Decision on Inglis Committee recommendations
Distinction between communications equipment and
information equipment
Claims and payments made under Bounty (Ship Repair) Act Review of ship bounty scheme
Figgins Diorama scheme and AIDC involvement
AIDC involvement in Swedish submarines tender consortium
National Industry Extension Scheme service
.
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SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
HANSARD
Friday, 3 April 1987
INDEX TO ISSUES
Page Issue
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
Division 450 Administrative
41 Impact on Department of its Minister's new
responsibilities
42 Departments relationship with Commission of the Future
42-43 Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Science,
Technology and the Environment
Antarctic Division
43 Satellite communications system
43 Effect of devaluation on shipping charter rates
44 Replacement of the Neila Dan
Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology
46 Lump-sum separation payments
46 Staff reductions
46 Purchase of radiosondes
46 Research on drought
47 Liaison with foreign weather services and CSIRO,
universities and other bodies
35.
47
47
47-48
48
48
48
48-49
49-50
50-51
51
51-52
52
52
52-53
53
53
54
54
54
Cost recovery for meteorological services
Automatic weather stations
Forecasting requirements incurred because of
America's Cup race
Research into El Nino and ozone hole over Antarctica
Patent, Trade Marks and Design Office
Staff recruitment
Overtime worked
Backlog of applications
Productivity gains
Capital Works and Services
Payment to NCDC for construction of Australian Science
and Technology Centre
CSIRO
CSIRO Annual Report - details of production
Fringe benefits tax
Efficiency dividend
Examinaion of research priorities
Cyber 205
Csironet equipment
Sirotech resources and CSIRO expectations
Cyber 205 - limited use
Decline in Csironet revenues
Early staff separation
36.
55
56
56
57-58
58
58
59
59
59-60
60
61
61
63
63
63
63
DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
Administrative
Future size and structure of Office of Multicultural
Affairs
Staffing of Institute of Multicultural Affairs
Servicing of Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs and funding of migrant welfare groups
Multicultural Affairs Office accommodation and facilities
Advertising for written submissions on structure and
activities of the Office
Relations with SBS
Upgrading of Kirribilli House
Office of the Status of Women
Survey into housework
Role of Australian Bureau of Statistics
Surfboard design project
Grants guidelines
Cost details of booklet e t'n t e nd
Efficiency Scrutiny Unit
Scope of the work of the unit
Australian Science and Technology Council
Takeover of research grants operation of the Government Status of ASTBC reports
Liaison with other grant bodies
37.
/
Public Service Board
64 Employees as students paying $250 tertiary education levy
64 Studies assistance
65 Exchange program
65 Smoke-free policy
6 5 Flextime review
65 Paid inoperatives
66 Board's scrutiny role
66- 67 Equal employment opportunity
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE
Division 640 - Administrative
67- 68 Questions on America's Cup
69 Liability for debts of International Tin Council
69 Compensation payments and legal costs incurred by
Department
69- 70 Contributions to and representation at International
Tin Council
70- 71 Policy option regarding the Tin Council
71 Legal frameworks for regulation of international Trade
72 Holiday entitlements for overseas staff
38.
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 2 5 March 1987 the Senate referred to the Committee
Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of
the year ending on 30 June 1987 and Particulars of Certain
Proposed Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on
30 June 1987 relating to the following Departments:
Department of Resources and Energy,
Attorney-General's Department,
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs,
Department of Foreign Affairs, and
Department of Defence.
2. The Committee has considered the Additional Estimates of the
Departments together with the Departmental Explanatory Notes, and
has received explanations from the Minister for Resources and
Energy (Senator the Hon. G.J. Evans Q.C. ) and officers of the
Departments. A copy of the Minutes of Proceedings of the
Committee is appended to this Report. In addition, Hansard
reports of the evidence taken by the Committee are tabled for the
information of the Senate in connection with Appropriation Bill
(No.3) 1986-87 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) 1986-87. An index to
issues raised in the Committee's hearings is likewise appended to
this Report. Written answers to questions taken on notice will be
tabled in a volume entitled Additional Information - Written
Answers to Questions Taken on Notice.
41.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the
following matter arising out of its consideration of the
Additional Estimates:
SCHEDULING OF ESTIMATES COMMITTEE HEARINGS
The Government takes the responsibility for the scheduling
of Estimates Committee hearings, partly because of the need to
ensure that the responsible Minister is available to attend. This
Committee was original ly scheduled to sit in respect of the
Additional Estimates for 1986-87 on Tuesday 31 March 1987 from
3.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and on Friday 3 April 1987 from 9.00 a.m.
to 4.30 p.m.
Departmental Explanatory Notes in relation to the Additional
Estimates were not tabled until Thursday 26 March 1987 giving
members of the Committee only four clear days to examine these
documents prior to the commencement of hearings. The inevitable
consequence of this lack of time was that members of the
Committee and other interested Senators were not able to
formulate questions in advance to be provided to Departments for
response at the hearings. This mechanism is useful both in
reducing the time actually spent in hearings and in assisting
Departments to identify areas of interest to Senators so that
officers attending the hearings may be properly briefed.
The Committee was only able to begin its hearing on Tuesday
31 March at 6.00 p.m. because two Government papers were
scheduled for debate in the Senate on that day. Similarly the
Committee was unable to begin its hearing on Friday 3 April until
2.00 p.m. because the Government required the passage of urgent
legislation before the Senate rose that day for a scheduled three
week adjournment. These delays necessitated the scheduling of a
further hearing on Tuesday 7 April between 10.00 a.m. and
12.45 p.m. for the Committee to complete its examination of the Additional Estimates.
The Committee suggests that it should be possible to adhere
to the published schedule for Estimates Committee hearings. Quite
apart from the inconvenience caused to officers of Departments
who are required to attend at the scheduled time and then find
themselves kept waiting in the corridors while the Senate
finalises its business, considerable inconvenience is caused to
Senators, particularly when they are forced to return to Canberra
for extra hearings. Senators who are not members of the Committee
but who have, of course, the right to attend and ask questions
may find it impossible to be present at such extra hearings and
may thus ask questions in the Committee of the Whole which could
have been dealt with in the hearings of the Estimates Committees.
It was partly to avoid the time of the Senate being taken up with
such questioning that the Estimates Committees were established.
In short it would be to the advantage of all concerned in
the Estimates Committee process if explanatory material were made
available well in advance of the hearings and if the timetable
for those hearings were substantially adhered to.
4. The Committee records its appreciation of the assistance
gi ven by the Minister for Resources and Energy and the officers
of the Departments concerned.
Terry Aulich
Deputy Chairman
43 .
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'
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
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.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 15 TUESDAY, 24 MARCH 1987
1. Meeting
The Committee met in private session at 6.35 pm.
2. Membership
The Secretary reported membership changes, since the last meeting of the Committee, as follows:
24 March 1987: Senator P.J. Giles discharged Senator the Hon. P.E. Baume discharged Senator R.A. Crowley discharged Senator G. Sheil discharged Senator M.S. Walters discharged
24 March 1987: Senator T. Aulich appointed Senator M. Baume appointed Senator J . Black appointed Senator the Hon. Sir John Carrick appointed Senator D.J. MacGibbon appointed
3. Election of Chairman
Nominations were called for Chairman. Senator Black was nominated by Senator Elstob. There being no other nominations, Senator Black took the Chair.
4. Changes to Departmental Grouping
The Secretary reported changes to the Departmental Grouping for Estimates Committee B. On 20 March 1987, the Manager of Government Business in the Senate moved that
Estimates Committee B consider Proposed Expenditure in Departments as follows: *
* Resources and Energy * Attorney-General * Immigration and Ethnic Affairs * Foreign Affairs
* Defence
5. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
The Committee agreed to examine the Departmental Estimates in the following order:
Resources and Energy Attorney-Generals Immigration and Ethnic Affairs Foreign Affairs and ADAB Defence
6. Publication of Written Answers
On the motion of Senator Aulich it was agreed that the Chairman be authorised to release written answers to questions provided subsequent to meetings of the Committee.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6.50 pm.
8. Attendance
Senator J . Black (Chairman) Senator T. Aulich Senator M. Baume Senator R . Elstob
9. Apologies
Senator J. Carrick Senator D. MacGibbon
Confirmed:
Senator T. Aulich Deputy Chairman
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 16 TUESDAY, 31 MARCH 1987
1. Meeting
The Committee met at 6.05 p.m. in Senate Committee Rooms 1 and 2. Senator Black took the Chair.
2 . Membership of Committee
The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 31 March 1987 discharging Senator Carrick from further
attendance on Estimates Committee B and appointing Senator Watson as a member of the Committee.
3 . Statement by Chairman
The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 25 March 1987 relating to the consideration of the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for 1986-87 and made a statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of the Additional Estimates.
The Chairman made a further statement relating to the adoption of program budgeting accounting by the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs.
4. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES AND ENERGY
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans, QC, Minister for Resources and Energy, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Resources and Energy
Mr B.J. Hill
Mr G.C. Gorrie
Mr P. Ryan
Deputy Secretary
First Assistant Secretary,
Coordination and Management
Division
First Assistant Secretary, Coal and Minerals Division
Mr A.C. Smart First Assistant Secretary, Water
and Energy Conservation Division
Secretary Mr J.C. Starkey First Assistant Secretary,
Petroleum Division
Mr W.G. McGregor First Assistant Secretary, Nuclear
and International Division
Dr A.G. Christie Director, Bureau of Resource
Economics
Mr M. Lawrence Assistant Secretary, Industry
Operations Branch
Dr K.D. Lyall Assistant Secretary, Coal and
Alternative Energy Branch
Mr R. Layland Assistant Secretary, Energy
Conservation Branch
Mr R.N. Rawson Assistant Secretary, Test Site
Management and Investigations Branch
Mr J.C. Kerr Assistant Secretary, Minerals
Operations No. 1 Branch
Prof. R.W.R Rutland Director, Bureau of Mineral
Resources, Geology and Geophysics
Mr L.C. Ranford First Assistant Director, Resource
Assessment Division, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics
Dr J.F. Truswell Assistant Director, Planning and
Programs Branch, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics
Mr C. Veenstra Director, Division of National
Mapping
Australian Atomic Enerav Commission
Dr P. Kelly Deputy Director, Research
The Pipeline Authority
Mr T.R. Baker Executive Member
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wall Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
50.
4. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for
consideration:
Divisions 520 and 522 - $1,931,000 (Document A) 943 - $13,307,000 (Document B)
The Committee concluded its.examination of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Resources and Energy, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
5. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans, Q C , Minister for Resources and Energy representing the
Attorney-General, accompanied by the following officers:
Attorney-General's Department
Mr L. Glare
Mr T . Sherman
Mr P. Loof
Mr H. Woltring
Mr P. Levy
Mr I. Astolfi
Mr R. Smeaton
Mr W. Chapman
Mr W. Johnston
Mr R . Krauss
Department of Finance
Mr T . Wall Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
Deputy Secretary
Deputy Secretary
First Assistant Secretary,
Community Affairs Division
First Assistant Secretary, Criminal Law & Security Division
First Assistant Secretary, Business Affairs Division
Senior Assistant Secretary, Office of Legal Aid Administration
Acting First Assistant Secretary, Management Division
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Acting Principal Registrar, Family Court of Australia
Assistant Director Finance
51.
Divisions 165, 170, 175, 179, 180-181 and 191 -$10,482,000 (Document A) 819 - $425,000 (Document B)
6. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
The Committee concluded its examination of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Attorney-General's Department, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
7. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 11.05 p.m.
8. Attendance
Senators Black (Chairman), Aulich, M. Baume, Elstob, MacGibbon and Watson. Senators Chaney, Durack, Harradine, Vigor and Walters also attended.
Confirmed:
" X
Senator T. Aulich Deputy Chairman
52.
THE SENATE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 17 Friday, 3 April 1987
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
1. Meeting
The Committee met at 2.00 pm in Senate Committee Rooms 1 and 2. Senator Black took the Chair.
2. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans QC, Minister for Resources and Energy representing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs
Mr P. Eyles Acting Deputy Secretary
Mr I . Simington First Assistant Secretary,
Migration : Division
Mr A . Gowa rd First Assistant Secretary,
Citizenship and Compliance Division
Mr V. McMahon Assistant Secretary, Resource
Management Branch
Ms S. Kirby Assistant Secretary, Personnel
Management Branch
Mr D. Gastello Acting Assistant Secretary,
Settlement Branch
Mr B. Strangle Director, Resou rces Section,
Resource Management Branch
Mr C. Smith Director, Community Welfare
Section, Ethnic Affairs Branch
Mr A . Metcalfe Director, Legislation Section,
Legal Branch
53.
Department of Finance
Mr T . Wall Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
3. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for
consideration:
Divisions 360 and 364 - $3,809,000 (Document A)
The Committee concluded its examination of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
4. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INCLUDING THE AUSTRALIAN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BUREAU
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans QC, Minister for Resources and Energy representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr F.C. Murray First Assistant Secretary,
Corporate Management Division
Mr G. Forrester Assistant Secretary, International
Organisations and Humanitarian Affairs Branch
Mr C.G. Willis Acting Assistant Secretary, North
Asia Branch
Mr L.W. Herron Assistant Secretary, Legal
Activities Branch
Mr P. Knight Assistant Secretary, South East
Asia Branch
Mr D .J . O' Leary Acting Senior Adviser, Economic
Organisations Branch
Mr W. Paterson Acting Assistant Secretary, Nuclear
Policy Branch
Mr D . Connors Acting Assistant Secretary,
Security and Communications Branch
Mr B.J. Hickey, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Personnel and General Services Branch
Mr R.D. Holly Director, Communications
Mr R.W. Greeney Deputy Director, Technical Services
Section
Mr H. Leece Executive Officer, Human Resources
Mr G. Thompson Executive Officer, Budget and
Resources Section
Mr H.M. Loveday Assistant Secretary, Information
and Cultural Relations Branch
Australian Development Assistance Bureau
Dr R.C. Manning Deputy Director-General, Community,
Commercial and International
Division
Mr M.R. Casson Acting Deputy Director-General,
Country Programs Division
Mr R.E. Stensholt Acting Deputy Director-General,
Policy, Planning and Management Division
Dr D .I. Bevege Assistant Director-General,
Appraisal, Evaluation and Sectoral Studies Branch
Mr A.W. Blewitt Secretary, Australian Centre for
International Agricultural Research
Mr R . Irwin Assistant Director-General, Pacific
and Papua New Guinea Branch
Mr L.M. Engel Director, Food Aid Section
Dr V.J. Hull Director, Sectoral Studies Section
Mr F.S. Wojtaszak Acting Director, Finance,
Accounting and Management Support Section
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wall Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
5. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 315, 317, 318, and 319 - $13,774,000 (Document A) 875 - $15,031,000 (Document B)
The Committee concluded its examination of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Foreign Affairs, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
6. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans QC, Minister for Resources and Energy representing the Minister for Defence, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Defence
Mr J.M. Moten Deputy Secretary B
Mr M.H. Ives First Assistant Secretary, Programs
and Budgets
Mr R.K. Bain Acting Assistant Secretary,
Financial Programs
Brigadier G.L.A. Hellyer Director-General, Defence Force Administrative Policy
Commodore I.D.G. McDougall Director-General, Joint Operations and Plans
Brigadier J.H. Townley Director-General, Operations and Plans - Army
Mr D . Hawke Assistant Secretary, Resources
Planning - Army
Commodore J.S. Dickson Director-General, Naval Policy and Plans
Mr G.J. Hansen Assistant Secretary, Resources
Planning - Navy
Air Commodore K.J. Tuckwel1 Director-General, Operations - Air Force
Mr R.E. Wright Acting Assistant Secretary,
Resources Planning - Air Force
56 .
Commodore P .Î . James Director-General, Service Conditions
Commodore K.A. Gulliver Director-General, Recruiting
Mr R .H . England Assistant Secretary, Manpower
Policy and Requirements
Mr D.W. Anderson First Assistant Secretary,
Technical Services and Logistic Development
Mr M.L. Murdoch Director, Logistic Resources
Programs
Mr L.A. Davey Acting Assistant Secretary,
Facilities Management
Mr M.J. Cassells Director-General, Defence Housing
Mr P.G. Terrill First Assistant Secretary,
Commercial Services
Mr J.E. McMahon Assistant Secetary, Budgets,
Accounting and Supply
Mr D.D. Wood First Assistant Secretary,
Production Development
Mr R.W. Taylor Special Adviser Production
Air Vice-Marshal A.E. Heggen Chief of Air Force Materiel
Major-General D.M. Francis Chief of Materiel - Army
Commodore A.L. Hunt Deputy Chief, Materiel - Navy
Mr D.N. Biddle Assistant Secretary, Materiel
Policy
Mr M.C. Morrison First Assistant Secretary, Defence
Industry Development
Mr N. Rudkin Assistant Secretary, Materiel -
Navy
Mr P .A . Hemsley Assistant Secretary, Science and
Technology Administration
Mr R.K. Ellis Assistant Director, Natural
Disasters Organisation (Policy and Support)
Mr K . Moran
Mr K.J. Slattery
Mr B.J. Kelly
Acting Assistant Secretary,
Resources Planning - Central
Senior Executive Officer, Estimates and Expenditure
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Financial Programs
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wall Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
7. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for
consideration:
Division 230 - $10,497,000 (Document A)
8. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4.55 pm.
9. Attendance
Senators Black (Chairman), Aulich, M. Baume and MacGibbon. Senator Vigor also attended
10. Apologies
Senators Elstob and Watson
Confirmed
Senator T . Aulich Deputy Chairman
58.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 18 Tuesday. 7 April 1987
1. Meeting
The Committee met at 10.15 am in the Senate Chamber. Senator Black took the Chair.
2. Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87
Consideration resumed from 3 April 1987.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
In Attendance: Senator the Honourable G.J. Evans QC, Minister for Resources and Energy, representing the Minister for Defence, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Defence
Mr J.M. Moten Deputy Secretary B
Air Commodore N. Alexander President. of the Australian Ordnance Council
Mr R.K. Bain
Mr M . McIntosh
Mr M.J. Cassells
Acting Assistant Secretary,
Financial Programs
First Secretary Industry, Materiel Policy
Director General Defence, Housing
Rear Admiral I. McL. Crawford Chief of Supply
Mr L.A. Davey Acting Assistant Secretary,
Facilities Management
Mr R.H. Englund Assistant Secretary, Manpower
Policy and Requirements
Brigadier D.B. Ferguson Director-General of Co-ordination Organisation, Army
Major-General D.M.M. Francis Chief of Materiel, Army
Commodore K.A. Gulliver Director-General, Recruiting
Lieutenant Colonel D.J. Halmarack Supply Division Project Officer
Mr G.J. Hansen Assistant Secretary Resources
Planning, Navy
Mr D . Hawke Assistant Secretary Resources
Planning, Army
Air Vice-Marshal A.E. Heggen Chief of Air Force Materiel
Brigadier G.L.A. Hellyer Director General, Defence Force, Administrative Policy
Commodore A.L. Hunt Deputy Chief Naval Materiel
Mr M.H. Ives First Assistant Secretary, Programs
and Budgets
Commodore P.H. James Director-General, Service Conditions
Mr B.J. Kelly Acting Chief Executive Officer,
Financial Programs
Commodore I.D.G. McDougall Director General, Joint Operations and Plans
Mr J.E. McMahon Assistant Secretary, Budgets
Accounting and Supply
Mr K . Moran Acting Assistant Secretary,
Resources Planning, Central
Mr M.C. Morrison First Assistant Secretary, Defence
Industry Development
Mr M.L. Murdoch Director, Logistic Resources
Programs
Mr M . Murray Special Adviser, Resources
Procurement
Mrs C.P. Pritchard Senior Executive Officer, Resources Programs
Commodore M.B. Payment Director-General, Naval Resources Management
60 .
Dr O.J. Raymond Superintendent, Science Programs
and Administration
Mr D.J. Scrivener Senior Executive Officer, Estimates
Management
Mr K.J. Slattery Senior Executive Officer, Estimates
and Expenditure
Mr R.W. Taylor Special Adviser Production
Mr P.G. Terrill First Assistant Secretary,
Commercial Services
Air Commodore K.J. Tuckwell Director-General Operations, Air Force
Mr D.A. Whitty Assistant Secretary, Logistic
Resources Development
Mr D.D. Wood First Assistant Secretary,
Production Development
Mr R.E. Wright Acting Assistant Secretary,
Resources Planning, Air Force
Deoartment of Finance
Ms P .A . Lyndon Chief Finance Officer, Financial
Management and Accounting Policy Division
3. The Chairman
consideration:
called on the following Divisions for
Divisions 230, 232, 233, 237, 239, 241, 244, 245, 248, and 250 - $68,544,000 (Document A)
The Committee concluded its examination of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Defence, subject to undertakings by the Minister to provide additional information.
4. Ad iournment
The Committee adjourned at 12.47 pm.
5. Attendance
Senators Black (Chairman), Aulich, M. Baume and MacGibbon. Senators Vigor and Garrick also attended.
6 . Apologies
Senators Elstob and Watson.
Confirmed
Senator T. Aulich Deputy Chairman
62.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 19 Tuesday. 5 May 1987
1. Meeting
The Committee met in private session at 1.47 pm in
Senate Committee Room 7. Senator Aulich took the Chair.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
On the motion of Senator Elstob, the minutes of the private meeting on 24 March 1987 and the minutes of the public hearings on 31 March 1987, 3 April 1987 and 7 April 1987 were confirmed.
3. Report of the Committee
On the motion of Senator Elstob, the Committee agreed to adopt the Chairman's draft report to the Senate.
4 . Ad iou rnment
The Committee adjourned at 1.52 pm.
5. Attendance
Senators Aulich (Deputy Chairman), Carrick and Elstob.
6. Apologies
Senators Black, Baume and MacGibbon.
Certified Correct
T. Aulich Deputy Chairman
63
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX TO ISSUES
RAISED IN COMMITTEE HEARINGS
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SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX OF ISSUES
DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES AND ENERGY Tuesday, 31 March 1987
Topic
DOCUMENT A
Opening Statement Kakadu, Stage 3: Exploration Rationalisation of Mapping Equal Employment Opportunity Burdekin Dam Exchange Rates Enerlinks Database
Inoperative Staff Parliamentary Questions on Notice Clean-up of Atomic Test Sites Industrial Stoppages Disposal of Property
Injuries and Workers Compensation RSI Joint Coal Board
Food Irradiation Lucas Heights Fire Landrover 110s
DOCUMENT B
Northern Territory Power Station Rehabilitation of Mine Sites Petroleum Royalties Oil Production Foregone Coal Royalties
SPOT Satellite Northern Territory Uranium Map Sales
Page
B1 B3-4 B4 B4 B4-5 B5 B5-6 B6 , Bll B6 B6-7 B7-8 B8 B8, B12 B9 B9-10 B10-11 Bll Bll-12
B12 B13-14 B14 B14-15 B15 B15
B15-16 B16
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX OF ISSUES
ATTORNEY - GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT Tuesday, 31 March 1987
Topic Paae
DOCUMENT A
Human Rights Commission
Fast Track Terminations Parliamentary Questions on Notice Family Conciliation Centres Legal Aid Statistics Child Support Scheme Staff Legal Aid Special Services Branch North American Representative Law Reform Commission Recommendations Bankruptcy Legal Work Costs Departmental Efficiency Reviews Delays in Court Reporting Membership of International Bodies Proceedings Against Mr Justice Murphy Court Liability EEO Criminal Injuries Compensation Security of Courts and Judges Compensation Deferral of Merger of Australian Legal Aid Office NSW with Legal Aid Commission NSW Fringe Benefits Installations Legal Aid for Immigration Matters Sexual Harassment Constitutional Reform Commission
B16-18, B22, B33-36 B16-18 B18 B18-B21 B21-B22 B22 B22-23 B23, B24, B33 B23 B23-24 B25 B25 B25 B26 B26 B26 B26-29 B29-30 B30 B30-31 B31 B31 B32
B32 B32 B33 B33-35 B37-38
DOCUMENT B
Disposal of Property B38
68 .
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX OF ISSUES
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS Friday. 3 April 1987
Topic Page
DOCUMENT A
Opening Statement B39
Migrant Centres B39-40
Reduction of Overseas Staff B40, B44
Migration Applications B40
Citizenship Applications B40-41
Migration Policy B41-42
Program Budgeting B42
Visa Applications B42-43
South African Refugees B43
Immigration Review B43-44
FOI B44
Rationalisation of Area Offices B45
Consultancies B46
Legal Cases B46
Deportation B46-47
Intergovernmental Committee on Migration B50 Christmas Islanders - Language Services B50-51 Transfer of Private Students Function B51
Restructuring of Allowances B51
Exchange Rates B52
Fringe Benefits Tax B52
69 .
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX OF ISSUES
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Friday. 3 April 1987
Topic Page
DOCUMENT A
Staff B53
Waiving of Visas B53
Security B53
International Labour Organisation B54
UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus B54
DOCUMENT B
Centre for the Study of Australian-Asian Relations B54-55
AUSTRALIAN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BUREAU
DOCUMENT A
People's Republic of China Students B55
World Food Programme B55
DOCUMENT B
Tuvalu Trust Fund B55
Aid to Overseas Countries B55-57
70 .
SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE B
INDEX OF ISSUES
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE Friday, 3 April 1987
Topic Page
DOCUMENT A
Outturn Cash Limited Budget Sea King Helicopter Crews Unexploded Ordnance Payment of Contractor Claims
Identification Cards Seagoing Allowance Flying Allowance Submarine Allowance Navy Recruitment Navy Apprentices Army Recruitment Airforce Recruitment Allowances
Recreation Leave Bonus Army Reserve
Tuesday, 7 April 1987
Army Reserve B70
Staffing B70
Medicare Levy for Spouses B70-71
Recruitment B71
Parachute and Special Action Force B71
Attendance at the Paris Air Show B71-72
Air Force Boeing 707 B7 2
Civil Personnel B72-73
- Compensation B73
- Higher duties B73
- Efficiency dividends B7 3
- Staff reduction B7 4
Industrial Supply Offices B74
Offsets Program B74-75
Project Raven B75
Wcomera Village B75
Legal Expenses and Compensation B76-77
Invalidity Retirements B77
âYoung Endeavour 1 Program B78
Equipment B78
- Aircraft losses B78
- Fill and Mirage Pilots B78
- Submarine section tenders B78-80
B59 B59 B60, B92, B93 B60-62 B62 B62 B62 B62 B62-64 B62-64 B64 B64-65 B65-66 B66 B66-67
71.
Grasscutting B80
Aerospace Technologies of Australia B80-81, B90
Williamstown Dockyard B81-83
- Workers Compensation B83
- Costing system B84
- Adjustments to billings B84
- Stocktake B84
- Cost schedule control criteria B85
- Caspay system B85
- Separation payments B85-86
- AFP 05 and 06 B86
- MATRAK B87
Consultancy Contracts B87
Prime Contractor Arrangements B87
Commercial Use of Defence Vote B88
Effluent Treatment Plants B88-89
Munitions Filling Factory Capital Advance B90 Housing B90
Underutilised Properties B90-91
Equipment and Stores Repairs B91
Sikorsky Support B91
Seahawk Support B91-92
Retirement Benefits B92
Resignations B92-93
Annual Aggregate Flying Hours B93
72 .
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
REPORT TO THE SENATE
â¢i
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee C has the honour to present its
Report to the Senate.
1. On 25 March 1987, the Senate referred to the Committee
the Estimates for the year ending 30 June 1987
relating to the following Departments:
Department of Finance
Department of the Treasury
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations
Department of Communications
Department of Primary Industry.
2. The Committee has considered the estimates of these
departments, together with the departmental
explanatory notes, and has received explanations of
them from the Minister for Finance 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)
1986-87 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1986-87.
Written explanations furnished by departments are also
tabled.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the
following matters:
.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
The Committee's October 1986 Report to the Senate
contained severe criticism of the ABC for not fully
disclosing to the Committee difficulties still being
experienced with their accounting systems and comments made
upon those accounts by the Auditor-General. The Committee's
criticism related to the 1984/85 financial year. The
problems with the ABC's accounts raised by the
Auditor-General and referred to in the Committee's report
remain problems. The ABC has yet to table in Parliament its
19 85/86 annual report. The ABC received an extension of
time to report to Parliament till 31 March 1987. The report
has not yet been presented to Parliament. The
Auditor-General in his March 1987 report stated that the
ABC had sought the extension of time referred to above due
to material delays in the preparation of the 1985/86
accounts . The Auditor-General's March 1987 report referred
to problems in the ABC's general ledger system.
Having outlined above the problems that the ABC has
with its accounts and the difficulties that the Committee
had experienced in investigating those problems, the
Committee is pleased to report that the ABC has taken
positive action to overcome its difficulties. Prior to the
Committee's public hearing with the ABC, the ABC provided
to the Committee a paper entitled 'Finance Systems Task
Force - Action Taken' which summarised the action taken to
address points raised in the Auditor-General's report on
the 1984/85 accounts. In addition to examining the ABC at
the public hearing about the points raised in this
document, the Committee was also able to obtain assistance
from the Auditor-General. The basis for this assistance is
referred to elsewhere in this report.
The ABC was represented at the hearings by the new
Managing Director, Mr D. Hill, and other senior officers.
The Committee appreciated the opportunity Mr Hill's
presence gave to enable the Committee to be fully briefed
on the situation regarding the ABC's accounts and remedial
action planned or taken. Mr Hill's presence was
particularly appreciated given the difficulties experienced
in scheduling Estimates hearings and the need to cancel a
meeting at short notice that the ABC was to attend.
The Committee remains concerned about the state of the
ABC accounts. However, information provided at the hearing
and confirmation provided by the Auditor-General allows the
Committee to be optimistic that the difficulties will be
resolved. The Committee will continue to monitor the ABC's
accounts and comments made upon them by the Auditor-General
and, in particular, the ABC's success in meeting the
targets set out in the 'Finance Systems Task Force'
document referred to above.
ASSISTANCE TO SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES BY THE AUSTRALIAN
AUDIT OFFICE
Following a meeting between the President of the
Senate, Estimates Committee Chairmen and Chairwomen and the
Auditor-General on 20 November 1986, guidelines where
developed for the provision of assistance to Estimates
Committees by the Audit Office. A copy of the guidelines is attached as Appendix 1.
The Auditor-General's reports to Parliament are a
prime source of information to Estimates Committees about
departments and authorities. Accordingly, it will benefit the operations of Estimates Committees greatly to be able
to obtain background briefings from nominated Audit staff
on matters of interest to the Committee.
The Committee has already tested this arrangement and
found it to be of great benefit. The Australian
Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) provided a document to the
Committee prior to the hearings setting out action taken to
address points raised by the Auditor-General about the
ABC's 1984/85 accounts. This document was provided to the
Audit Office by the Committee for comment, particularly
about the target dates set for action. The Audit Office
were able to confirm that they had had discussions with the ABC about the matters listed in that document and were in
general agreement about the ability to the ABC to meet the
target dates. This knowledge assisted the Committee greatly
when the ABC were examined about Audit comments on their
accounts.
FORMAT OF EXPLANATORY NOTES
The Committee experienced some difficulty in
considering departments' additional needs for funds because
of variations in the format of explanatory notes.
Funds sought by departments through additional
estimates are sometimes varied by savings that have been
made. It is the manner in which these savings are detailed
that concerns the Committee. The explanatory notes of the
departments examined by the Committee showed details about
savings in the following ways:
- no savings details - savings detailed in relevant appropriation
area of explanatory notes
- savings set out in separate section of
explanatory notes.
The figures contained in the Appropriation Bills in
some cases did not match the figures set out in the
explanatory notes as a Consequence of these savings. In
particular, the Department of Finance was asked to provide
to the Committee a reconciliation of amounts sought in
Appropriation Bills 3 and 4 and that set out in the
explanatory notes. In providing this information the
department advised at the hearing that their explanatory
notes set out the net effect of the additional estimates
after the nominated savings had been deducted. The
Committee was satisfied with the explanations provided by
the Department of Finance but points out that it was not
possible by comparing the Appropriation Bills and
explanatory notes to easily reconcile the figures contained
in each.
The question of standardisation of explanatory notes
has been the subject of much discussion in the past by
Estimates Committees, the Senate Finance and Government
Operations Committee and the Department of Finance.
Guidelines to standardise the notes have been prepared and were circulated by the Department of Finance to departments
and authorities for use m preparing their notes for the
additional estimates. As pointed out above, however, there
remain wide variations m how the notes are presented. At this stage the Committee does not propose to set out what
it regards as the best approach. This matter should be the
subject of further discussion between the Department of
Finance and Estimates Committees and the guidelines can then be amended accordingly prior to the examination of
additional estimates next year.
(B.K. CHILDS)
Chairman
80.
APPENDIX 1
GUIDELINES FOR PROVISION OF
ASSISTANCE TO SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES
BY THE AUSTRALIAN AUDIT OFFICE
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GUIDELINES FOR PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE
TO SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEES BY THE AUSTRALIAN AUDIT OFFICE
The following working arrangement embodies the general guidelines
under which the Australian Audit Office (AAO) will be able to
provide assistance to Estimates Committees of the Senate. The
guidelines were developed by the Estimates Committee Chairmen and
the Auditor-General and his staff at a meeting chaired by the
President of the Senate on 20 November 1986. The working
arrangement to implement the guidelines was devised following a
meeting of Estimates Committee Secretaries and staff of the AAO
on Wednesday, 17 December 1986.
1. Background
1.1 It is the practice of the Audi tor-General to prepare
two half-yearly reports on completed audits, one for
tabling in the Autumn Sittings which includes audits
completed to 31 December, and the other for tabling in
the Budget Sittings which includes audits completed to
30 June.
1.2 It is an objective of the Audi tor-General to have the
reports tabled, as far as possible, not later than the
day of the first meeting of the Committees in each
period of Sittings, in order to ensure that Committees
are in a position to put questions to departments and
authorities on matters referred to in the reports.
1.3 As appropriate, the arrangement may also apply in
relation to other reports.
1.4 The arrangement has been developed in terms that give
full recognition to the statutory independence and
reporting obligations of the Auditor-General.
2. Provision of assistance to Estimates Committees by the
Australian Audit Office
2.1 The assistance to be provided by the Australian Audit
Office will include contact between the
Auditor-General's staff (nominated Branch Heads or
Audit Directors) and Senate Estimates Committee
Secretaries, and documentation to be provided in
accordance with the program outlined below.
3. Working arrangements
3.1 When the table of contents of the Auditor-General' s
Report has been approved by the Auditor-General (some
3-4 weeks before the Report is transmitted to the
Parliament), two advance copies of the table will be
provided to the Secretary of each Estimates Committee,
so that the Committees may be informed as to which
departments and agencies are the subject of the
Reports. In some instances the table also indicates the
subjects of audits; this will be made general practice
commencing with the September 1987 Report.
3.2 No documentation other than the table of contents and
annotations will be provided to Estimates Committees by
the AAO prior to the tabling of the Report in
Parliament.
3.3 Secretaries may obtain background briefings from the
nominated AAO officers on matters to be included in the
Report which are considered to be of interest to
Committees.
84.
3.4 Information provided by the nominated AAO officers
prior to the Report being tabled in Parliament may
include reference to previously tabled reports, other
publicly available information, and an indication of
the particular matters covered by audits, but would not
extend to the disclosure of the findings or of any
recommendations arising from audits. Additional
information may be provided by the nominated AAO
officers when the Report has been tabled in Parliament,
including elucidation of aspects of the Report.
3.5 Secretaries will use the material obtained from the AAO
for briefing Estimates Committees on issues raised in
the Auditor-General1s Report.
3.6 During periods when Estimates Committee hearings are in
progress, further informal consultation between
Secretaries and nominated AAO officers may take place
in order to clarify issues as required.
4. Proceedings at hearings of Senate Estimates Committees
4.1 AAO staff will not as a matter of course attend
hearings of Senate Estimates Committees.
4.2 It will be open to Committees to invite the
Auditor-General to provide comment, at his discretion,
on matters relevant to audit reports which are raised
during Committee hearings.
Other liaison between Senate officers and officers from the
Australian Audit Office
5.1 Prior to the hearings of Estimates Committees,
notification of the staffing arrangements, contact
officers and Committee membership changes for Senate
Estimates Committees will be provided to the AAO.
5.2 AAO staff are welcome to meet with Estimates
Secretaries during preparations for Estimates
hearings to obtain an understanding of the
Committee operations.
Committee
Committee
Estimates
86.
APPENDIX 2
SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
INDEX TO ISSUES
RAISED IN PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, 31 March 1987
Friday, 3 April 1987
Friday, 24 April 1987
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SENATE
ESTI MATES COMMI TTEE C
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR HANSARD OF HEARI NGS
Tuesday, 31 March 1987
Subject Page
Chairman' s opening statement 1
DEPARTMENT OF FI NANCE
Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions;
property disposals; EEO 2
London/Washington based officers 2-3
Salaries vote - transfers of staff between programs? 3
Auditor-General' s Report 3
Inoperatives - savings 3
Termination payments 3-4
' Average salary' - definition 4
RSI 4-6
Canberra Commercial Development Authority - cost of
servicing loans 6
Auditor-General' s Report 6
Explanatory Notes - methods of showing savings 6-8
Natural disaster relief - time limit for lodging claims 8
Australian Audit Office
Value of AAO activities - efficiency audits/other 8-9
Change in workload of AAO 9
Efficiency audits - need for amendments to clarify
AAO powers 9
Questions on notice from Senator Vigor - miscellaneous
topics 9-10
Questions on notice from Senator Short - grants to
trade unions, community groups, Cth fees/charges 10
Audit of Auditor-General 10
89 .
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions;
property disposals, EEO 11
CBS network - expansion 11-12
RSI 12-13
Footscray swimming pool CEP project 14-15
Culling of CES employment registers - overtime costs 15
Employment programs - cost per person employed 15
CEP funds availability 15
Priority One Program/Aust. traineeship system - cost,
no. of jobs created 16
- comparison with British scheme 16
- meeting targets for rest of year 16-17
RSI 17
Affirmative Action Agency - savings 17
CEP grants - information on electorate basis 17
- training of clowns 17
- variety of projects 17-18
- list of grants within NSW 18
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions;
property disposals; EEO 18-19
Occupational Superannuation Commissioner - interim arrangements 19
Fringe Benefits Tax - advertising 19-29
Roya. Australian Mint - questions on notice 29
Exchange rate used to calculate capital expenditure 29
Advertising - tax reform 29
Payments to States - CPI used to calculate 29-30
Australian Bureau of Statistics
1986 census - timetable for release of data 30
Population/demographic statistics - availability;
date of 30-31
Overtime - Census Data Transcription Centre 31-32
90 .
Friday, 3 April 1987
Subject Page
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Capital expenditure data - delays in publication 33-34
1986 census - quality of responses 34
- follow up on people absent 34
Overtime - Census Data Transcription Centre 34-35
Census data collectors - pay rates 35
Australian Taxation Office
Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions; property disposals; EEO 35
Tax reform information services 35-37
Estimates of yields from various taxes 37
Costs of collection of various taxes 37-38
Research on value added tax 38
Effect of defeat of Australia Card legislation 38
Collection of sales tax at point of manufacture 38
Computers in ATO - dividend and interest payment
matching 38-39
Tertiary studies for ATO staff sponsored by ATO 39
DEPARTMENT OF PRI MARY I NDUSTRY
Minister' s opening statement 40
Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions;
property disposals; EEO; grants to unions/
community groups; Cth fees and charges; 14
miscellaneous questions from Senator Vigor 40-42
Beef negotiations - Japan 42
RSI 42-43
Animal rights groups - work created for DPI 43
Accusations involving DPI - steps taken to clear DPI 43
Wang contracts - Auditor-General1s Report 43
91.
Fisheries adj ustment program 43-44
Aust. Wheat Board annual report - no. of copies,
cost, distribution 44
Beef negotiations - Japan 44
Beef quotas - Japan 44-45
Live cattle exports - ports used, shipping problems 45
Farm development loan fund - source of funds 45
- criteria for loans 45
Agricultural Outlook Conference - effectiveness 46
Rural adjustment scheme 46-47
Quarantine clearances - research 47
Friday, 24 April 1987
Subj ect Page
DEPART MENT OF COMMUNI CATI ONS
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Managing Director' s opening statement 49-50
Questions on notice - Parliamentary Questions; property disposals; EEO 50-51
Orchestra funding, sponsorship 51
Sponsorship of ABC programs 51-52
Economic rationality - effects on ABC services
in country areas 52-53
Port Maquarie radio - cuts in local content 52-53
Future of 7. 30 Report 53
Carleton-Walsh - lateness of time-slot, ratings, cost 53-54
Costs of sending reporters overseas 54
Cost of overseas offices 54-55
' Finance Systems Task Force1 - action taken 55
Staff reductions - grades of staff affected; full time compared to casual
92 .
55
Future program changes - plans 55-56
Melbourne services, rating 56
7 o'clock time slot on TV 57
Second regional radio network 57
- Port Pirie, Port Lincoln 57-58
ABC Annual Report - delay in delivery 58
Payment of creditors - delays, controls 58-59
Second Regional Radio Network Update Report 59-60
State general managers - status, future role 60-61
Cut-backs in smaller states 61
Spare facilities in SA - availability to outside groups 61
Victorian Football League - broadcast rights,
Monday games 61-62
Sports coverage - allocation between different sports 62-63
- sales overseas 63
Drama broadcasts - achievement of targets 63
- new sources of funding 63-64
Co-production - benefits to ABC, overseas sales 64
- Great Expectations 64
Questions on notice from Sen. Vigor; Sen. Walsh's
caveat on replies 64-66
Increase in workers compensation payments 66-67
- RSI cases 67
Sydney radio site development consultancy 67
Recruitment/training of journalists 67-68
Engineering staff - recruitment, retention, effect on
second regional network facilities 68
- use by ABC to assist Dep't of Communications 68
ABC/SBS merger - $lm saving 68-69
TV production facilities outside Sydney/Melbourne 69
- loss of South Australian facilities 69-70
Richard Carleton - additional responsibilities 70
Gore Hill site - plans, equipment, capital funding 70-71
Moscow office - opening date 71
South-East Asia offices - plans 71
- Trevor Watson 71
ABC Hobart headquarters stage 2 plans 71-72
93 .
Real estate rationalisation 72
Redundancy payments 72-73
Second regional radio network - Tamworth 73
Weather reporter, Perth - extra fees 73
Radio personnel - extra pay for doing TV work 73
Ian Carroll - resignation 73
Second regional radio network - spending 73-74
Date of Government decision on ABC funding 74
Sinfonia orchestra - management expenditure 74
ABC news - separate radio/TV divisions 74-75
- cross-fertilisation with Radio Australia news 75
Radio Australia - effect of budget cuts 75-76
- effect of move of transmitters 76
- overseas staff, links with ABC/SBS 76
On-air comment - who authorises/controls 76-77
Transmitters - deferral of upgrades 77
Special Broadcasting Service
SBS morale 77
ABC/SBS merger - $lm saving 77
Increase in TV salaries, decrease in radio 77-78
Geographic coverage - plans to extend 78-79
- Iron Triangle 78-79
Multicultural TV - deferral of operational expenditure 79
ABC/SBS merger - $lm saving 79
Plans to improve reception - effect of engineering
staff shortages 79
Program for providing translators - target dates 79
Shadow areas - plans to identify, eliminate 79-80
VFL broadcast rights - cost to SBS 80
- rationale for obtaining, effect 80
UHF aerial purchases 80
Award negotiations with staff 80
Co-operation with ABC in future 80-81
Connors Review - outstanding recommendations 81
- interstation program exchange 81
Public access TV 81-82
Australian Broadcasting Tribunal
Imparja licence - status 82
Inquiry procedures - effect of changes 82-83
Commercial FM in regions - extra ABT staff to deal
with licensing 83
Canberra supplementary TV licence hearing 83
Herald and Weekly Times takeover 83-84
Legal expenses - Perth and central zone TV cases 84
Court decisions - benefit in clarifying law 84
Mandurah and Newcastle hearings - absence of legal
battles, different style of hearings 84
Staff losses 84
Commercial TV, Spencer Gulf - complaints 84
Department of Communications
Cross-media ownership/control - extra resources 84-85
Overtime payments 85
Remote commercial TV in Central Zone - timetable 85-86
- doubts on ability of Imparja 86
Community based public television 86
Conversion of old system licences to new 86
Concept of area inquiries - delay in implementing 86-87
Engineering staff shortages 87
Extension of SBS tranmission facilities 87
Second regional radio network - holdups 87
Employment of John Howard 87
Questions on notice - Senator Vigor 87-89
- Senator Maguire 90
95.
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
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THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 10
Tuesday, 31 March 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 6.04 pm. The Chairman, Senator
Bruce Childs, took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
3. IN ATTENDANCE: Senator the Honourable Peter Walsh, Minister
for Finance, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Finance
Mr J.V. Galloway
Mr L.R. Osmond
Mr T. Wilson
Mr J. Walsh
Mr I. McPhee
Assistant Secretary
Resource Policies and Management
Branch
Assistant Secretary
Rural and Communications Branch
Senior Finance Officer
Budget & Public Debt Section
Director Finance & General Section
Assistant Secretary
Financial Management
and Accounting Policy Division
Senior Finance Officer
Budget Development Branch
99 .
Mr B. Barling
Australian Government Retirement Benefits Office
Mr K.J. McCullagh
Mr. G.P. Hayes
Mr R.R. Jackson
Acting Assistant Commissioner
Resource Management Branch
Assistant Commissioner
Superannuation & DFRDB
Administration Branch
Acting Director
Financial and Management Services Section
Australian Audit Office
Mr R.G. Rose
Mr. C.M. McPherson
Mr M.J.Shanahan
Mr F.P. Campbell
First Assistant Audi tor-General
Corporate Management Division
Assistant Audi tor-General
Planning and Resource Management
Branch, Corporate Management
Division
Assistant Audi tor-General
Information Technology Branch
Corporate Management Division
Finance Officer,
Management Section,
Planning and Resource Management
Branch, Corporate Management
Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for
consideration:
Division 304.1
Division 304.3.01
Division 304.3.07
Division 304.3.08
Division 865.01
(Document A)
(Document B )
100 .
Division 305.1
Division 305.2
Division 307.1
(Document A)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the particulars
of proposed additional expenditure 1986-87 subject to an
undertaking by officers to provide additional information to
the Committee.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87
5. IN ATTENDANCE: Senator the Honourable Peter Walsh, Minister
for Finance, representing the Minister for Employment and
Industrial Relations, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Mr J. Bowdler
Mr B. Frawley
Mr K. Power
Mr J. O'Shea
Mr R. Hodgson
Mr M. Murphy
Mr D. Power
Mr J. Ray
Deputy Secretary
Acting Deputy Secretary
First Assistant Secretary
Management and Policy
Co-ordination Division
First Assistant Secretary
Systems Division First Assistant Secretary
CES Operations Division
Acting First Assistant Secretary
Training Division
Assistant Secretary
Australian Council for
Employment and Training
Assistant Secretary
Resources Management Branch
101.
Ms M. Cane Assistant Secretary
Job Creation Branch
Mr D. Stevenson Assistant Secretary
Mr R. Halstead
Community Programs Branch
Acting Assistant Secretary
Traineeships Implementation
Branch
Mr J. Devitt Principal Executive Officer
Employment and Training
Incentives Branch
Ms V. Pratt Director
Mr J. Limbrick
Affirmative Action Agency
First Assistant Secretary
National Occupational Health and
Safety Commission
Mr J. Leyden Manager Administration
Office of the Industrial
Department of Finance
Registrar
T. Wilson Senior Finance Officer
Financial Management and
B. Barling
Accounting Policy Division
Senior Finance Officer
Budget Development Branch
The Chairman called on the
considerstion:
following Divisions for
Division 287.1
Division 287.2
Division 287.3.04
Division 287.3.06 Division 288.1
Division 288.3.01
(Document A)
Division 290 .1 "
Division 860.1.04 (Document B)
102 .
The Committee concluded its consideration of the particulars
of proposed additional expenditure 1986-87 subject to an
undertaking by officers to provide additional information to
the Committee.
6. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
7. IN ATTENDANCE: The following
Department of the Treasury
Dr C.I. Higgins
Mr B.J. Gleeson
Mr D. Holmesby
Mr D. Sephton
Mr R. Freney
Mr G. Smith
Mr J. Hanks
officers:
Deputy Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Co-ordination and Management
Branch
Acting Director
Finance and Services Section
Co-ordination and Management
Branch
Chief Finance Officer
Insurance and Superannuation
Branch, Financial Institutions
Division
Assistant Secretary Loans and Debt Management Branch
Revenue, Loans and Investment
Division
Assistant Secretary
Business Taxation Policy Branch
Taxation Policy Division
Chief Finance Officer
Office of the Occupational
Superannuation Commissioner -
Interim Group
103 .
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Mr R.W. Edwards First Assistant Statistician Co-ordination and Management
Division
Mr C.J. Dent Assistant Statistician
Resource Management Branch
Ms M.C. Jones Director
Resource Management and Systems
Section
Mr R. Wilson Director
Population Census Processing and
User Service Section
Mr I. Pritchard Acting Director
Department of Finance
Planning Section
Mr T. Wilson Senior Finance Officer
Mr B. Barling
Financial Management and
Accounting Policy Division
Senior Finance Officer
Budget Development Branch
The Chairman called on the
consideration:
following Divisions for
Division 670.1 (Document A)
Division 670.3.04 "
Division 670.3.06 "
Division 976 .1 .02 (Document B)
Division 976.2.01
Divisi on 977.01 M
Division 977.06 "
Division 676.1 (Document A)
104 .
8. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 10.34 pm.
9. ATTENDANCE: Senators Childs (Chairman), Boswell, Brownhil1,
Devlin, Hill, Maguire. Senators Michael Baume, Short, Walters
and Vigor also attended.
CONFIRMED:
(B.K. Childs)
Chairman
105 .
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
NO. 11
Friday, 3 April 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 1.50 pm. The Chairman, Senator
Bruce Childs, took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 .
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
3. IN ATTENDANCE: Senator the Honourable Peter Walsh, Minister
for Finance, representing the Treasurer, accompanied by the
following officers:
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Mr R.W. Edwards
Mr C.J. Dent
Mr B.H. Crook
Mr J. Cornish
Ms M.C. Jones
Mr I. Pritchard
Ms P. Guy
First Assistant Statistician
Co-ordination and Management
Division
Assistant Statistician
Resource Management Branch
Senior Assistant Statistician
Technology Planning
Assistant Statistician
Population Census and
Demography Branch
Director Resource Management and Systems
Section
Acting Director
Planning Section
Senior Inspector Finance Management Subsection
106 .
Australian Taxation Office
Mr V.T. Mitchell
Mr R. McDonald
Mr K. Booth
Mr J . Daly
Mr G. Doughty
Senior Assistant Commissioner
Corporate Services Group
Assistant Commissioner,
Corporate Management Support
B ranch
Inspector Finance
Corporate Management Support
Group
Senior Assistant Commissioner
Child Maintenance Group
A/g Assistant Commissioner
Tax Reform Implementation
Co-ordination
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wilson Senior Finance Officer
Financial Management and
Accounting Policy Division
The Committee resumed its consideration of the proposed
additional expenditure by the Department of the Treasury. The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Division 676.1 (Document A)
Division 676 .3.02 "
Division 980 .1 .01 (Document B)
Division 678 .1 (Document A)
Division 678.2 "
Divisi on 982 .1 .01 (Document B)
Div isiori 982.2.01 "
107
The Committee concluded its consideration of the particulars
of proposed additional expenditure subject to an undertaking
by officers to provide additional information to the
Committee.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY
5. IN ATTENDANCE: Senator the Honourable Peter Walsh, Minister
for Finance, representing the Minister for Primary Industry,
accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Primary Industry
Mr J.L. Gibson
Ms F. Cassidy
Mr P. Core
Mr J. Smith
Mr D. Coutts
Mr J. Sainsbury
Mr R. Smith
Mr D. Wesney
Deputy Secretary
First Assistant Secretary
Crops Division
First Assistant Secretary
Livestock & Pastoral Division
Assistant Secretary
Production Branch
Rural Policy Division
Assistant Secretary
International Relations Branch
Rural Policy Division
Senior Assistant
Administration Branch
Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service
Principal Executive Officer
Administration Branch
Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service
Assistant Director Northern Fisheries Branch
Australian Fisheries Service
108 .
Mr R. Bain
Mr G. Murray
Dr J. Baker
Mr D. Pearson
Mr R. Gillingham
Director
Bureau of Agricultural Economics
Acting Director
Bureau of Rural Science
First Assistant Secretary
Corporate Services Division
Assistant Secretary
Corporate Resources Branch
Corporate Services Division
Acting Assistant Secretary
Corporate Resources Branch
Corporate Services Division
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wilson Senior Finance Officer
Financial Management and
Accounting Policy Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for
consideration:
Division 325.1
Divisi on 490.3 .01
Division 490.3.10
Divisi on 490.3.17
Div isi on 490.3 .26
Division 497.1
Division 497 .3 .01
Divisi on 930 .1 .01
Div ision 930.1.02
Divisi on 932.04
Division 932.05
Divisi on 932 .1 2
Division 933.01
Division 933.06
Division 933.07
(Document A)
(Document B)
109
The Committee concluded its consideration of the particulars
of proposed additional expenditure 1986-87 subject to an
undertaking by officers to provide additional information to
the Committee.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 3.15 pm.
7. ATTENDANCE: Senators Childs (Chairman), Boswell, Brownhill,
Devlin and Maguire. An apology was received from Senator Hill.
CONFIRMED:
(B.K. Childs)
Chairman
110.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
NO. 12
Friday, 24 April 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.07 a.m. The Chairman, Senator
Bruce Childs, took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
3. IN ATTENDANCE: Senator the Honourable Peter Walsh, Minister
for Finance, representing the Minister for Communications,
accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Communications
Mr M. Ryan
Mr M.R. Ramsay
Mr R.N. Smith
Mr J.N. McKendry
Mr R.N. Bell
Deputy Secretary
First Assistant Secretary
Corporate Policy and Projects
Division
First Assistant Secretary
Broadcasting Policy and Planning
Div ision Acting First Assistant Secretary
Radio Frequency Management
Division Acting First Assistant Secretary
Broadcasting Services Division
111.
Mr W.J. Henderson
Mr W.R. Ellis
Ms E.J. Davidson
Mrs R. Martindale
First Assistant Secretary
Space, Telecommunications and
Postal Policy Division
Acting First Assistant Secretary
Communications Strategy Division
Acting Assistant Secretary
Resources Management Branch
Corporate Policy and Projects
Division
Director, Finance
Resources Management Branch
Corporate Policy and Projects
Division
Australia Broadcasting Corporation
Mr D. Hill
Mr K. Jackson
Mr M. Long
Mr N.C. Lamerton
Special Broadcasting Service
Mr R.L. Brown
Mr D. Low
Mr S. Kerkysharian
Mr G. Sant
Managing Director
Controller, Corporate Relations
Director, Radio
Director, Finance and
Administration
Executive Director
Acting Head of Television
Head of Radio
Acting Director, Finance
Australian Broadcasting Tribunal
Mr M.J. Barry
Mr L.T. Grey
Mr J.F. Hickey
General Manager
Acting Director, Public Enquiry
and Licensing Division Acting Assistant Secretary
Administration
112 .
Department of Finance
Mr T. Wilson Senior Finance Officer
Financial Management and
Accounting Policy Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Division 201.1 .01
Division 201.1.02
Division 834 .1 .01
Division 201.2
(Document A)
(Document A)
(Document B)
(Document A)
(Document A)
(Document A)
(Document A)
Division 202.1
Division 200.2
Division 200.3.04
The Committee concluded its consideration of the particulars
of proposed additional expenditure 1986-87 subject to an
undertaking by officers to provide additional information to
the Committee.
The ABC tabled a document entitled 'Finance Systems Task Force
- Action Taken'.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 1.57 p.m.
5. ATTENDANCE: Senators Childs (Chairman), Brownhill, Hill and
Maguire. Senator Vigor also attended. Apologies were received
from Senators Boswell and Devlin.
CONFIRMED:
(B.K. Childs)
Chairman
113.
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7?
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE C
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - N O . 13
WEDNESDAY, 6 MAY 1987
MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative session at 9.55 a.m. in Room U31, Parliament House. The Chairman, Senator Bruce Childs, took the chair.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The minutes of the meetings held on -Tuesday, 31 March 1987 Friday, 3 April 1987
Friday, 24 April 1987
were read and confirmed.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman's draft Report to the Senate.
Resolved: On the motion of Senator Devlin that the Report be adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.58 a.m.
ATTENDANCE: Senators Childs (Chairman), Devlin and Maguire.
Apologies were received from Senators Boswell, Brownhill and Parer.
CONFIRMED:
(B.K. CHILDS) Chairman
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
REPORT TO THE SENATE
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee D presents its Report to the Senate.
INTRODUCTION
1. On 25 March 1987, the Senate referred to the Committee the
Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of
the year ending on 30 June 1987, and the Particulars of Certain
Proposed Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on
30 June 1987, relating to the following departments:
Education
Housing and Construction
Sport, Recreation and Tourism
Arts, Heritage and Environment
Aboriginal Affairs
2. The Committee has considered these Estimates and has
received explanations of them from the Minister for Education
(Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan) and officers of the departments
concerned. A copy of the Minutes of Proceedings, documents tabled
during public hearings or provided with additional information,
Hansard reports of the evidence taken by the Committee and an
index of issues raised during the public hearings are tabled for
the information of the Senate in connection with Appropriation
Bill (No 3) 1986-87 and Appropriation Bill (No 4) 1986-87.
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the
following matters arising from its consideration of the
Es timates :
119.
DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
Program Budgeting
The Committee commented in its October 1986 Report on
difficulties associated with the introduction of program
budgeting, particularly in reconciling items due, in part, to the
incompatibility of the program budgeting format with the current
presentation of estimates in the Appropriation Bills.
Senators again expressed difficulty in reconciling elements
and identifying particular programs which have been moved from
one area to another and why it was considered to be sufficiently
s ignificant.
The Department acknowledged that it is still coming to a
full understanding of some aspects of implementing program
budgeting. The operation of programs and sub-programs and the
complexity of linking social indicators to out-turns in public
expenditure in the evaluation of programs were particularly
mentioned. The difficulties encountered by Senators are also
causing concern for the Department as indicated by its comment
that:
we are greatly harassed and inhibited in offering to the Senate Committee helpful figuring in these matters because, although we have now been practising program budgeting for nearly two years, the figuring that goes to the Parliament remains in the traditional Appropriation Bills format. I think the word 1 harass1 is not too strong in
terms of the experience that officers in our budget branch suffer because what they are really doing is presenting everything twice to you. That is a decision of the
Government and of the Parliament itself and is not one that we can do much about. It does bring to notice seemingly significant things like this which are probably book entries.' - Hansard, 16 April 1987, p. D52.
The Committee is drawing attention to these comments to note
the type of difficulties being encountered by Senators, as well
as Departments, in adapting to new requirements. The Committee
120 .
suggests that these views should be considered in any follow up
discussions involving Parliamentary Committees and the Department
of Finance regarding further developments with program budgeting
and parliamentary accountability.
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT
Proclamation of Acts
The Committee expressed concern in its October 1986 Report at the lengthy delays in proclaiming the Public Lending Rights
Act 1985 (Royal Assent 16 December 1985) and Protection of
Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (Royal Assent 13 May 1986),
thereby leaving the legislation inoperative. These Acts have
still not been proclaimed.
The Department indicated that it took 'some time longer than
anticipated ' to finalise the details of the Gazette notice
required for the Public Lending Rights scheme and, as a result of
this delay, it was not possible to proclaim the Act in time to
commence this financial year. The Department advised the
Committee that as there are major advantages in commencing the
scheme at the start of an annual funding cycle, proclamation of
the Act was delayed for 12 months and will now occur on 1 July
1987.
The Committee was, however, assured by the Department that
' there has been no disadvantage at all to the people under the
PLR scheme, either for the authors or the publishers. The
payments have continued.1
In respect of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage
Act, the Committee was informed that an Interim National Cultural
Heritage Committee had been appointed and was actively working towards a proclamation date of 1 July 1987. The Committee's
concerns at the effect of this delay were acknowledged by the
Department in the following exchange:
121.
Senator Newman - You recognise that, with this long lead time between the passing of the legislation and the
proclamation, you are running all sorts of risks of things disappearing that you would have wanted to list, presumably.
Mr McArthur - The committee is well aware of the risk. We are not too sure how valid it is, but there certainly is a risk of losing things.
- Hansard, 16 April 1987, p. D13.
The Committee has again raised this issue as it is
concerned, first, that the Senate's programming and consideration
of certain legislation is being curtailed when it is claimed that
passage of a particular Bill is urgently required when subsequent
administrative actions clearly indicate there is no urgency, and
secondly, that administrative delay may result in undesirable, if
unintended, additional effects.
The effects on Senate programming were also highlighted by
the passage of the Lemonthyme and Southern Forests (Commission of
Inquiry) Bill. The Senate sat on Friday 3 April, not previously a
scheduled sitting day, specifically to deal with this Bill. It
subsequently received Royal Assent on ÎÎ April and as at 6 May
has still not been proclaimed. This additional sitting day also
had a significant impact on the scheduling of Estimates
Committees' hearings which is referred to later in this Report.
DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND TOURISM
Accreditation for Drug Testing Athletes
The Committee noted that following a recent evaluation by
the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission the
accreditation of the Royal Brisbane Hospital to test for drugs in
samples supplied by athletes had been revoked. Consequently, there is now no internationally accredited testing facility
available in Australia for the conduct of drug tests on athletes. For tests to be carried out samples have to be sent overseas to
an accredited laboratory. It then takes about two weeks to
receive a result from these tests.
122 .
The Committee is concerned that in a country which is a
leader in medical research, its athletes should be inconvenienced
in this fashion. The Australian Sports Commission acknowledged
that there is a demand by athletes that a facility be accredited in Australia.
The Committee, was informed by the Australian Sports Commission that it has advertised for expressions of interest
among both laboratories and hospitals in order to establish a new
facility. The Committee on Drugs in Sport will assess these
expressions of interest within the next six weeks. The Committee
will be interested to see the outcome of this assessment.
Australian Institute of Sport
The Auditor-General1s Report on Audits to 31 December 1986
made several comments regarding the Australian Institute of
Sport. One aspect related to payments made under the spot merit
award scheme for coaches. Audit disclosed that although there
were general guidelines for the scheme there was a lack of
objective criteria for assessment purposes, awards were made to
people other than coaches and one award, paid to a senior staff member, was almost three times the approved limit.
When questioned whether there was recovery of some of the
overpayments, the following exchange ensued:
Mr Hobson - In fact there was no overpayment as such within the context of the merit scheme.
Senator Puplick - One award paid to a senior staff member was almost three times the approved limit, reduced to 150 per cent after a portion was refunded. That was not for an overpayment.
Mr Hobson - It was certainly outside the guidelines, yes.
Senator Puplick - Was it an overpayment?
Mr MacDonald - I think what Mr Hobson is alluding to is the fact that that was paid by the management of the Institute. The person received it in good faith; it was not recovered. In other words, I can understand your point, that the guidelines had a lower limit.
123 .
Senator Puplick - It was either an overpayment or a payment.
Mr MacDonald - The payment was authorised by the management and was not recovered.
Senator Puplick - It was a payment in excess of what ought to be authorised, but it was not an overpayment.
Mr MacDonald - A nice piece of terminology.
Senator Puplick - Yes.
- Hansard, 30 April 1987, pp. D71-72.
The Committee has noted that whilst the amounts involved in
the Auditor-General's Report may, as the Australian Sports
Commission indicated, be a fairly small amount as against the
overall amount that has been discussed, the Committee is
nevertheless concerned at this attitude towards recovery of
overpayments from the public purse.
The Committee also draws the Department's attention to
comments made in its May 1986 Report relating to the Committee's
expectation that witnesses should provide direct and complete
answers without undue legalistic interpretation at all times.
The Committee is also concerned that witnesses from the
Department and the Australian Institute of Sport were unable to
answer questions relating to the establishment of the cycling
unit of the AIS to the satisfaction of the Committee during the
public hearings. As the matter had been discussed at length at
the Committee's previous hearings in 1986, it should have been
anticipated that the matter would again be raised and officers
would be briefed accordingly.
GENERAL
Annual Reports - Production Standards
The Committee was approached by the Joint Committee on Publications to seek information on the production of the last
Annual Report of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and
124 .
the Housing Loans Insurance Corporation. These Reports were
considered by the Joint Committee on Publications to have breached AGPS printing and publishing guidelines.
The Committee was informed that the total cost of producing each annual report was as follows:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - $20,478
(4,000 copies - cost per unit $5.12); and
Housing Loans Insurance Corporation - $38,592.20 (3,000 copies - cost per unit $12.86) .
The Committee is concerned at the apparently large
production costs involved with these two annual reports. These
figures lend support to the concern expressed by the Joint
Committee on Publications in its Review of the Cost and
Distribution of the Parliamentary Papers Series that some
departments and statutory authorities are publishing expensive ' consumer oriented' annual reports to inform the Parliament and
public of their activities.
The Committee has noted the Joint Committee on Publications
conclusions and recommendations in its Review relating to the
production standards of annual reports, in particular those
printed outside AGPS guidelines. The Committee supports the Joint
Committee on Publications in its continued monitoring of annual
reports tabled in Parliament and its efforts in seeking
Ministerial co-operation to ensure that departments and statutory
authorities adhere to the printing and publishing guidelines.
The Committee has previously commented on excessive costs
involved in the printing of promotional material in its May 1986
Report. The Committee has also raised questions in recent hearings on the printing of various reports and documents, other
than annual reports, and suggests that departments and authorities
utilise the printing and publishing guidelines when producing
reports on documents which will not be tabled in Parliament to
ensure that printing votes to not escalate unnecessarily.
125.
Scheduling of Estimates Committees
The Committee had cause to express significant concerns in
its October 1986 Report relating to the scheduling of Estimates
Committees. The Committee made several recommendations which it
believed would enable Estimates Committees to operate in a more
efficient manner.
The Committee was pleased to note that the Schedule of Sitting Times approved by the Leader of the Government included a
specific second day and a third if required. In an attempt to
implement its recommendation concerning the procedures to be
adopted by Committees, a preliminary meeting was held at which a
timetable for the consideration of each department was agreed to.
The agreement was to complete the hearings on the first nominated
day (Thursday, 2 April) and keeping the second day (Monday
6 April) in reserve, if required.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond its control, the
Committee was unable to adhere to its arranged timetable. The
first week of scheduled sitting times for Estimates Committees
was significantly affected as a result of the sitting times of
the Senate being altered to accommodate debate on a Ministerial Statement and to finalise consideration of certain Bills during
time which had previously been scheduled for Estimates Committee
meetings. The Committee has already questioned the urgency
attributed to the Lemonthyme and Southern Forests (Commission of
Inquiry) Bill, one of the Bills involved.
The Committee was unable to meet on the second scheduled
sitting day due to the Minister for Education having prior
interstate engagements for the week involved and the inability of
an alternative Minister to attend. The Committee suggests that
when the Schedule of Sitting Times is being arranged, days on which Ministers have already made irreversible arrangements should not be scheduled unless an alternative Minister will be
ava liable.
126 .
The Committee reiterates in the strongest possible terms its
opinion -expressed in October 1986 that the valuable functions
performed by Estimates Committees are being weakened by these scheduling difficulties.
The Committee again draws attention to the recommendations
made in October 19 8 6 and supports the continuation of the
additional scheduled sitting day. The Committee is further of the
opinion that once the Schedule of Sitting Times has been agreed
to by the Leader of the Government, every effort should be made
when programming Business for the Senate to adhere to the
Estimates timetable. Secondly, the Committee believes Ministers have a responsibility to be available on the sitting days
scheduled for their Committee, or, if circumstances prevent this,
to ensure that an alternative Minister is available for that day.
CONCLUSION
The Committee expresses its appreciation of the assistance
given by the Minister for Education, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan,
and the officers of the various departments and authorities who
appeared before the Committee.
The Committee records its appreciation of the professional
service provided by Hansard staff who greatly assisted the
Committee's deliberations by expeditiously providing transcripts
after public hearings, particularly as the availability of
printed Hansards was delayed due to strike action at the
Government Printing Office.
Barney Cooney Chairman
May 1987
127.
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
DOCUMENTS TABLED DURING PUBLIC HEARINGS
OR
PROVIDED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE
DOCUMENTS TABLED DURING PUBLIC HEARINGS OR PROVIDED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE
The following is a list of documents tabled during the public hearings or provided to the Committee with
additional information. The documents have been included as an attachment to the tabled copy of the Committee's Report to the Senate.
Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Rules relating to grants for assistance to or for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders DAA grants to organisations with purpose, amount and program Contributions to organisations with purpose, amount
and program
Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment
Environmental Assessment Report: Shelburne Bay Silica Sand Project Pocket Guide to the Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982
Department of Education
Australian National University, Centre for Continuing Education, 1987 Courses
Department of Housing and Construction
Australian Housing Research Council - Information Booklet 1986
130 .
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
.
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THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Minutes of Proceedings
No. 25
Monday 30 March 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met in private session at 12.05pm in Senate Committee Room No. 5.
2. RESOLUTIONS: The Secretary reported Resolutions of the Senate dated 20, 24 and 25 March 1987 relating to changes to Departmental Groupings, changes in membership ^ reference of Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure 1986-87 to Estimates Committees.
3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: The Secretary called for
nominations for Chairman. Senator Cooney was nominated by Senator Zakharov. There being no further nominations, Senator Cooney was declared elected and thereupon took the Chair.
4. MANNER OF EXAMINING ESTIMATES: The Committee considered timetabling departments at the public hearings in accordance with the recommendation contained in its October 1986 Report. The Committee agreed to proceed with the examination of Departmental Estimates in
the following order and within the allotted times:
Time of Hearing Total Time Department
11.30*- 12.45 3.15
Education
2.00 - 4.00 Education
4.00 - 4.15 BREAK
4.15 - 6.00 1.45 Arts, Heritage and
Environment
6.00 - 6.30 0.30 Housing and
Construction
8.00 - 9.00 1.00 Sport, Recreation
and Tourism
9.00 - 10.30 1.30 Aboriginal Affairs
* Subject to early adjournment of the Senate.
133 .
The Committee decided that in implementing this procedure, should consideration of a particular department's estimates not be concluded in the
allotted time, outstanding questions will, where possible, be placed on notice. Alternatively, if the volume of outstanding questions warrants, the department will be recalled on Monday, 6 April 1987.
5. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 12.20pm.
6. ATTENDANCE: Senators Cooney, Newman, Puplick, Teague and Zakharov. An apology was received from Senator Morris.
CONFIRMED:
Barney Cooney Chairman
134 .
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Minutes of Proceedings No. 26 Thursday, 16 April 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.04am in Senate Committee Rooms Nos 1 and 2. Senator Cooney 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 Additional Estimates.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR
1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE AND
ENVIRONMENT: In attendance, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment
Mr K.E. Thompson, Acting Deputy Secretary Mr K. McHenry, Assistant Secretary Arts Branch Mr L. Neilson, Assistant Secretary
Film Branch Mr R. McArthur, Assistant Secretary Heritage Branch Mr I. Lamb, Acting Assistant Secretary
Environment Assessment Branch Dr A. McCusker, Assistant Secretary Conservation Branch Mr N . Quinn, First Assistant Secretary
Corporate and Portfolio Support Division
Australian Film, Television and Radio School Ms A. Deveson, AM, Director
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Mr G.G. Kelleher, Chairperson
Australian Archives Mr B . Cox, QBE MVO, Director General
Office of the Supervising Scientist Mr J. Whitehead, First Assistant Secretary Policy Administration Division
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Prof. D . Ovington, Director Mr J . Crennan, Principle Executive Officer Management Services Branch Mr T. Richmond, Assistant Director
Wildlife Branch
135.
National Museum of Australia Mr B . Palmer, Assistant Director Resources Management
Department of Finance
Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
The Minister made an introductory statement.
Senator Teague made a statement relating to the scheduling of Committee meetings.
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 130, 132, 140, 143, 145 and 149 (Document A) Division 811 (Document B)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment, subject to undertakings to provide additional information to
the Committee.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR
1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION: In attendance. Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Housing and Construction
Mr G.W. Martin, Acting Deputy Secretary Mr J. Mellors, First Assistant Secretary Resources and Development Mr W.E.J. Butler, Assistant Secretary
Home Ownership Programs Mr A.E. Norman, Acting Assistant Secretary Works Policy and Programming Mr S.J. Palywoda, Acting Assistant Secretary
Resource Budgets Mr R.J. Pascoe-Webbe, Acting General Manager Financial Services Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation
Department of Finance
Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
136.
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 245, 248, 352-353 and 355 (Document A) Division 896 (Document B)
The Committee suspended its hearing of the
Department.
The Minister made an introductory statement.
5
Manner of examining Estimates: The Committee met in private session to consider its timetable for examining the remaining Departmental Estimates. The
Committee agreed to proceed with the examination of Estimates in the following order:
Thursday 16 April
Thursday 30 April
Monday 4 May
2.00- 2.30pm
2.30- 4.30pm 8.30- 9.30am
9.00am-12.00
Housing and Construction Aboriginal Affairs Sport, Recreation
and Tourism Education
The Committee resumed its hearing of the Department.
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Housing and Construction, subject to undertakings
to provide additional information to the Committee.
PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS: In attendance, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following
officers:
Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Mr G. Brownbi11, Deputy Secretary Mr D . O'Rourke, First Assistant Secretary, Program Policy Mr W. Gray, First Assistant Secretary
Heritage and Legal Mr A. Koukoulas, First Assistant Secretary Corporate Services Mr A. Jenkins, Assistant Secretary
Management Services Mr G. Bissaker, Acting Assistant Secretary Budget Mr W. Miller, Assistant Secretary
Community Development
137 .
Mr R . Toohey, Assistant Secretary Housing and Infrastructure Mr D. Rose, Assistant Secretary Employment, Education and Training Ms D. Allen, Acting State Director
Adelaide Mr G. Cypros, Acting Director Budget Co-ordination
Aboriginal Development Commission Mr P. McMahon, Assistant General Manager Administration Mr C. Kaye, Manager
Finance
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies Mr W. Dix, Principal Mr T. Varga, Finance Officer
Aboriginal Hostels Limited Mr R. Clarke, General Manager Mr J. Ramsay, Assistant General Manager Mr J. Rooks, Acting Company Secretary
Department of Finance
Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
The Minister made an introductory statement.
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Division 120 (Document A) Division 804 (Document B)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, subject to undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
6. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 4.31pm.
7. ATTENDANCE: Senators Cooney, Newman, Puplick, Teague and Zakharov. An apology was received from Senator Morris. Senator Vigor also attended.
CONFI
Barney Cooney Chairman
138.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Minutes of Proceedings No. 27 Thursday, 30 April 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 8.30am in Senate Committee Room No. 6. Senator Cooney took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND TOURISM: In attendance, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism
Mr B. MacDonald, Secretary Mr J . Lleonart, First Assistant Secretary Information Services Division Mr G . Mills, Executive Director
Australian Exhibits Organisation Ms J. Harrison, Assistant Secretary Recreation, Fitness and Safety Mr D. Anderson, Acting Assistant Secretary
Secretariat and Co-ordination Mr K. Nielsen, Assistant Secretary Tourism Development Mr A. Barden, Director
Resource Management Section Mr R . Quarmby, Estimates Officer Resource Management Section
Australian Sports Commission Mr M. Weeks, Director Management and Planning Section Mr P. Crosswhite, Secretary
Sports Aid
Australian Tourist Commission Mr K. Fairbrother, Assistant Secretary Secretariat and Co-ordination (Seconded to ATC)
Australian Institute of Sport Mr R . Harvey, Director Mr R . Hobson, Assistant Director Corporate Services
Mr P. Browning, Acting Manager Finance Mr P. Bowman, Assistant Director Sports
Department of Finance
Ms P .A . Lyndon, Chief Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
139 .
Division 590 (Document A)
The Committee suspended its hearing of the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism.
The Committee agreed to resume consideration of the Department after completion of the Department of Education's additional estimates on Monday, 4 May 1987 .
3. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.57am.
4. ATTENDANCE: Senators Cooney, Newman, Puplick, Teague and Zakharov. An apology was received from Senator Morris. Senator Vigor also attended.
The Chairman called on the following Division for consideration:
CONFIRMED:
â ^Sarney Cooney Chairman
140.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Minutes of Proceedings No. 28 Monday, 4 May 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met at 9.02am in Senate Committee Rooms Nos 1 and 2. Senator Cooney took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: In attendance, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Education
Mr A. Abrahart, Acting Deputy Secretary Ms D. Mildern, First Assistant Secretary Schools General Programs Division Ms A. Kamarul, Assistant Secretary
Capital Grants Branch Mrs F . Maber, Assistant Secretary Operations Branch Mr P. Hickey, First Assistant Secretary
Tertiary Education, Training and General Division Ms D. Fordham, Assistant Secretary Tertiary Education Resource Planning Branch Mr B . Milligan, First Assistant Secretary
General Student Assistance Division Mr G. Franklin, Director Budget and Schools Section Student Assistance Programs Branch Mr D. Moss, Director
Operations Section Student Assistance Programs Branch Mr J . Wilson, First Assistant Secretary Schools Policy and Resource Division Ms J . Armitage, Director
Womens Unit Mr R .N . Allen, Director Office of Australian Capital Territory Technical and Further Education Mr P. Bowler, First Assistant Secretary
Education Programs and Research Division Mr D . Buckingham, Director International Education Mr B . Grafter, Acting Deputy Director
Program Administration Branch,Overseas Student Division Miss J . Miller, Assistant Secretary International Education Branch Dr A. Taloni, First Assistant Secretary
Management Division
141.
Mr W. Bowron, Assistant Secretary Personnel and Services Branch Mr R.G. Harvey, Assistant Secretary Planning and Budgeting Branch Mr J.W. Bollard, Director
Budgets and Review Section Mrs F. Ingram, Deputy Director Human Resource Budgeting Mr E. Kilner, Budgets and Review Section Mr R. Squires, Resource Co-ordinator
Tertiary Education Resource Planning Branch Mr W. Dobson, Assistant Director Services and Training Office of Australian Capital Territory Technical and Further Education Mr C. Davison, Project Officer
Operations Branch Ms J. Roden, Program Administration Branch Overseas Student Office
Australian National University Professor A .D . Barton, Treasurer Mr A. Bunsell, Acting Head Accounting and Finance Division
Mr J .A . Brayshaw, Budget Officer
Canberra College of Advanced Education Mr E. McL.Eadie, Registrar-Secretary Mr M. Betts, Acting Bursar
Australian Maritime College Mr D. Crockett, Financial Controller
Commonwealth Schools Commission Mr R.P. McNamara, First Assistant Commissioner Policy and Corporate Services Division Dr J. McMorrow, First Assistant Commissioner
Commonwealth Programs for Schools Division Dr B. Corish, Director Curriculum Development Centre Mr B.K. Thomas, Acting Assistant Commissioner
Corporate Services Branch
Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Mr J. Grant, First Assistant Commissioner Planning and Programs Division Mr H. Grahame, Assistant Commissioner
Executive and Ministerial Branch
Department of Finance
Ms B. Matijevic, Chief Finance Officer Tertiary Education Section Ms P . A . Lyndon, Chief Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
142.
Divisions 270-271, 278-279, 282-283 (Document A) Division 848 (Document B)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Education, subject to undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND TOURISM: In attendance, Senator the Hon. Susan Ryan, Minister for Education, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism
Mr B. MacDonald, Secretary Mr J . Lleonart, First Assistant Secretary Information Services Division Mr J . Ferguson, First Assistant Secretary
Tourism Division Mr B . Mills, Executive Director Australian Exhibits Organisation Ms J . Harrison, Assistant Secretary
Recreation, Fitness and Safety Mr D. Anderson, Acting Assistant Secretary Secretariat and Co-ordination Mr A. Barden, Director
Resource Management Section Mr R. Quarmby, Estimates Officer Resource Management Section
Australian Sports Commission Mr G. Hartung, General Manager Australian Sports Commission
Mr M. Weeks, Director Management and Planning Section
Australian Tourist Commission Mr K. Fairbrother, Assistant Secretary Secretariat and Co-ordination (Seconded to ATC)
Australian Institute of Sport Mr R . Hobson, Assistant Director Corporate Services
Department of Finance
Ms P . A. Lyndon, Chief Finance Officer Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
The Committee resumed consideration of Division 590 (Document A ).
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
143 .
Division 593 (Document A)
The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism, subject to
undertakings to provide additional information to the Committee.
The Chairman called on the following Division for consideration:
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 12.57pm.
5. ATTENDANCE: Senators Cooney, Puplick, Newman, Teague and Zakharov. An apology was received from Senator Morris. Senator Vigor also attended.
CONFIRMED:
Barney Cooney Chairman
144 .
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
Minutes of Proceedings No. 29 Wednesday, 6 May 1987
1. MEETING: The Committee met in deliberative session at 7.45pm in Senate Committee Room No. 6. Senator Cooney took the Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The Minutes of Meetings held on 30 March, 16 and 30 April and 4 May (Nos 25 to 28) were confirmed.
3. REPORT OF COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman's draft Report to the Senate.
The Committee resolved that the draft Report be agreed to, subject to the inclusion of a number of amendments.
4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 7.50pm.
5. ATTENDANCE: Senators Cooney, Newman, Puplick and Zakharov. Apologies were received from Senators Morris and Teague.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
Barney Cooney Chairman
145.
â
.
â
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE D
INDEX OF ISSUES
RAISED AT THE
COMMITTEE'S PUBLIC HEARINGS
DATED
THURSDAY, 16 APRIL 1987 THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 1987 MONDAY, 4 MAY 1987
'/
*
Issues referred to in the April 1987 Additional Estimates Hearings (page references Hansard, Estimates Committee D,
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Thursday, 16 April 1987).
Page
Questions on Notice (QON)
- by Senator M. Baume D1
- by Senator J. Short D1-D2
- by Senator D. Vigor D2
Administrative
- Film: 'Return of Captain Invincible' D4
- Film Australia - Consultant's Report D4
- Review submission by combined staff unions D4
- Circular letter to all Parliamentarians D4
- 'Women in Film and Television' film critics D4
- No need for additional salaries funding D5
- Proposed National Notification and Assessment Scheme for Chemicals (QON) D5
- Incineration of hazardous chemical wastes (QON) D5
- Eden, N.S.W., Environmental Impact Statement - Departmental evaluation D5
- Consideration by State Governments D6
- Denmark, W.A., Woodchipping export licence D5-D6
- National Estate values D6-D7
- Lemonthyme Commission of Inguiry - Announcement of membership D7
- Proclamation of Act D7, D9, DIO
- Funding D7-D8
- Potential Commissioners D8-D9
- Renting of premises D9-D10
- Proclamation of Acts: - Public Lending Rights Act 1985 DIO
- Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 DIO, D12-D13
- Australia Council - McLeay Committee - Submissions D10-D11
- Minister's announcement on restructuring D10-D11 - Council of National Trusts - Concern about impact of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) on operations
- Tax on value of accommodation D12
149 .
Page
- Heritage Commission - Conservation program at Port Arthur D12
- Minister's Press Release on appointments to Interim National Cultural Heritage Committee D12-D13 - Monuments - Submission by Armenian community D14
- Requests by communities (QON) D14-D15
- Senate Standing Committee on Science, Technology and the Environment report - Progress on implementation of recommendation on Australian Libraries' Information Council (QON) D15 - Department
- Number and location of non-Canberra staff (QON) D15 - Non-smoking working environment D15-D16
- Numbers on approved tertiary courses (QON) D16
- Amount paid for compulsory fees (QON) D16
- Appropriations for Antarctic museum D16
- National Film and Sound Archives - Reason for National Wage Increase provision D16
- Australian National Gallery - Auditor-General's report and operations D16-D17 - Centralised system for on-line access to data (QON) D17-D18 - Grants and contributions
- Membership of UNESCO D18
- World Heritage listings - Evaluation D18-D19
- Mr Justice Beaumont's comments D18-D19
- Procedure D19
Australian Film, Television and Radio School
- Compensation claim - Expected resignations (QON) - Consultations with ABC - Overseas premises
D19
D19, D20 D19-D20 D20
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- Aquarium shop - Source of additional stock for resale - Anticipated value of turnover (QON) - Mr B . Ryrie
- Licence to export Banksia blooms
D20 D20
D20-D21
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (ANPWS)
Staffing for Kakadu Stage 3 ANPWS role in management of conservation zone Deaths of koalas in Japanese zoos Export of kangaroo products
- Consideration by European Parliament - Quotas and Administrative Appeals Tribunal Illegal trafficking in wildlife - Resources available to monitor - Meaning of 'major' illegal activities Live captive cetacea
D21 D21 D21
D21-D22 D22
D22 D22
D22-D23
150.
Page
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (continued)
- Status of Kakadu National Park management plans D23
- Co-operation with Customs to detect smuggling D23-D24 - Questions on Notice by Senator Vigor D23-D24
The Supervising Scientist and the Alligator Rivers Region Research Institute
- Duplication between Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation D24
- Register of travel by staff (QON) D24
- Cost of renting Sydney premises D24
- Attendance of staff at Athens conference D24-D25
- International Commission on Radiological Protection - Plans for 1988 Diamond Jubilee D25
- CEP grant for unemployed to compile a list of plants (QON) D25
- Collaboration with CSIRO D25
- Effectiveness D25
- Consideration of size and role D25-D26
- Staffing (QON) D26
- Functions D26
- Cost of relocation to the Northern Territory D26
- Establishment of baseline in Coronation Hill area D26 - Recall to duty while overseas D26
Capital Works and Services
- National Museum of Australia - Purchase of fork-lift truck (QON) D27
151.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Issues referred to in the April 1987 Additional Estimates Hearings (page references Hansard, Estimates Committee D, Thursday, 16 April 1987).
Page
Administrative
- Advising on energy conservation in Commonwealth buildings D28
- Officers undertaking approved tertiary education D28 - Payment of $250 administration charge D28
- Non-smoking working environment D28-D29
- Password security (QON) D29
- Auditor-General's reports on project cost-overruns - post-occupancy evaluations - National Acoustics Laboratory and Ultrasonics Institute D29
- Australian Defence Force Academy D29
- Contractors undertaking minor works - Period covered by tenders D29
- Possibility of subcontracting all work (QON) D29 - Estimate of annual cost of delays (QON) D29
- Home ownership scheme - Auditor-General's report - onus of proof of identity D29-D30
- Commonwealth Offices, Chifley Square, Sydney - Defects in entrance (QON) D30
Capital Works and Services
- Buildings and Works - Adelaide Commonwealth Centre Project D31
- List of users of the building (QON) D31
- Equity, Advances and Loans - Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) - $6 million capital injection D31, D36
- Retrenchment program D31-D32, D36
- Consideration of future of SMEC D32, D36-D37
- Industrial disputes D37
Repairs and Maintenance
- Storm damage at National Acoustics Laboratory D32-D33 - Problems to be rectified by contractor (QON) D33 - Policy on furnishing of buildings D33-D34
152 .
Page
Home Savings Grants
- Reason for difference between original and revised estimates D34
Housing for Members of the Australian Defence Force
- High proportion of substandard housing D34
- Houses for disposal (QON) D34
- Passing responsibility to Defence Housing Authority D35 - Improvements to Service housing (QON) D36
Buildings and Works
- Price increases at Tindal RAAF Base project D35
- Savings on certain projects D35-D36
Briefing material on housing interest rates and commencements (QON) D37-D38
Questions on Notice by Senator Vigor to the Department of Housing and Construction D38-D40
153.
Issues referred to in the April 1987 Additional Estimates Hearings (page references Hansard. Estimates Committee D, Thursday, 16 April 1987).
DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
Page
Overview submission on Minister's assessment of needs of Aboriginal people D41
General goals of Department and its programs D41
Article by Mr J. Waterford in Canberra Times of 5 January 1986 D41-D43
- Opinion as to any inaccuracies (QON) D41
Health of Pitjantjatjara people D42-D43
Major review of funding priorities in north-west of South Australia by Mr N. Bonner D43
Program budgeting, efficiency and social indicators D44
Training for Aboriginals D44
Areas of innovating policy D44
Education enrolments D44
Meeting at Marla Bore D44-D45
- Total cost of hire of two aircraft (QON) D44
Views on Department's role D45
Sale of Nardoola Farm 045
- Recovery of Aboriginal Development Commission Grants (QON) 045
- Commitment of officers to be in N.T. during Senate Estimates hearing (QON) 045
Retirement and superannuation package of Mr J. Long 046
National Advisory Committee on AIDS - Departmental input D46
154 .
Page
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Programs for health care of Aboriginal people D46, D47 - Rates of AIDS antibody testing among Aboriginal communities D46
Progress on implementation of recommendations of Maralinga inquiry (QON) D47
- withdrawal of S.A. Department of Education teachers from region during clean-up D47
Review of work of organisations that DAA has contact with D47-D48
- Legal action resulting D48
Distribution of royalties under Section 63 of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act D47-D48 - Costs D48
- Number of beneficiaries (QON) D48
- Number of applications for mining exploration permits on Aboriginal land (QON) D49
Marketing of Aboriginal arts material D49
Provision for payment of $250 tertiary administration charge D49
- Location of beneficiaries (QON) D49
Promotion of a smoke-free working environment (QON) D50
Grants to combat Petrol Sniffing D51-D52
- Success of programs (QON) D52
Savings and reasons for (QON) D52
Reallocation of Corporate Services Funds to Regional Activities Sub-program D52-D53
Reconciliation of figures D53
- Health sub-item (QON) D53
- Community and municipal services (QON) D53
Professor F. Hollows, Consultant on Aboriginal health D53
Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor D53-D54
Helicopter service at Thursday Island - Down-time (QON) D54
Public Awareness Program - Reason for increase (QON) D54
155.
Page
Exhibitions at America's Cup and Adelaide Grand Prix - Home location of officers involved (QON) - Use of funds for television or posters (QON) - Evaluation (QON)
Compensation payment
Funding of Aboriginal Arts Board and links with Australia Council
NSW Annual Rugby League knockout carnival, Moree - Grant to resolve problems (QON)
Costs and details of projects (QON)
Questions on Notice by Senator Puplick
Auditor-General's Report - Payments to or from the States and the Northern Territory - Department's responses (QON)
Suicides and deaths of Aboriginal persons in custody in Queensland
Attempt to save Aboriginal languages - Submission by Australian National University (QON)
Aboriginal Training and Cultural Institute of NSW - Reason for cessation of funding (QON)
Community Development Employment Program - Numbers of participants (QON)
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies
Living Area Excisions - Expressions of Interest, N.T. and W.A. (QON)
Program evaluation
D54
D54-D55 D55
D55
D55
D55
D55
D56-D57
D57
D57-D58
D58
D58
D58
D58
D59
D59
156.
DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND TOURISM
Issues referred to in the April and May 1987 Additional
Estimates Hearings (page references Hansard, Estimates Committee D, Thursday, 30 April 1987 and Monday, 4 May
1987) .
Page
Administrative
- 'Datasport' magazine - Fitness centre at Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane D61-D62 - Former Executive Director of Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Dr Cheffers
- Outstanding financial arrangements D62
- Police investigations D62
- Testing for drugs in samples supplied by athletes - Revocation of accreditation of Royal Brisbane Hospital by International Olympic Committee Medical Commission D62-D63
- Reasons for (QON) D63
- Number of positive samples (QON) D63
- Time taken to obtain result from overseas (QON) D64 - Breakdown of number of samples sent (QON) D64
- Auditor-General's Report, March 1987 - Ministerial guidelines for selection of grants and reallocation of funds D64
- Deficiencies due to number of systems used for allocation of grants D64
- Kennedy Report D64
- Australian Tourist Commission - Relocation D64-D65
- Breakdown of $3 million expenditure (QON) D65
- Anticipated staff losses D65
- Summary of benefits (QON) D65
- Tourism Overseas Promotion Scheme (TOPS) - Availability of additional funding D65, D122
- Reasons for delays in approvals and/or payments D65-D66 - Approved tertiary courses - Staff numbers (QON) D66
- Reimbursement of $250 administration charge (QON) D66 - Australian Sports Commission (ASC) - Appointments - Selection criteria D66-D67
- Criticisms by Auditor-General - Monitoring by Department D67
- National Sports Centre improvements (QON) D67-D68 - Joint review into staffing and financing D68
157.
Page
- Auditor-General's recommendation for Department D68 - Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - Cycling - Funding from Commonwealth and S.A. Governments D68
- Adelaide velodrome (QON) D69-D70
- Olympic insignia - Exclusion of use by tobacco and alcohol firms D70
- Questions on Notice by Senator Vigor D70
- Auditor-General's Report - Executive Director D70-D71
- Appointment to a public company D71
- Excess expenditure D71
- Areas of disagreement by Department (QON) D71
- Payments under the merit scheme D71-D72
- Payments to Advertising agencies - Monaghan Dayman Adams (QON) D72
- Other firms (QON) D72
- National Media Liaison Service - 'Record of Government' Booklet (QON) D72
- 'Buy Australian' campaign (QON) - Breakdown of expenditure (QON) D73
- Evaluation by consultants - Payments, terms of reference (QON) D74-D75
- Advertising (QON) D76-D77
- Compensation cases (QON) - Repetitive Strain Injuries D73-D74
- Anxiety and depression D74
- Observance of Australia Day - Reduction of funding by $50,000 (QON) D74
- Questions on Notice by Senator J. Newman D77-D78
- Advertising - Promotion of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) D118-D119
- Participation in Expo '88 - Commonwealth support D119-D120
- Audio-visual contract 0120
- Unsuccessful tenderers (QON) D120
Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
- Auditor-General's Report - comments on relationship between Commission and Sports Aid Foundation (SAF) D121
- SAF income (QON) D121
- Actual costs of running Boards of ASC, SAF & AIS (QON) D121
- Disaggregated costs of running AIS Board (QON) D121 - Sports Development Program D121
- America's Cup - Expenditure D121-D122
- Mr B. MacDonald, Secretary D122
- Appeal by Ms G. Martin D122-D123
158.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Issues referred to in the April and May 1987 Additional
Estimates Hearings (page references Hansard, Estimates Committee D, Monday, 4 May 1987).
Administrative
Page
Salaries and Payments in the Nature of Salary - $250 tertiary administration charge - Payable to TAPE Teachers D80-D82
- Payable to others in the Department D82-D83
- Changes contemplated after monitoring Committee's report D83
- Numbers of students not paying (QON) D83-D85
- Reliability of Monitoring Committee's figures (QON) D85-D86
- Pro-rata fee recommendation D86
- Membership of Monitoring Committee D87
- Commonwealth opposition to abolition of external examinations D87-D88
- Curriculum Development Council - 'National Project to inform students about the world of work' D88-D89
- Other projects and budget D89
- Upgrading of Careers Advice for students D89
- Industry Reference Group D89-D90
- Centre for Policy Studies, Monash University - Termination of funding D90-D91
- Hudson review into the efficiency of the tertiary system D91
- Studies re amalgamation universities and CAEs D91-D92 - AUSTUDY - Application Form D92-D93
- Legislative changes (QON) D93-D94
- Taxability D94
- Proposed streamlining of form D94-D95
- Offer of assistance by Mr V. Callaghan D95
- Factors determining funding for universities D95-D97 - costs of various disciplines (QON) D96-D97, D102 - Accountability guidelines - Consultations with schools D97-D98
- Questions on Notice from Senator D . Vigor D98-D99
- Higher Duties Allowances D99-D100
- Smoke-free working environment (QON) D100
- Western Australian College of Advanced Education - Bunbury campus extension D100-D101
159 .
Page
- English as a Second Language funding reduction D101
- Multicultural education D101-D102
- Overseas student full cost courses D102
- Numbers of students - enrolled 0103
- defaulted 0103
- Ministers writing to constituents D103-D104
- Funding for tertiary institutions 0104-0105
- Secondary allowance staff D105
- Totalled staff years (QON) 0105
- Administrative Expenses - Cost of computer services 0105-0106
- Cost of AUSTUDY forms (QON) 0106
- Publications and reports 0106
- Wording of radio statement about parent payment option (QON) DIO6
- Late forms for Isolated Children's Allowance D106-D107 - Consultants 0107
- Semi-official telephones and FBT 0107
- Houses in remote areas 0107
- Other Services - Damage to clothing (QON) DIO7
- Student Assistance Programs - Changeover from Secondary Allowances Scheme to AUSTUDY 0107
- Increase in living allowances for ESL courses 0107-0108
Educational Services - Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Overtime DIO8
- Canberra School of Music - Maintenance of pianos (QON) 0108-0109
- Special student assistance (QON) 0109-0110
- Proportion of students in non-Government schools (QON) D U O
- Running expenses for the Canberra College of Advanced Education (CCAE) D U O
Australian National University
- Equipment, academic activities (QON) D U O
- Other expenses (QON) D U O
- Higher education administration charge - Estimate of revenue collected (QON) 0110-0111
Commonwealth Schools Commission
- English as a Second Language program (QON) Dill
- Questions on Notice by Senator Teague 0111-0113
160 .
Commonwealth Schools Commission (continued)
- Total cost of reviews and appeals by non-Government Schools against their funding categories (QON) D113-D114
- Membership of review panel D114
- FBT problems of non-Government schools providing boarding facilities D114
- Draft guidelines for eligibility for new Government and non-Government schools funding in 1989 D114-D115
- Two year notice of property purchase D115
- State level joint planning committee D115
- Appointment of Commonwealth new schools committee D115-D116 - Review of future D116
- Accreditation of courses at CCAE D116
- National Language Policy D116
- Arrangements for capital to schools D116
- New integrated education program for the South Pacific D116
- Funding for nurse education in Institutes of Technology D116
- Increase in the number of overseas students being tested D116-D117
Questions on Notice by Senator Zakharov D117-D118
Page
161.
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.
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
REPORT TO THE SENATE
.
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
REPORT TO THE SENATE
Estimates Committee E has the honour to present its Report to the Senate
1 . On 25 March 1987, The Senate referred to the
Committee for examination and report the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Service of the year ending on 30 June 1987, the
Particulars of Certain Proposed Additional Expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 1987 relating to the following Departments:
Veterans' Affairs Transport Aviation Territories
Local Government and Services. Administrative
2. The Committee has considered the Additional Estimates, together with the Departmental Explanatory Notes and has received evidence from the Minister of Veterans' Affairs (Senator the Honourable A .T . Gietzelt) and officers of the Departments and authorities concerned. Copies of the Minutes of Proceedings and Hansard reports of evidence taken by the Committee are tabled for the
information of the Senate in connection with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1986-87 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1986-87. Further written explanations furnished by Departments will
be presented separately and printed in the Hansard record.
165 .
(a) The Department of Transport
(1) Australian Shipping Commission
3. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to
the following matters:
The Committee noted with some
concern the comments of the
Auditor-General in the Auditor's March 1987 Report relating to the Commission's data processing resources (paragraphs 46.22 to 46.28). Whilst acknowledging that the Commission is presently
undertaking measures to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the
Auditor's Report the Committee believes that a further
investigation is warranted into the reasons for this situation having arisen especially in relation to the purchase, non-use and subsequent disposal of a computer worth
$327,812.
The Committee recommends that this matter be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Government Operations for a complete investigation and report.
(2) Australian National Railways Commis sion
In its report to the Senate in
October 1985, Estimates Committee F made the following comment in
relation to the appearances of witnesses from the Australian National Railways Commission (ANRC):
"In the previous three years, the Department of Transport has only once ensured that an ANRC officer was present at Estimates Committee hearings to provide answers to questions. This has occurred despite the 1985 Department of Finance Guidelines which state that
166.
'Departments have a responsibility to provide to the fullest extent practicable, witnesses who are sufficiently expert and adequately briefed to provide answers
immediately and competently. Statutory Authorities may be called to account by Parliament for
expenditure of public funds'.
The Committee believes that many of the questions asked at the hearing need not have been taken on notice, had an ANRC representative appeared before the Parliament."
Since that Report the ANRC has endeavoured to meet the Committee's requirement but the Committee expresses its concern that in the recent hearings the ANRC did not provide a witness who had a
necessary expertise to respond to the Committee's enquiries.
The Committee r ea f firms the
established practice oT the
Estimates Committees to have witnesses of sufficient expertise to respond to the questions that the Committee may wish to ask. The Committee strongly suggests that the ANRC, at the Budget hearings, have
officers available who are capable of answering its enquiries.
(b) The Department of Territories
Cocos (Keeling) Island Administration
The Committee's attention was drawn to the appointment of an officer to become the environmental resource advisor for the Island Administration. The Committee is concerned that the appointment and terms of reference
for this officer were outside the normal public service guidelines. The Committee believes the Minister for Territories should examine the procedures used by the Department for such appointments and ensure that they do conform with the required standards.
(c) Scheduling of Estimates Committees
The Committee was concerned at the re-scheduling of the hearings at short notice and adopts the following criticisms made by Estimates Committee D in October 1985:
167.
"The Committee is concerned that its consideration of the estimates was interrupted by a variety of
occurrences outside of its influence. Unforeseen urgent Government business, problems of Ministerial availability and the necessity to organise meetings subject to the early adjournment of sittings of the Senate contributed to an uncertainty in the operation of the Committee.
This uncertainty and consequent delays affected the arrangements for the appearance of departmental officers - especially interstate witnesses.
The Committee believes that consideration should be given to reviewing the scheduling of Estimates Committees to allow maximum time for public hearings unfettered by the restraints imposed by operating subject to sitting periods of the Senate."
4. The Committee expresses its appreciation of the assistance given by the Minister and the officers of the departments concerned.
7 May 1987 D.J. FOREMAN
(Chairman)
168.
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
No. 1
WEDNESDAY, 26 MARCH 1987
1. PRIVATE MEETING: The Committee met in private session at 7.34pm in Senate Committee Room No. 3. The Secretary called the meeting to o rde r.
2. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP AND DEPARTMENTAL GROUPINGS: The Secretary reported Resolutions of the Senate dated 20 March 1987 concerning changes in Departmental groups and dated
24 March 1987 concerning changes in the membership of the Committee.
3. CHAIRMAN: The Secretary called for nominations. On the motion of Senator West, Senator Foreman was elected Chairman and took the Chair.
4. ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES: The Committee discussed the forthcoming Additional Estimates.
5. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 7.38pm.
6. ATTENDANCE: Senators Foreman, McKiernan, Vanstone and West.
Con firmed:
D. FOREMAN Chai m a n
171.
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THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
NO. 2
THURSDAY, 9 APRIL 1987
1. PUBLIC MEETING: At 10.04am, the Committee met in public session. The Chairman (Senator Foreman) took the Chair.
2. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP: The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 3 April 1987 discharging Senator Hill as a member of the Committee and appointing Senator Lewis to the Committee.
3. OPENING STATEMENT: The Chairman made a statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examination of the estimates.
4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
In Attendance:
Senator the Honourable A .T . Gietzelt Minister for Veterans' Affairs accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Veterans' Affairs -Mr J . Muir, Acting Deputy Secretary
Mr A. Selleck, General Manager, Defence Service Homes Corporation
Dr M. Kehoe, Chief Director, Medical Services
Mr G. O'Connor, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Benefits
Mr N. Trabinger, First Assistant Secretary, Treatment Services
Mr R . Somes, First Assistant Secretary, Health Services Planning
Mr E. Attridge, First Assistant Secretary, Legal
Mr P . Taylor, First Assistant Secretary, Management Services
173 .
Mr M. Letts First Assistant Secretary, Special Projects and Co-ordination
Dr G. Brooks, Assistant Secretary, Pharmaceutical
Mr G. Fitzgerald, Assistant Secretary, Systems Development and Support
Mr P. Watson, Assistant Secretary, Resources
Mr A. Clarke, Director, Office of Australian War Graves
Mr R . Marshall, Administrator, Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service
Mr F. Woodhouse, Principal Registrar, Veterans' Review Board
Mr K. Pearson, Acting Director, Australian War Memorial
Mr J. Cosgrove, Administrator, Australian War Memorial
Department of Finance -Ms J. Johnman, Chief Finance Officer, Social Security Division
Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
Mr D. Harwood, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 690 , 692 , 69 3, 6 9 4 (Document A)
Divisions 984 , 987 (Document B)
174 .
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure of the Department of Veteran's Affairs, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information to
the Committee.
5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
In Attendance:
Senator the Honourable A .T . Gietzelt, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Transport -Mr P.J. Merner, First Assistant Secretary, Management and Co-ordination Division
Mr T.R. Munyard, Assistant Secretary, Finance and Services Branch, Management and Co-Ordination Division
Mr M. Hutchinson, First Assistant Secretary, International Shipping Policy Division
Mr P. Makeham, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Road Safety Division
Mr C. Thorpe, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Domestic Shipping Policy Division
Mr W. Egan, Deputy Director Bureau of Transport Economics
Mr J . Bailey, Acting Assistant Secretary, Personnel Branch, Management and Co-ordination Division
Mr P.M.B. Cox, Assistant Secretary, Roads Î ' Branch, Roads Division
175 .
Ms F . Holthuyzen, Acting Assistant Secretary, Rail Branch, Land Transport Policy Division
Dr D. Kay, Acting Senior Assistant Secretary, Safety Operations and Pollution Branch, Maritime Safety Division
Mr I. Rischbieth, Assistant Secretary,Coastal Shipping Branch, Domestic Shipping Policy Division
Mr E. K. Wheatley, Assistant Secretary, Land Transport Development Branch, Land Transport Policy Division
Mr G. Richardson, Director, Supply and Services Section, Management and Co-ordination Division
Australian National Railways Commission:
Mr K. Norley, Corporate Services Manager
Australian National Line:
Mr A. Fahy, Manager, Corporate Financial Services
Mr D. Looker, Deputy General Manager, Commercial
Inter-State Commission:
Mr F. Keith, Secretary
Mr 0. Rodda, Director, Administration
Department of Finance -Ms P.A . Lyndon, Chief Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
176.
The Chairman called the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 664, 666, 667 (Document A).
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Transport, subject to an undertaking by the
Minister to provide additional information to the Committee.
6. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION
In Attendance:
Senator the Honourable A .T . Gietzelt, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Aviation:
Mr K. Toakley, First Assistant Secretary, Resources Division
Mr J . Fennell, Director, Budget Section, Finance Branch, Resources Division
Mr J . Huggett, Principal Adviser, Airports Division
Mr G. O'Halloran, Director, Airports and Programs, Airports Division
Mr R. Cooper, Director Bureau of Air Safety Investigation
Mr P. Bowen, First Assistant Secretary, Domestic Policy Division
Ms C. Goode, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division
Mr N. Potter, Assistant Secretary, International Organisations and Economic Branch, International Policy Division
Mr J . Wright, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Flight Standards Division
177 .
Mr G. Grunbaum, Director, Planning and Administration Unit, Flight Standards Division
Mr T. Grant, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Special Projects Division
Mr P. Scott, Secretary, Independent Air Fares Committee
Mr G. Macionis, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Airways Division
Mr J. Richardson, Assistant Secretary, Air Traffic Services Branch, Airways Division
Mr K. Welsh, Director of Policy Development, Qantas
Mr B. Weeden, First Assistant Secretary, Management Services Division
Mr J. Nolan, Director, Supply, Management Services Division
Department of Finance -Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
Mr I. McPhee, Assistant Secretary, Public Administration and Accounting Development Branch
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 193, 194 (Document A)
Division 828 (Document B )
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure of the Department of Aviation, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information to the Committee.
178.
7. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
In Attendance:
Senator the Honourable A.T. Gietzelt, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, accompanied by the following Officers:
Department of Local Government and Administrative- Services -Mr A.A. Hillier, Acting Deputy Secretary
Mr A.P. Butler, First Assistant Secretary, Purchasing and Disposals Division
Mr B.E. Hinchcliffe, First Assistant Secretary, Transport and Storage Division
Mr C. Fuller, Acting Surveyor-General
Mr G.J. Hackett, Acting Assistant Secretary, Finance Branch
Mr S. Wenger, Assistant Secretary, General and Personnel Services
Mr R. Divett, First Assistant Secretary, Australian Operations Division
Mr V. Aleksandric, Director, Policy Development, Local Government and Regional Development Division
Mr D . Wilson, Assistant Secretary, Overseas Construction and Services Branch
Mr R. Williams, Assistant Secretary, property Management and Disposals
Mr R.E. McLean, Assistant Director, Policy, Planning and Administration, Australian Protective Services
Mr C. Akeroyd, Acting Disposals Manager
179 .
Department of Finance -Mr H. Campbell, Senior finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division
Mr I. McPhee, Assistant Secretary, Public Administration and accounting Development Branch
The Chairman called on the following Divisions for conside ration:
Divisions 400, 402 (Document A)
Division 921 (Document B )
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information to the Committee.
8. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.40pm.
9. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senators Foreman, Lewis, McKiernan, Vanstone and West.
Senators Michael Baume, Boswell and Vigor also participated in the Committee's proceedings.
CONFIRMED:
D.J. FOREMAN {Chairman)
180 .
THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
NO. 3
MONDAY, 27 APRIL 1987
1. PUBLIC MEETING: At 3.38pm the Committee met in public session. The Chairman (Senator Foreman) took the Chair.
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 - DEPARTMENT OF TERRITORIES
In Attendance:
Senator the Honourable A.T. Gietzelt, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Territories -Mr J. Turner, Deputy Secretary, Operations
Mr Hedley, First Assistant Secretary, Legislation and Regulation
Mr B. Dockrill, First Assistant Secretary, Transport and Works
Mr G. Whitley, First Assistant Secretary, Resources and Co-ordination
Mr B . Kerr, Fire Commissioner
Mr K. Horsham, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Management Services
Mr P. Grills, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Community Services
Ms H. Ramsey, Assistant Secretary, Welfare Services
Mr S. Arnaudon, Acting First Assistant Secretary, External Territories
Mr R . Gallagher, First Assistant Secretary, Development
Mr N. Morgan, Assistant Secretary, Budget Operations
181.
Mr P. Kearns, Assistant Secretary, Education and Special Studies
Mr P. Tinson, Director, Commercial Policy
Mr R.J. Murray, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Parks and Recreation Division
Mr G. Cartwright, Director, Budgets
Ms S. Webb, Budget Operations
Mr T. Brady, Budget Operations
Australian Capital Territory Schools Authority:
Dr A.W. Butterfield, Acting Senior Director, Resources
Mr R.P. Sadler, Chief Education Officer
Ms T . Riley, Principal Executive Officer, Finance
Australian Capital Territory Health Authority:
Mr J. Bissett, General Manager
Mr I, Todd, Assistant General Manager
Mr D . Steele, Director, Resource Management and Financial Policy
Mr Sim Sung, Acting Assistant Director, Resource Management and Financial Policy
Parliament House Construction Authority:
Mr G. Peatey, Senior Executive Officer, Administration and Finance
Mr I. Fowler, Senior Executive Officer, External Relations and Interiors
Mr j. Maher, Senior Executive Officer
Mr S. Meredith, Senior Finance Officer
National Capital Development Commission:
Mr B. Browning, Associate Commissioner
Mr A. Phillips, Secretary-Manager
182 .
Department of Finance -
Ms P .A . Lyndon, Chief Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division.
The Chairman called the following Divisions for consideration:
Divisions 620, 623, 624, 625, 626 (Document A)
Division 959 (Document B )
And Division 624 being considered by the Committee-
ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 6.10pm.
ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present:Senators Foreman, Lewis, McKiernan, Reid, Vanstone and West
Senators Michael Baume and Vigor also participated in the Committee's proceedings.
Confirmed:
D.J. FOREMAN (Chairman)
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THE SENATE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
NO. 4
MONDAY, 4 MAY 1987
1. PUBLIC MEETING: At 9.03am, the Committee met in public session. The Chairman (Senator Foreman) took the Chair
2. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 DEPARTMENT OF TERRITORIES
In attendance: Senator the Honourable A .T . Gietzelt, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, accompanied by the following officers:
Department of Territories -JOHN TURNER Deputy Secretary Operations
TONY HEDLEY First Assistant Secretary Legislation and Regulation
STEVE ARNAUDON A/g First Assistant Secretary External Territories
NEIL MORGAN Assistant Secretary Budget Operations
PETER KEARNS Assistant Secretary Education and Special Studies
PETER TINSON Director Commercial Policy
GARRY CARTWRIGHT Director Budgets
SUE WEBB Budget Operations
TIM BRADY Budget Operations
185.
ACT SCHOOLS AUTHORITY
DR A.W. BUTTERFIELD A/g Senior Director Resources
R P SADLER Chief Education Officer
THERESE RILEY Principal Executive Officer Finance
ACT HEALTH AUTHORITY
JOHN BISSETT General Manager
IAN TODD Assistant General Manager
DAVID STEELE Director Resource Management and Financial Policy
SIM SUNG A/g Assistant Director Resource Management and Financial Policy
Consideration resumed of the following Divisions of the Department of Territories:
Divisions 620, 623, 624, 625, 626 (Document A) Division 9 59 (Document B )
The Committee concluded its consideration of the Proposed Additional Expenditure for the Department of Territories, subject to an undertaking by the Minister to provide additional information to the Committee.
3. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE: The Committee met in private session at 9.38am and discussed the issue of outstanding questions on notice.
4. ITEMS FOR COMMITTEE'S REPORT: The Committee resolved that the following items be included in the Report:
. Australian Shipping Commission's computer resources . Australian Natural Railways Commission's witness . Department of Territories - appointment of environmental resource adviser . Scheduling of Estimates Committees
186.
5. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 9.55am.
6 . ATTENDANCE: Senators Foreman, Lewis, McKiernan, Ried, Vanstone and West.
CONFIRMED: D.J. Foreman
(Chairman)
187 .
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ESTIMATES COMMITTEE E
INDEX OF ISSUES RAISED
AT THE COMMITTEE'S PUBLIC HEARINGS
DATED
THURSDAY, 9 APRIL 1987
MONDAY, 27 APRIL 1987
MONDAY, 4 May 1987
m-fda
Department of Veterans Affairs
Issues referred to in Estimates Committee E hearing held on
Thursday, 9 April 1987.
Page
Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor
- Flexitime arrangements 1
- Higher duties allowances 1
- Shedding of staff 1
- Efficiency measurement of Department 1
- Breach of financial regulations 1
- Appropriations for office equipment unspent 1
- Purchasing overseas products 2
- Unsuccessful Tenders 2
- Foward purchasing plan 2
- Australian content of purchases 2
- Contracts for higher technology products 2
- Whole of life or through life costing 2
- Payment of accounts 2
- Smoke free environment 2
- Cleaning costs 2
- Questions on notice to Senate and House of
Representatives 2
- Equal employment opportunity 2
- Property disposals 2
- Industrial disputes 2
Questions on Notice by Senator J . Short
- Grants to trade unions or community groups 2-3
- Auditing procedures for trade unions or
community group grants 3
- Commonwealth fees and changes 3
191.
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Questions on Notice by Senator A. Lewis
- Overseas purchases and the exchange rate 3
- Future legislation 3
- Tertiary Administration Fees 3
Question on Notice by Senator M. Baume
- Property 3
Answers to Question from Senator M. Reid
- Equal employment opportunities 5
- Questions on notice 5-6
- Industrial disputes 6
- Property disposals 6
- Service pensions 7-8
- Travel subsidies 8
- Telephone subsidies 8
- Dental Subsidies 8
- Defence Service Homes and local scheme 9
- Service pensions and Assets Tests 9
- Former prisoners of war 10
- Surviving Australian veterans 10
Answers to questions from Senator J . Short
- Grants to trade unions on community groups 10
- Auditing procedures for trade union or
community group grants 10-11
- Commonwealth fees and changes 11-13
Answers to Question from Senator D. Vigor
- Flexitime arrangements 13
- Higher duties allowances 13-14
- Shedding of staff 14
- Efficiency measurement of Department 14
- Breach of financial regulations 14
- Appropriations for office equipment unspent 14
- Purchasing overseas products 15
- Unsuccessful Tenders 15
193.
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- Forward purchasing plan 15
- Australian content of purchasing 15
- Contracts -for higher technology products 15
- Whole of life or through life costing 15
- Payment of accounts 15
- Smoke free environment 15-16
- Cleaing costs 16
Administration
- Staffing levels 16-17
- Processing of claims 17
- Processing of pension appeals 17-18
- Effect of new legislation on estimates 18
- Australian War Graves Office
- Condition of war graves 18-19
- Veterans Review Board
- Work load Brisbane Office 20
- Questions on notice from Senator Vigor 20-21
(answered see p . 13-16)
- Reimbursement of doctors 21
- Payments for report on administration of
War Memorial 21
- Mr Menzies payment 21
- Salary increases 21-23
- Review of people receiving pensions 23-24
- Recovery of overpayments 24
- Agent Orange Issue 24-25
- Efficiency dividend 25-26
- Visiting specialists fees 26-27
- Time spent consulting 27
- Child care centre at Concord Repatriation
Hospital 28
- Transport of veterans for medical treatment 28-30
- Inquiry into War Memoral administration 30
- Compensation payments to Departmental staff 30-31
- Absorption of additional costs by Department 31-32
- Costs of medical specialities to the Department 32
195.
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- Payment of accounts 33
- Increased drug costs
- Effect on war widows 33
- Transfer into NHS 33-34
- Effect of exchange rates 34
- payment of accounts 35
- Use of war-departmental institutions 35
- Travelling Expenses for medical treatment 36-38
- Telephone rental concession 38-39
- Veterans access to rehabilitation centres of
Department of Social. Security 39
- Commutation of benefits 39
- Defence Service Homes Corporation
- Questions on notice by Senator Vigor 40
- Stores inventory management 40-41
Australian War Memorial
- New financial procedures at memorial 41
- B 25 Mitchell bomber ownership 41-42
- Air navigation changes 42
- Customs duty 42
- Aero Heritage 42-43
- Kiosk 43
- Annual Report of the War Memorial 43-44
- T 34 tank 44-45
- Menzies Report 45
197.
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Department of Transport
Issues referred to Estimates Committee E hearing held on
Thursday, 9 April 1987.
Ρ£2£
Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor
- Flexitime arrangments 47
- Higher duties allowances 47
- Efficiency measurement of Department 47
- Breach of financial regulations 47
- Appropriations for office equipment unspent 47
- Purchasing overseas products 47
- High technology purchases 47
- Unsuccessful tenders 47
- Australian content 47
- Contracts for purchasing high technology products 47
- Whole of life or through life costing 47
- Payment of accounts 47
Administration
- Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme 47
- Australian National Railways
- Security deposits 47
- Australian Shipping Commission
- Investments 48-49
- Australian National Line
- Legislation 50
- Computer system 51-53
- Crewing level 53
- Maritime unions 53
- Leave entitlements 53-54
- Interstate Road Transport Act 54-55
199 .
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- Stevedoring Industry Review Committee 55-56
- "Street Beat" campaign 56-57
- Stuart Highway opening 58
- ANL commercial activities 59
- Fringe benefit tax 59-60
- Amanm Aviation and Coastal Surveillance
contract 60-69
- Maritime services cost recovery 69-70
- Department's vessels
- Disposal 70
- Crewing 70
- Cost of operating 70
- Tasmanian Freight Equalisation scheme 71-72
Bureau of Transport Economic
- Increase gross weight of road transport 72
- Inter-State Commission report 72-73
- BTE reports 73
- Transport Outlook Conference 73
Inter-State Commission
- Staffing 73-74
- Federal registration changes 74
- Role and operation of Inter-State Commission 74-75
Questions on Notice by Senator D. Hamer (through Senator M.
Baume)
- Introduction 75
- Revised Estimates of receipts 75
- Salaries and payments 75-76
- Administrative expenses 76
201.
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Department of Aviation
Issues referred to in Estimates Committee E hearing held on
Thursday, 9 April 1987.
Qantas
- Smoking and non-smoking seats 77-78
- Size of crews 78
- Purchase of aircraft 78
Administration
- Smoking regulations on domestic air carriers 78-79
- Flight crew licensing 79
- Review of aviation regulations and others 79
- Radar at Cairns airport 79-80
- Air beacon on Hamilton Island 80
- Privatisation of airports 80
- Brisbane airport construction 81
- Baggage regulations 81
- Air traffic controllers 82
- Airport fire-fighters working hours 82
- Australian Airlines 82
- New Sydney airport 83
- Travel expenses 83
- Aeronautical information service 84
Questions on Notice by Senator A. Lewis
- Salaries 84
- Overtime 84
- Travel and subsistence 84
- Office requisites 84
- Telephones 84
- Office and Local Government Services 84
203 .
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- Fuel light and power 85
- Fire and Rescue Services 85
- Removal expenses 85
- Staff training 85
- Landing charges 85
- Airport and airways facilities maintenance 85
- Maintenance and Departmental residences 85
- Movable plant maintenance 85
- General comments 86
- Disposal of site at Lidcombe 86
- Fire vehicle reduction 86
- Computer services 86
- Professional services 86
- Furniture and Fittings 86
- Incidental and other expenses 86
- FBT 86-87
- Search and rescue 87
- Subsidy for Commuter airlines 87
Administration
- Fibre optics communications 87-88
- Air conditioning at airports 88
- Aviation Training College 88-91
- Administration 91
- Decommissioning ICL computer system 91-92
- Computer consultants 92
- Occupational health and safety program 93
- Pel-air crash 93-94
Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor
- Professional services 94
- Administrative expenses 94
- Compensation and legal expenses 94
205.
'
Department of Local Government and
Administrative Services
Issues referred to in Estimates Committee E
Thursday, 9 April 1987.
hearing held on
Administration
Page
- Williamstown rifle range 95-96
- Anzac rifle range 95-96
- Office of Local Government 97
- Council of Inter-governmental Relations 97
- Department of Special Minister of State 97
- Issue of foreign exchange 98
- Recreational resource, Port River, S.A 98
- Badgerys Creek land purchase 98-99
- Belconnen Mall 100
- Disposals by government Departments 100-101
- "Carmen Furniture" in Fyshwick
- Purchases
101
- Australian 101-102
- Works of art 102
- Houses on Hume Highway, Warwick Farm 102
- Advertising budget
- Rates
102-103
- Diplomatic residences 103-104
- Commonwealth Serum laboratories 103-104
- Advertising for the Commonwealth 105
207 .
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- ' / Department of Territories Issues referred to in Estimates Committee E hearing held on February, 9 April 1987. Pane Questions on Notice by Senator A. Lewis - Accommodation arrangements 108 - Block of residential land 108 - LANDACT 108 - RAIPA conference 108 - Youth Cafe 108 - Air charters to Indian Ocean Territories 108 - Offices based on Darwin 108 - Medical services in ACT 108 - Resources devoted to corporate services 108 Questions on Notice by Senator D . Vigor - Flexitime arrangments 108 - Higher duties allowances 108 - Shedding of staff 108 - Efficiency measurement of Department 108 - Breach of financial regulations 108-109 - Appropriations for office equipment unspent 109 - Purchasing overseas products 109 - Unsuccessful tenders 109 - Forward purchasing plan 109 - Australian content of purchases 109 - Whole of life or through life costing 109 - Payment of accounts 109 - Smoke free environment 109 - Cleaning costs 109 209 . . :»» »d»xoqxo» oi fcedovefc 8#3*uc; , Q x q # e d s '3 i x d s:> ',#iOFi * j aJneswgners* en . ·) · x».- difi&ouf isqaQ 2o ' γ α Ï Â» :xx5 3 . · ; â , â :: ,;n a':h\ . > ; â · . - Questions on Notice by Senate M. Reid - To the Department of Territories 109 - To the National Capital Development Commission 109-110 - To the Department of Territories - Motor vehicle fleet 110-111 - ACT health Authority 111 - External Territories 112 Question on Notice by Senator M. Baume - Unoccupied property 112 Administration - Answers to questions by Senators Vigor, Reid Short and Colston supplied 112 - Noise legislation 112 - Travel agents registration 112 - Parking in inner subsurbs 113 - Water skiing 113 - Equal opportunity legislation 113-114 - Payments of accounts 114-115 - Logan Village 115 - Havelock House 115-116 - Vacant houses 117 - Gaming and Liquior Authority 117-118 - Corruption 118 - Funding by tobacco and alcohol interests 118 - ACTION bus services 119 Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor - Bus services 120 - Industrial relations 120-121 - Administrative methods 121 211. â . Administration - Overtime 122 - Travel to France 122 - Parking fines 122-123 - Fringe benefits 123-124 - Aeromodellers Association 124-125 - Youth cafe 125-126 - Electricity charge for Erindale Centre 126 - ACT Fire Brigade - 17 March 1987 demonstration 126-127 - Bushfire Council 127-128 - Purchase of equipment 128 - Unauthorised use of vehicles 130 Question on Notice by Senate D. Vigor - Canberra Commercial Development Authority 131 Administration - Parliament House Construction Authority - Investments with Reserve Bank 131-132 Question on Notice by Senator D. Vigor - Parliament House Construction Authority Administration 132 Administration - Parliament House Construction Authority (Cont) - Contract prices exceeded 132-133 - Report by Norman McCain 133-134 - Industrial disputes 134 - Hydraulics contract 135 - Art works 135-136 - Furniture 136 - Expenditure on the new Parliament House 137 - Dimmer switches 138 - BLF and compensation for contractors 138 213 . . son.-i'i1 04 IssvnTV - ⢠tod .1 1 73«qoX»V9C '.iiXXiRlBSeO jS'-ilSti.: 1 â â) Questions on Notice by Senator D. Vigor - ACT Schools Authority 137 - ACT Fire Brigade inquiry 139-140 - Community housing activities 140 - Land administration 140-141 - Legislative activity 141-142 - NCDC 142 Questions on Notice by Senator B. Kilgariff - Christmas Island 142 - Land holding 143 - Education 143 - Cocos (Keeling) Islands 143 - Land holding 143 - Education 143 - Tourism and need for airport upgrading 143 Administration - External Territories - Cocos (Keeling) Islands - Dr D. Williams appointment 144-145 - Supply of electricity to Clunies-Ross family 145-146 215. ?Ï Department of Territories (Cent) Issues referred to in Estimates Committee E hearings on 4 May 1987. Administration - Minister's concern at number of questions on notice 149-150 Questions on Notice by Senator B. Kilgariff - Cocos Islands 150 - Clunies-Ross 151 - Christmas Island 151 Administration - External Territories - Dr D. Williams appointment 151 - Electricity for Clunies-Ross family 151-152 - ACT Schools Authority 153 - Chief Education Officer 153 - ACT Health Authority - Employment of anaesthetists 143 - Beckman's Tender 153-155 - Advertisements in Canberra Times 155-156 - Record cards for children 156 - Capital works and services 156-157 - External Territories buildings works, plant and equipment 157 - Repainting fire hydrants 157 - Houses demolished in Captain Cook Crescent - Materials 157-158 - Under age drinking 158 217 . ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F REPORT TO THE SENATE â . ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F REPORT TO THE SENATE Estimates Committee F has the honour to present its Report to the Senate. 1. On 2 5 March 1987 the Senate referred to the Committee the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the services of the year ending on 30 June 1987 and Particulars of Proposed Expenditure in respect of the year ending 30 June 1987 for the following Departments: . Department of Community Services; . Department of Health; . Department of Social Security; . Department of Special Minister of State. 2. The Committee has considered the Estimates of these Departments and received explanations of them from the Special Minister of State (Senator the Hon. M. C. Tate) and officers of the Departments 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 connection with Appropriate Bill (No. 3) 1986-87 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1986-87. 3. Answers to questions which were deferred and were to be subsequently given in writing will be tabled in the Senate. An index to those answers is set out below in this report. 4. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to the following matters arising from its consideration of the Additional Estimates. 221. Acquisition of Micro Computer Information Systems for Senators and Members The matter of the oversight of planning and expenditure for the micro computer information systems program for Senators and Members which commenced in 1984 has been the subject of close and continuing scrutiny and report by Senate estimates Committee A since October 1985. This scrutiny has extended to cover both the acquisition of Senators and Members computing equipment at Parliament House, which is a direct responsibility of the Parliamentary Departments and that of their electorate offices, which is currently the responsibility of the Department of the Special Minister of State. Following a rearrangement of Ministerial responsibility, expenditure of the Department of the Special Minister of State is now examined by this Committee. The Committee shares concerns which have been expressed by Estimates Committee A in the past at the manner in which the Department of the Special Minister of State has conducted its responsibilities in the micro computer acquisition programme. In particular the Committee is concerned that the Department of the Special Minister of State has not liaised as closely with Parliamentary Departments as it could have and has not maintained the appropriate standard in attempting to meet the requirements of Senators. The fact that no Senators (compared with 11 Members) were included in the initial survey conducted by consultants and the Department of Special Minister of State and that only one Senator was included in the pilot study (compared 222 . with 29 Members) indicates to the Committee that Senators have not been adequately consulted as to their electorate office requirements. The Committee was concerned to hear of the reduction in requirements for electorate equipment to be compatible with the equipment already installed at Parliament House. The alteration to the Department of the Special Minister of State tender requiring that the compatibility of electorate equipment with that of Parliament House being only highly desirable, instead of mandatory, is a significant reduction in the level of service which Senators can expect. The concern expressed by Senators on the Committee and by other Senators and Members within the Parliament is a direct result of the relaxation of this essential computing requi rement. The Committee is aware that a question is currently before the Senate which raises serious allegations about the tendering process conducted by the Department of the Special Minister of State and in particular whether equipment supplied was the equipment tendered. The Committee draws the attention of the Senate to this matter. However, the Committee makes no comment at this stage as an answer is still being awaited from the Special Minister of State. Rehabilitation Centres The Committee was advised of changed arrangements in the Department of Community Services Rehabilitation program. A policy was devised and implemented of moving from predominantly centre-based rehabilitation care to community-based rehabilitation care. All of the seven 223 . major rehabilitation centres (one in each capital city) are to be sold. In place of these centres, a network of regional units has been planned of which it is anticipated between 50 and 60 will be established before the end of the current financial year. During its examination of this matter, it became clear to the Committee that some clients were not aware of these changing arrangements. This lack of understanding appears to be the result of insufficient publicity given to the changes by officers of the Department, as well as insufficient training of staff to counsel clients about the revised arrangements. The Committee, while acknowledging the complexity of the move from centre-based to community based rehabilitation care, urges the Department to improve its performance in the area of publicising proposed changes and advising these changes to its clients. 5. The Committee records its appreciation of the assistance given by the Special Minister of State (Senator the Hon. M.C. Tate) and officers of all the Departments appearing before the Committee. Chairman May 1987 224 . ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS â â I η â THE SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO.15 6 April 1987 1. MEETING: The Committee met in private session at 9.56 a.m. in Senate Committee Rooms 1 & 2. 2. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE: The following changes of membership were noted. On Tuesday 24 March 1987 , the Senate resolved that Senators Foreman, McKiernan, Reid, Townley, Vanstone and Zakharov be discharged from attendance on Estimates Committee F and the following Senators, in accordance with Standing Order 36AB, be appointed to Estimates Committee F ; Senators the Hon. Peter Baume, Crowley, Giles, Reynolds, Sheil and Walters. On Thursday 2 April 1987 , the Senate resolved that Senator Walters be discharged from attendance on Estimates Committee F on 6 April and that Senator the Hon. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, having been duly nominated in accordance with Standing Order 36AB, be appointed a member of the Committee for that day. 3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: The Committee Secretary then called for nominations for Chairman. Senator Giles was nominated by Senator Sheil, seconded by Senator the Hon. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle. 227 . Senator Giles thereupon took the chair. 4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986/87. The Chairman reported the entry in the Journals of the Senate of 25 March 1987, referring to the Particulars of Proposed Additional Expenditure for the service of the year ending on 30 June 1987 and Particulars of Certain Proposed Expenditure in respect of the year ending 30 June 1987 for the following Departments: . Community Services . Health . Social Security . Special Minister of State 5. MANNER OF EXAMINING THE ESTIMATES: It was resolved to consider Departmental Estimates in the following order: 5.1 . Special Minister of State . Social Security . Community Services . Health 5.2 It was moved by Senator Sheil and seconded by Senator the Hon. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle that the Chairman be authorized to release documents tabled in the Committee and written answers provided subsequent to meetings of the Committee. 6. ADJOURNMENT: 10.00 a. m. 228. 7. ATTENDANCE: The following members of the Committee were present: Senator P.J. Giles Senator R.A. Crowley Senator G. Sheil Senator the Hon. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle Senator the Hon. P. Baume CONFIRMED: Patricia J . Giles Chairman. 229 . r - â $ , ' â . â I THE SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO.16 6 APRIL 1987 1. MEETING: The Committee met at 10.00 a.m. in Senate Committee Rooms 1 & 2. The Chairman, Senator Giles, took the Chair. 2. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman reported the Resolution of the Senate of 25 March 1987 relating to the consideration of the particulars of proposed additional expenditure for 1986-87 and made a statement relating to the procedure to be followed by the Committee in its examinations of the additional Estimates. 3. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87. DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE In Attendance: Senator the Honourable Michael Tate, Special Minister of State, accompanied by the following officers from the Portfolio of the Special Minister of State: 231. Department of the Special Minister of State Mr R. Holdich, Deputy Secretary Mr P. Hunt, First Assistant Secretary, Services Division Mr G. Quigley, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Law Enforcement Policy Division Mr M MacKenzie-Orr, Head, Protective Services Co-ordination Centre Mr M. Lynch, First Assistant Secretary, Executive Secretariat Mr J. Gavin, Senior Assistant Secretary, Management Services Branch Mr R. Webb, Senior Assistant Secretary, Parliament House Executive Wing Branch Mr B. Gale, Acting Senior Assistant Secretary, ADP Branch Mr T. Corbell, Acting Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary and Ministerial Services Branch Ms C. Bee, Assistant Secretary, Organized Crime Policy Branch Mr M. Domney, Acting Assistant Secretary, Police Affairs Branch Mr H. Keen, Assistant Secretary, Awards and National Symbols Unit Ms J. Sheppard, Acting Assistant Secretary, Portfolio Resource Allocation Mr A. Cooley, Director, Budgeting and Information Commonwealth Grants Commission Mr A.A. Glasson, Secretary Remuneration Tribunal Mr G. Brewer, Acting Secretary 232 . Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence Chief Superintendent R. Chalker, Director Mr R. Lawrence, Administrative Officer Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner J.C. Johnson QPM Mr S.B. Gavin, Secretary to the AFP Mr K.R. Gascoigne, Executive Officer, Coastal Surveillance Unit National Crime Authority Mr D. Lenihan, Chief Executive Officer Mr G. Linnane, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Australian Electoral Commission Mr P. Skinner, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Resources Management Branch Mr J . Mahoney, Assistant Commissioner Information and Education Branch Mrs J. Woodward, Assistant Commissioner, Development and Research Branch Mr A.L. Ray, Acting Director, Finance and General Services Section Mr W. O'Donnell, Director ADP Mr M. Maley, Director, Research Department of Finance Mr T. Wilson, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division Mr H. Campbell, Senior Finance Officer Grade 11, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division 233 . The Chairman called upon the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 575-578, 580, 582, 583, 953, 955 The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of the Special Minister of State, subject to undertakings by the Minister and Officers of the Department to provide additional information to the Committee. 4. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87 . DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY In Attendance: Senator the Hon. Michael Tate, Special Minister of State, accompanied by the following officers: Mr D. Volker, Secretary Mr J. Humphreys, First Assistant Secretary, Operations Support Division Mr J . Wadeson, First Assistant Secretary, Regional Administration Division Mr J. MacMahon, First Assistant Secretary, Benefits Delivery Division Mr A. Ross, A/g First Assistant Secretary, Legislation and Review Division Mr B. Godfrey, First Assistant Secretary, Resource Management Division Mr T. Murphy, Assistant Secretary, Benefits Control Branch Mr P. Harvey, Assistant Secretary, Human Resource Management Branch Ms J. Stafford, A/g Assistant Secretary, Finance Branch 234 . Mr A. Herscovitch, A/g First Assistant Secretary, Development Division Mr B. Lewisson, Assistant Commissioner, Management and Operations Branch, Office of the Commissioner for Employees' Compensation Dr M. Edwards, Principal Adviser Department of Finance Mr. T. Wilson, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division The Chairman called upon Division 560 for consideration. The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Social Security, subject to undertakings by the Minister and officers of the Department to provide additional information to the Committee. 5. PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES In Attendance Senator the Hon. Michael Tate, Special Minister of State, accompanied by the following officers: Mr J . Simpson, Deputy Secretary Ms M. Murnane, First Assistant Secretary, Community Programs Division Mr 0. Winder, Assistant Secretary, Home and Community Care Branch 235. Mr G. Pilger, Assistant Secretary, Supported Accommodation Assistance Branch Mr R. Egan, First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division Mr B . MacDonald, Assistant Secretary, Resources Branch Mr G. Hine, Director, Financial Management Section Ms S. Halley, A/g First Assistant Secretary, Disability Programs Division Mr A. Jodd, Director, Financial Management Section Mr B. O'Shannassy, Assistant Secretary, Accommodation and Services Branch Mr I. Wingett, Assistant Secretary, Resources and Evaluation Branch Mr I. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Residential Review Section Mr M. Johnson, Director, Residential Resources Section Department of Finance Mr T. Wilson, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division The Chairman called upon the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 220, 839, 840, 841 and the Special Appropriation. The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Community Services, subject to undertakings by the Minister and officers of the Department to provide additional information to the Committee. 236 . PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE 1986-87. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 6 . In Attendance: Senator the Hon. Michael Tate, Special Minister of State, accompanied by the following officers: Mr B.V. McKay, Secretary Dr D. De Souza, Chief Commonwealth Medical Officer Mr I. McNeill, A/g First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Resources Division Mr A. Mair, A/g Assistant Secretary, Resources Branch Mr M. Clarke, First Assistant Secretary, Health Advancement Division Mr A. Bansemer, First Assistant Secretary, Health Services Finance Division Mr A. MacKay, Assistant Secretary, Utilisation Statistics and Costing Branch Dr A. Proudfoot, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Therapeutics Division Mr D. Kelaher, Assistant Secretary, Pharmaceutical Operations Branch Mr P. Pflaum, First Assistant Secretary, National Health and Medical Research Division Health Insurance Commission Mr R. Wilcox, General Manager, Health Insurance Commission Mr M. Murphy, Assistant General Manager, Finance Mr K. Hazell, Assistant General Manager, Audit and Investigations Mr M. Parsons, Assistant General Manager, Claims and Membership 237 . Department of Finance Mr T. Wilson, Senior Finance Officer, Financial Management and Accounting Policy Division Ms D. Hume, Chief Finance Officer, Social Security Division The Chairman called upon the following Divisions for consideration: Divisions 325, 327, 881-883. The Committee concluded its consideration of the proposed additional expenditure for the Department of Social Security, subject to undertakings by the Minister and officers of the Department to provide additional information to the Committee. 7. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 8.00 p.m. 8. ATTENDANCE The following members of the Committee were present: Senator P.J. Giles Senator the Hon. P. Baume Senator R.A. Crowley Senator G. Sheil Senator the Hon. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle Also present for all or parts of the hearing were: Senator D. Vigor Senator B.R. Archer 238 . Senator M.E. Baume Senator B. Harradine CONFIRMED: Patricia J. Giles Chairman 239 . â THE SENATE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 17 6 MAY 1987 1. MEETING: The Committee met at 12.45pm in Senate Committee Room 6. The Chairman, Senator Giles, took the Chair. 2. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE: The Committee considered the Chairman's draft Report to the Senate. Resolved: That the draft Report, as amended, be agreed to. 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: The minutes of meetings held on 6 April 1987 were confirmed. 4. ADJOURNMENT: The Committee adjourned at 1.55pm. 241. ·: .1 : ATTENDANCE: 5 . . Senator P. J. Giles; . Senator R. A. Crowley; . Senator M.S. Walters; . Senator G. Shiel. 6. APOLOGIES; . Senator The Hon. P. Baume; . Senator M. Reynolds. CERTIFIED CORRECT: Patricia J. Giles, Chairman 243 . HANSARD INDEX TO ISSUES RAISED IN PUBLIC HEARING . . ' - . ISSUES RAISED IN HANSARD 6 APRIL 1987 HANSARD PAGE TOPIC Department of Special Minister of State F2 Supply of computers to electorate offices F3 Pilot study of computer equipment F6 Reduction in salaries F 7 Computer keyboard design F7 Computer usage - remote F8 Computers - service, flexibility and compatibility F9 Departmental staff involved in computer project F10 Tertiary Administration Fee F10 Lack of request for additional appropriations for salaries F10 Fees and costs associated with training Fll Possibility of reimbursing Senators and/or Members for installation/running costs of fourth line for additional communications facilities Fll Retirements - invalidity and age F13 Ministerial wing of new Parliament House F13 Overtime payments for staff of Senators and Members F13 Departmental policy on purchase or lease of equipment Standing Advisory Committee on Commonwealth/State Co-operation for Protection against Violence F14 Counter Terrorism F14 Overseas Travel 247 . F15 F16 F14 F15 F17 F17 F 17 F 17 FI 8 F19 F20 F20 F20 F20 F21 F21 F22 F23 F23 F23 F24 F24 F24 Papal Visit Costs Reasons for 33% increase re Narcotics Control Board, Thailand Assistance project. Measures of success in narcotics control Breakdown of increased funding required Remuneration Tribunal Separation payments Salaries etc. Advisory Committee for ACT Supervision of claims eg. travelling allowance Updating of information of parliamentarians home addresses etc. Principal place of residence Australian Federal Police Surveillance of Northern Australia - new contract issues - sy st em S al a r i e s Resignations and Retirements Protective Services Housing allowance - retirees - FBT Reduction in inoperative staff Building rentals Rental costs Departmental responses to Audi tor-General issues Under age drinking in ACT Unauthorised entry into VIATEL Unauthorised entry into OTC Prosecutions - mail imports of narcotics Compensation and legal expenses 248 . F25 F25 26 F26 F 27 F28 F29 F 3 Î F30 F 30 F33 F34 F34 F35 F36 F36 F37 Housing allowance - superannuation Compensation payments Australian Bureeau of Criminal Intelligence Postage stamps Administrative staff Staffing - general - computers Australian Electoral Commission Staff losses Habitation Reviews Transferred ASL Electoral Enrolments Letters to electors Roval Commissions and Inquiries Property services National Crime Authority Staffing levels - problems filling SES legal positions Investigations into Costigan Royal Commission Assessing effectiveness of the NCA Administrative Expenses Witness Protection costs, indemnities FBT Capital Works and Services Effects of exchange rate 249 . F38 F 3 8 F39 F44 F44 F 46 F 47 F 48 F 50 F 50 F51 F 54 F55 F57 F57 F60 F60 F61 F62 F65 Effect of Government review of counter terrorism on equipment contracts Computer equipment for Royal Commission on Grain Storage, Handling and Transport Increased costs for Commissions and Inquiries Department of Social Security Staffing reductions Revenue Teams evaluating benefits Tertiary Administration Fee Auditor-General Report - questions arising Computer systems Intensive Review Team Rent paid on unoccupied properties Auditor-General Report - questions arising Stratplan Prosecutions under Social Security and Crimes Acts Compensation and legal expenses Compensation payments Greek-Australian Welfare Workers Association of NSW Grants - reasons for Department of Community Services Administrative Reduction of ASL Reasons for increased salaries requirement Rehabilitation centres Regional units Tertiary Administration Fee 250 . F 6 5 F65 F 67 F68 F 6 8 F69 F69 F70 F71 F73 F75 F75 F77 F78 F80 F80 F8 6 F88 F88 F8 9 F89 F91 Regional Services - funding Eligibility Voluntary retrenchment Costs to patients Dissection of staff offered voluntary retrenchment Vacant properties - leasing arrangements Audi tor-General Report - Osborne Park Auditor-General Report - recovery of costs Attendant Care Scheme Disability Services Legislation Capital works and services Effects of re- or de-valuation ORION human resource management system Payments to or for States and NT Children's Services Touche Ross report on child care centres Other Services WA Cancer Foundation Grant Funding of aged persons residential care Department of Health Administrative Referrals to consultants Reasons for savings in salaries and administration Australia Card Properties unused but on which rent is being paid Questions relating to Auditor-General report Private Hospital subsidy 251. F 92 F 92 F93 F 93 F93 F93 F94 F94 F95 F95 F96 F98 F99 Medicare Grants to States Equal Employment Opportunity program Tertiary Education Administration Fee Detection of Hazardous Devices Effects on Department of creation of Bureau of Consumer Affairs Transfer of staff to Food Standards Bureau Inquiry into medical education and the medical wor kfor ce Screening food for radioactivity Capital works and other services Effects of de- or re-valuation Payments to or for States and Territories Reason for transfer of funding for Queensland AIDS Council Other services Pharmaceutical Benefits Cards Auditor-General Report - Pharmacist's payments Staff shortages due to RSI 252 . INDEX TO ISSUES RAISED IN SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION â ... ⢠'1 ... â * ' . , ; - . ; ' , : â .â â -· ν ·: , ( , â â ' â â â ; · . .ο . â . ' ;â y ·ν ' · . · TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Department of Special Minister of State Computer Stationery 2 Service locations for electorate computers 2 Pilot Survey - electorate computers 3 Tender Processes - electorate computers 3 Breakdown rate - electorate computers 4 Costs involved in training etc. 4 Retirements 5 Fringe Benefits Tax 7 Staff and Consultants of the Prime Minister 18 Overtime Costs - electorate staff 18 Refurbishing Kirribilli House 27 ' Increase for Australian-based law enforcement operations 27 ACT Advisory Council 29 Itinerary - Grain Storage Handling and Transport Royal 30 Commissi on Consultants - Grain Storage, Handling and Transport Royal 31 Commission Property Disposals 33 Parliamentary Questions 34 Industrial Disputes 36 Equal Employment Opportunity 37 Increase in appropriation for overseas travel 38 Visits to Australia 29 Expenditure training scheme and consultants Separation payments 40 Details of compensation 42 Computers in electorate offices 42 255 . Flexitime 48 Higher Duties Allowance 48 Results of 1/2% contraction 49 Efficiency Scrutiny Unit 50 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 51 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 51 equipment, stationery and printing Purchase of overseas products 52 Unsuccessful tenderers 52 Purchasing plans for high technology production 52 Contact with Industrial Supplies Offices 52 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 53 Period contracts for technology-intensive products 53 Bases of selection of tenders 54 Account payment period 54 Smoke Free Environment 55 Property usage 56 Grants to Trade Unions or Community Groups 56 Charges or fees for goods or services 59 Auditing procedures of grants made to community groups 61 and trade unions Compulsory Tertiary Education Charges 62 Australian Electoral Commission 64 Habitation Reviews 66 Cost of next Federal Election 7 0 Policy concerning prosecution for failure to vote 70 Australian Electoral Commission Industrial Disputes 73 Equal Employment Opportunity 73 Consultants-increase in appropriation 74 Satellite Store Fitout 74 Enrolment Expenditure 74 Habitation Review 74A Flexitime 75 256 . Results of 0.5% contraction 75 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 76 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 76 Purchase of Overseas products 76 Unsuccessful Tenderers 76 Purchasing plans for high technology production 77 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 77 Period contracts for technology-intensive products 77 Bases of selection of tenders 77 Account payment period 78 Smoke Free Environment 78 Optical Scanner 79 Consultants 80 Reduction in payment to Australian Post 80 Training 80 Final Bills - Scullin By-election 80 Costs - Scullin By-election 80 Property usage 82 Charges or Fees for goods or services 83 National Crime Authority Fringe Benefits Tax 86 Equal Employment Opportunity 88 Industrial Disputes 89 Flexitime 90 Higher Duties Allowance 90 Results of 0.5% contraction 91 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 91 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 91 Purchase of overseas products 92 Unsuccessful Tenderers 92 Purchasing Plan for high technology products 92 Industrial Supplies Office 92 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 93 Period Contracts for technology-intensive products 93 257 . Bases fcr Selection of tenders 93 Account payment period 94 Smoke Free Environment 94 Grants to trade unions or community groups 95 Fees or charges for goods and services 96 Auditing procedures of grants made to community groups 96 and trade unions Australian Federal Police Retirement-invalidity 98 Fringe Benefits Tax 100 Fringe Benefits and Superannuation 104 Rental 105 Reduction in paid and unpaid inoperatives 105 Incidence of under-age drinking in ACT 105 Viatel system 105 OTC System 105A Drugs entering Australia by mail 107 Legal Fees, witness expenses and judgements against 108 the Commonwealth Compensation - Invalidity Retirements 109 Equal Employment Opportunity 112 Industrial Disputes 112 ASL and the AFP 113 Budget implications from payments to retiring officers 113 Flexitime 114 Higher Duties Allowance 114 Results of 0.5% contraction 115 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 115 Portion of appropriation for office requisites unspent 115 Purchase of overseas products 116 Unsuccessful Tenders 116 Forward purchasing plan for high technology products 116 Industrial Supplies Office 117 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 117 258 . 117 Australian-owned versus Australian Subsidiaries of foreign owned companies Period contracts for technology-intensive products 117 Bases for selection of tenders 118 Account payment period 118 Smoke Free Environment 118 Property usage 119 Grants for trade unions or community groups 119 Charges or Fees for goods or services 120 Department of Social Security Tertiary Administration Fee 124 Security of Departmental Computer Equipment 125 F. O. I. Response Times 126 Youth Trainee Program 127 Unoccupied Properties and rent 129 Cases put to DPP and not pursued 130 Property Disposals 131 Parliamentary Questions 132 Industrial Disputes 134 Equal Employment Opportunity 137 Industrial Bans 138 Telephone Concessions 141 Unemployment Benefit Review 143 GAWWA 147 DSS/CES 148 S. S. Act 149 Radiation Leaks from VDU1s 150 T. V. Unit 151 Salary Overrun 152 Victorian Regional Managers Meeting 152 Property usage 154 Flexitime 155 Higher Duties Allowance 155 Results of 1/2% contraction 156 259 . Efficiency Scrutiny Unit 156 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 156 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 157 equipment, stationary and printing Purchase of overseas products 157 Unsuccessful tenderers 157 Purchasing plans for high technology production 157 Contact with Industrial Supplies Offices 158 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 158 Period contracts for technology-intensive products 158 Bases of selection of tenders 158 Account payment period 158 Smoke Free Environment 158 Grants to Trade Unions or Community Groups 160 Charges or fees for goods or services 161 Auditing procedures of grants made to community groups 160 and trade unions Efficiency Dividend 16 3 Department of Community Services Coonac and Taringa Rehabilitation centres 165 Regional Units 165 Breakup of Increase in Rehabilitation services 166 Training Fee 166 Recoverable funds - compensation cases 166 Voluntary Retrenchment 167 Paid inoperatives 167 Property (Sydney) 16 8 Lease payments 168 Childrens Services 169 Property Disposals 171 Parliamentary Questions 172 Industrial Disputes 174 Equal Employment Opportunity 175 Property usage 176 260 . Flexitime 177 Higher Duties Allowance 178 Results of 1/2% contraction 179 Efficiency Scrutiny Unit 180 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 181 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 182 equipment, stationery and printing Purchase of overseas products 183 Unsuccessful tenderers 183 Purchasing plans for high technology production 184 Contact with Industrial Supplies Offices 185 Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 186 Period contracts for technology-intensive products 187 Bases of selection of tenders 188 Account payment period 189 Smoke Free Environment 190 Compensation and Legal Expenses 191 Home and Community Care Program 193 Details concerning workers in new Rehabilitation Scheme 194 e.g. staffing, training, reporting system, accountability Patients and the new rehabilitation scheme 200 Home and Community Care Bill 207 Attendant Care Pilot Scheme Report 209 Funding 212 Nursing Home Benefits 214 Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefit 215 Nursing Homes Assistance Act 215(A) Material Reduction in Expenditure 215(A) Reduction in expenditure to eligible organisations 215(A) Respite Care Subsidy 216 Rehabilitation Services - Social Security Act 219 Grants to Trade Unions or Community Groups 222 Charges or fees for goods or services 223 Auditing procedures of grants made to community groups 224 and trade unions 261. Department of Health Consultants on Australia Card 228 Properties - empty of underutilized 229 Swing in private to public bed days 230 Medicare - savings 231 Smokeless tobacco 233 Cost of tobacco related illnesses 234 Doctors charging scheduled fee or less 236 Biological products 237 Pharmaceutical Benefits Program 238 Range of payments due to Pharmacists 2 41 Legal advice re unprocessed prescriptions 242 Staffing - RSI 243 Properties - empty or underutilized 244 Parliamentary Questions 245 Property Disposals - Health, HIC, CSL 247 Industrial Disputes 248 Equal Employment Opportunity 250 Payments to Pharmacists 252 Pharmacy Entitlement cards 253 Pharmacy Benefit Program costs 2 53 Status of nursing enrolments in CAE's by State 255 Savings under Medicare grants to States 256 Savings under Health Insurance Act 258 Flexitime 264 Higher Duties Allowance 264 Results of 1/2% contraction 265 Efficiency Scrutiny Unit 266 Breaches of Finance Regulation 53 267 Unspent portion of appropriation for office requisites 267 equipment, stationery and printing Purchase of overseas products 267 Purchasing plans for high technology production 267 Contact with Industrial Supplies Offices 267 262 . Target for purchase of goods with Australian content 267 Period contracts for technology intensive products 267 Bases of selection of tenders 267 Account payment period 267 Smoke Free Environment 267 Reasons for increases in each item under Div. 325-3 270 Australia's involvement in W.H.O. trials of the 271 Anti-Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Vaccine Funding for activities relating to measures to combat 273 transmission of AIDS Grants to Trade Unions or Community Groups 287 Charges or fees for goods or services 326 Auditing procedures of grants made to community groups 303 and trade unions Additional material from Budget Estimates September 1986 (1) 263 .