Commitments met

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• Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Attorney-General's
• Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
• Defence
• Education, Science and Training
• Employment and Workplace Relations
• Environment and Heritage

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Summary

Table 1: Summary of commitments met

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

Table 1: Summary of commitments met (continued)

(1) The net value of measures which are election commitments affecting 2001-02 is $383 million, of which $330 million relates to the Defence portfolio. Further details are contained in the measure descriptions found in this document.
(2) Funding for a number of election commitments has been offset in this Budget by reprioritisation of existing funding within the portfolios concerned, as these were to be funded from within existing resources. As a result, the election commitments concerned have no effect on the fiscal or underlying cash balance in net terms. This was noted in the Charter of Budget Honesty reports, and is reflected in the relevant measure descriptions. In addition, this item also adjusts for expense reductions as a result of implementation issues associated with arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract.
(3) This item relates to Defence measures, including incident response capability in other portfolios. Further details are contained in the measure descriptions found in this document.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Expenses

A Stronger Tasmania

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	-	1.0	1.1	1.1

Explanation

The Government will provide $3.2 million over three years to contribute to the development of agriculture in Tasmania through the development of the Warner Creek Dam and the Northern Midlands Water Project as detailed below.

When completed, the Warner Creek Dam, also known as the Meander River Dam, will provide a reliable irrigation supply to agricultural users of the region, enhancing opportunities for economic growth. Subject to a feasibility study, the Commonwealth will provide $2.6 million for construction, on a matching basis with Tasmania, to meet the shortfall in private investment.

The Commonwealth will also provide a further $0.6 million to the Northern Midlands Water Project, on the Macquarie River. The project will provide a more reliable source of irrigation water allowing landholders to diversify and increase the productive value of agriculture in the region.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Stronger Tasmania.

Beef Expo 2003 and Gracemere Saleyards

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	3.9	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $5.7 million over two years towards the staging and running of the 2003 Beef Expo and for the upgrading and construction of a livestock showcase facility at the Gracemere Saleyards in Rockhampton. Funding of $1.8 million in 2001-02 is being fully absorbed within the existing resourcing of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The Beef Expo is a major regional and tourism event held every three years, which will utilise the state-of-the-art livestock showcase facility for the display and marketing of livestock.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitments in Stronger Regions.

Boosting rural veterinary services

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	0.3	0.4	0.5	0.6

Explanation

The Government will provide $2 million over five years, including $0.2 million in 2006-07, towards five bonded scholarships per year with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). This will help address the decline in the number of large animal practice veterinarians in rural Australia.

This measure will boost AQIS' capability during the scholarship-holders' bond and open a new pathway for veterinarians to practice in regional areas where they have an important role in Australia's post border systems of animal disease prevention, detection and response.

See also the related expense measure titled Review of Australia's veterinary profession to address the shortage of rural based large livestock veterinarians in the Education, Science and Training portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Growing Stronger.

Enhancing animal health infrastructure

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $10 million to enhance epidemiological resources and diagnostic capability in order to help maintain a higher level of emergency preparedness. The measure will enable the Commonwealth to better prepare for a possible major national animal disease emergency and to better deploy resources should such events ever occur.

While these improvements are primarily targeted at the animal health sector, they will also serve to improve the Commonwealth's ability to effectively respond to emergencies in, among other agricultural industries, the plant and aquatic animal areas.

This commitment was costed in the Charter of Budget Honesty process as having no additional cost to the Budget. The funding for this commitment has been offset in this Budget by a reprioritisation of existing funding within the portfolio. This commitment therefore has no effect on the fiscal or underlying cash balance in net terms.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Growing Stronger.

Incentives for Environmental Management Systems in agriculture

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will allocate funding of up to $25 million to support eligible primary producers in adopting Environmental Management Systems (EMS). This incentive will support improved environmental management of Australia's natural resources, encourage sustainable agricultural production systems and reinforce Australia's reputation as a supplier of quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products. Fifty per cent of the costs of eligible EMS expenditure, up to a maximum of $3,000 per primary producer (subject to eligibility criteria) on taxable incomes up to $30,000 per annum, will be reimbursed under the programme. The level of reimbursement applying to eligible primary producers on taxable incomes between $30,000 and $35,000 per annum will reduce by $3 for every $5 in income above $30,000.

This measure will be funded from within the existing resources of the Natural Heritage Trust.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Growing Stronger.

Northern Mallee Pipeline - Stage 7 South

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $4 million in 2002-03 to extend the Northern Mallee Pipeline to cover the Patchewollock and Cannie Ridge Districts of the existing pipeline project area in north-western Victoria. The extended pipeline will replace the existing open channel stock and domestic water supply system and aims to provide a more secure stock and domestic water supply to a further 100,000 hectares of farmland. The Commonwealth funding is subject to a matching contribution from the Victorian Government.

This measure will be funded from within the existing resources of the Natural Heritage Trust.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 18 October 2001.

Attorney-General's

Expenses

Australian Law Online

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Attorney-General's Department	1.3	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $1.3 million to the Attorney-General's Department to allow the continuation of the Australian Law Online initiative in 2002-03. Australian Law Online is designed to make it easier for Australians to access family law information and services by using the internet and national telephone services free of charge.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Better Law, More Options.

Continue to support community legal services

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Attorney-General's Department	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.4

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $5.3 million for the continuation of regional community legal outreach services in rural and regional Australia. The community legal services programme provides cost effective legal services to disadvantaged members of the Australian community.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Better Law, More Options.

Expanding the capacity of Crime Stoppers

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Attorney-General's Department	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $1 million for the establishment of a national coordination centre for the Crime Stoppers programme. The national centre will allow for centralised fundraising and coordination activities, currently being co-managed by seven Crime Stoppers programmes.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Keeping people out of the courts

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Attorney-General's Department	7.0	6.6	6.7	6.9

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $27.2 million for the continuation of funding for community-based counselling and mediation programmes. This measure will assist families in resolving their problems without going to court in order to minimise the stress and financial costs associated with separation and divorce.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Better Law, More Options.

Additional container x-ray machines

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	-	5.2	8.0	12.8

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $26 million for the ongoing operational costs associated with additional container x-ray machines in Brisbane and Fremantle. This measure expands the container x-ray procurement programme, currently being implemented in Sydney and Melbourne and will enable enhanced screening of imported goods and greater interception of illegal goods.

See also the related capital measure titled Additional container x-ray machines in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Additional pallet x-ray machines

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	-	0.8	1.3	2.7

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $4.8 million to the Australian Customs Service for the ongoing operational costs associated with four additional pallet x-ray machines to be located in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. The additional machines will enable greater interception of illegal goods entering Australia by increasing the number of cargo inspections.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues. See also the related capital measure titled Additional pallet x-ray machines in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Doubling of Customs' National Marine Unit surveillance and response capacity

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	14.8	20.2	20.2	22.2

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $77.4 million to double the National Marine Unit surveillance and response capability in order to meet increasing demand as a result of the increase in unauthorised arrivals. The funding will increase the surveillance and response capacity of the National Marine Unit from 1,200 sea days to 2,400 sea days per annum.

See also the related capital measure titled Doubling of Customs' National Marine Unit surveillance and response capacity in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Enhanced Coastwatch communications capability

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.1

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $8.1 million to upgrade the communications capability of Coastwatch. These funds will enable inter-operability of communications equipment with existing air and surface assets and facilitate secure and reliable communications with surveillance command and control centres.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

High frequency surface wave radar

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	3.0	3.2	3.2	3.4

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $12.8 million to the Australian Customs Service for the provision of a high frequency surface wave radar system to be provided through contractual arrangement. This system will provide greater and more continuous coverage against air and surface targets. The radar will allow the current surveillance assets to be redeployed to other high security threat areas.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Increased Coastwatch surveillance

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	9.5	9.5	9.5	-

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $28.5 million to increase Coastwatch flight surveillance time by 20 per cent or 1,600 hours per annum. The increase in capacity is in response to increased demand for aerial coastal surveillance as a result of an increase in unauthorised arrivals and forms part of the Government's commitment to protecting Australia's border security.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Australian Federal Police rapid response capability

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	0.9	1.4	2.2	-

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $4.5 million to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for the ongoing costs associated with improved access to telecommunications infrastructure in remote locations. These funds will provide investigators in remote locations with real-time access to the AFP's computer infrastructure, including increased network access; radio communications; and a multi-user telephone system.

See also the related capital measure titled Australian Federal Police rapid response capability in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Double the strike team capacity of the Australian Federal Police

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	5.0	13.6	12.7	12.7

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $44 million to double the Australian Federal Police's strike team capacity. The funds will provide for the deployment of an additional 116 Australian Federal Police officers around Australia. The strike teams respond to crimes such as people smuggling, terrorism and politically motivated violence.

See also the related capital measure titled Double the strike team capacity of the Australian Federal Police in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Enhanced analytical and predictive crime capability for the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	1.4	2.8	2.9	3.9

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $11 million for the implementation and management of an automated screening and crime recognition facility within the Australian Law Enforcement and Targeting System (ALERT). This facility will allow ALERT to automatically compare intelligence data with information held in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Database (ACID).

See also the related capital measure titled Enhanced analytical and predictive crime capability for the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Expand the research and development capability of the Australian Federal Police

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	0.3	0.4	0.4	0.5

Explanation

The Government will provide $1.6 million to expand the research, forensic science and development capabilities of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This measure will ensure that the AFP is able to keep pace with new and emerging forensic techniques and technologies for use in areas such as information technology and electronic crime.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Expansion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	3.8	11.8	13.7	13.7

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $43 million to expand the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme. This measure will fund an additional 16 strategically placed Australian Federal Police officers overseas. The programme will enhance cooperation with overseas law enforcement agencies. This will increase the flow of intelligence information on activities that may impact adversely on Australian security.

See also the related capital measure titled Expansion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Extension of Project Axiom

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	3.8	4.5	4.9	5.1

Explanation

The Government will provide an additional $18.3 million to expand the Axiom undercover policing programme. This funding will enable the Australian Federal Police to conduct more effective targeted operations into a wide range of criminal activities such as money laundering, people smuggling, illicit drug trafficking and electronic crime.

See also the related capital measure titled Extension of Project Axiom in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Extension of the National Heroin Signature Programme (NHSP) to cocaine and amphetamines

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $4.7 million to extend the profiling capabilities of the National Illicit Drug Strategy to cocaine and amphetamines, following the success of the NHSP. The NHSP carries out physical and chemical analysis of heroin seizures (including packaging) in order to construct a better intelligence picture of where the drugs are coming from facilitating improved use of police resources in targeted operations.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Tough on Drugs.

Capital

Additional container x-ray machines

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	6.0	4.1	1.6	-1.4

Explanation

The Government will fund the purchase of two additional container x-ray machines in Fremantle and Brisbane at a net cost of $10.3 million (funding of $13.8 million less depreciation of $3.5 million). This measure expands the x-ray procurement programme currently being implemented in Sydney and Melbourne and will enable enhanced screening of imported goods and greater interception of illegal goods.

See also the related expense measure titled Additional container x-ray machines in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Additional pallet x-ray machines

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	2.0	0.8	0.8	-0.8

Explanation

The Government will fund the purchase of four additional pallet x-ray machines to be located in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth at a net cost of $2.8 million (funding of $4.4 million less depreciation of $1.6 million). The additional machines will enable greater interception of illegal goods entering Australia by increasing the number of cargo inspections.

See also the related expense measure titled Additional pallet x-ray machines in the Attorney General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Doubling of Customs' National Marine Unit surveillance and response capacity

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Customs Service	-1.5	-3.0	-3.0	-3.0

Explanation

The Government will double the National Marine Unit surveillance and response capability in order to meet increasing demand. The National Marine Unit is receiving funding to increase their capacity from 1,200 sea days to 2,400 sea days over the four years (see related expense measure). The greater rate of depreciation, as a result of increased usage of existing vessels, is reflected in the figures above.

See also the related expense measure titled Doubling of Customs' National Marine Unit surveillance and response capacity in the Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Protecting our Borders.

Australian Federal Police rapid response capability

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	1.0	0.5	..	-

Explanation

The Government will supply the equipment necessary for the Australian Federal Police to have enhanced access to telecommunications infrastructure for use in remotely located operations at a net cost of $1.5 million (funding of $2.7 million less depreciation of $1.2 million).

See also the related expense measure titled Australian Federal Police rapid response capability in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Double the strike team capacity of the Australian Federal Police

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	-0.1	0.6	1.1	-0.9

Explanation

The Government will fund the purchase of equipment required by additional Australian Federal Police officers that are to be deployed at a net cost of $0.7 million (funding of $3 million less depreciation of $2.3 million). This new equipment will be purchased in 2003-04 when the full complement of officers are deployed. In 2002-03 there will be a greater utilisation of existing equipment. The greater rate of depreciation, as a result of increased usage of existing equipment is reflected in the figures above for 2002-03.

See also the related expense measure titled Double the strike team capacity of the Australian Federal Police in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Enhanced analytical and predictive crime capability for the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	-	-0.2	-0.5	-0.7

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding to upgrade the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence's database system (see related expense measure). This upgrade will result in greater utilisation of existing capital equipment and therefore increased depreciation.

See also the related expense measure titled Enhanced analytical and predictive crime capability for the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Expansion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	2.9	0.3	-0.8	-0.7

Explanation

The Government will provide funding for equipment to enable the expansion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme at a net cost of $1.7 million (funding of $4 million less depreciation of $2.3 million).

See also the related expense measure titled Expansion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Programme in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Extension of Project Axiom

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Federal Police	0.6	0.4	0.2	0.1

Explanation

The Government will provide equipment associated with the expansion of the Axiom undercover policing programme at a net cost of $1.3 million (funding of $3.1 million less depreciation of $1.8 million). This funding will enable the Australian Federal Police to conduct more effectively targeted operations into a wide range of criminal activity, such as money laundering, people smuggling, illicit drug trafficking and electronic crime.

See also the related expense measure titled Extension of Project Axiom in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Safer More Secure Australia.

Communications, Information Technology and the Arts

Expenses

A national media-based youth arts festival

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australia Council	1.0	1.0	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $2 million to support the third national media-based youth arts festival. Like its predecessors, the festival will promote the work of thousands of young Australians in television, radio, print and online media.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Continuation of funding for the Major Festivals Initiative

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australia Council	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8

Explanation

The Government will provide $3 million for continuation of the Major Festivals Initiative, which supports the development of large scale works in the performing arts for presentation at Australia's major arts festivals and for international touring.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Continuation of funding for the Young and Emerging Artists Initiative

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australia Council	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3

Explanation

The Government will provide $5 million for the continuation of the Young and Emerging Artists Initiative, which assists new and younger artists with career development and exposure of their work.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Australia Business Arts Foundation

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.6

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $6.4 million to the Australia Business Arts Foundation (ABAF). ABAF encourages private sector support for the arts and culture, and Government funding will be leveraged into higher ongoing private sector support for the arts.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Commercial Radio Black Spots Programme

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	1.0	2.0	2.0	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $5 million to extend the coverage of commercial radio in areas of regional and remote Australia where it is not commercially viable for licensees to provide coverage. This funding will provide one-off grants to eligible communities for equipment and site establishment costs.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Broadcasting for the 21^st Century.

Continuation of funding for heritage collections

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3

Explanation

The Government will provide $1.2 million to build on the work of the Heritage Collections Council. This work is supported by the Commonwealth, States and Territories and develops strategies for the care and management of heritage items held in museums, libraries and galleries, particularly in regional Australia.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Continuation of funding for the Australian Museums Online Programme

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2

Explanation

The Government will provide $1 million to continue the Australian Museums Online initiative, which supports online links between museums and galleries across Australia, provides virtual tours of their collections, and improves access to conservation, collection management and training resources.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Continuation of funding for the Contemporary Music Touring Programme

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3

Explanation

The Government will provide $1 million for continuation of the Contemporary Music Touring Programme. This programme assists touring opportunities for Australian musicians and facilitates wider access to live Australian contemporary music.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Arts for All.

Maintaining community broadcasting infrastructure and multicultural funding

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.7

Explanation

The Government will provide $6.6 million to continue support for community broadcasting services throughout Australia. Funding will support multicultural community broadcasting and community broadcasting infrastructure, including the community access network, the community broadcasting database and the community radio satellite service.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Broadcasting for the 21^st Century.

Television Black Spots - alternative technical solutions

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts	3.9	7.0	2.4	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $13.3 million to further improve television reception in regional areas. Building on the Television Black Spots Programme, which supports improved reception through analog retransmission, this funding will support the development of alternative reception solutions including digital multi-channelling, direct to home satellite links and local cabling.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Broadcasting for the 21^st Century.

Extension of SBS Television to population areas with 5,000 to 10,000 people

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Special Broadcasting Service Corporation	0.3	1.4	2.0	2.0

Explanation

The Government will provide $5.7 million to fund new SBS television extension services to towns with populations of 5,000 to 10,000 people. This funding will also meet the costs of maintaining existing SBS television services in areas where services were established through self-help arrangements (which require local community groups and Councils to meet establishment and maintenance costs).

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Broadcasting for the 21^st Century.

Defence

Following the events of 11 September 2001, the Government has directed extra funding to Defence to cover the additional costs of deploying armed forces to Afghanistan and the Middle East, at an increased tempo of Defence operations over and above the White Paper funding levels.

During the election campaign, the Coalition also committed the Government to a long-term plan for the future security of our nation. In particular, the Coalition committed to a significant enhancement of Defence's counter-terrorist and incident response capabilities, and specifically to better equip the Australian Defence Force to deal with terrorist attacks which are highly planned and coordinated.

Expenses

Additional funding for the War Against Terrorism

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Defence	194.0	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $523.8 million (including $329.8 million in 2001-02) to support Australia's contribution to the War Against Terrorism in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. The deployment involves around 1,100 Australian Defence Force personnel and includes: an Australian special forces task group and other personnel participating in Afghanistan; a naval task group supporting the Multinational Interception Force implementing UN Security Council resolutions in the Persian Gulf and other activities in support of the War Against Terrorism.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Strengthening Australia's Defences.

Enhancement to Defence's tactical response capability

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Defence	32.6	37.8	28.8	33.4

Explanation

Following the events of 11 September 2001, the Government has decided to double the tactical assault capability of the Australian Defence Force by establishing a permanent Tactical Assault Group on the east coast of Australia. This group will supplement the existing Tactical Assault Group located on the west coast. Funding of $23.1 million was provided in 2001-02 to establish an interim east coast Tactical Assault Group.

A Tactical Assault Group is a special forces unit trained to conduct counter terrorism activities in a range of situations, including the recovery of hostages. A full strength permanent group will be drawn immediately from the existing Australian Defence Force. The funding provided allows for the purchase of specialist military equipment for the new Tactical Assault Group and for the recruitment and training of new personnel to replace those personnel drawn into the new Tactical Assault Group.

See also the related capital measure titled Enhancement to Defence's tactical response capability in the Defence portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Strengthening Australia's Defences.

Incident response capability

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Attorney-General's Department	8.4	8.4	0.5	0.5
Department of Defence	18.0	21.0	22.0	24.0
Department of Health and Ageing	10.7	0.2	0.2	0.2
Total	37.1	29.6	22.7	24.7

Explanation

The Government will provide additional funding of $114.1 million to introduce a number of measures designed to strengthen Australia's preparedness and capacity to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear And Explosive (CBRNE) incidents.

The Government is establishing within the Australian Defence Force a permanent Incident Response Regiment (IRR). The IRR will complement existing Commonwealth and state and territory capabilities dealing with CBRNE threats and incidents. It builds upon earlier capabilities funded through the Defence 2000 White Paper and interim arrangements put in place to cover events of national significance, such as the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The IRR will be a group of highly trained Defence personnel able to respond to CBRNE emergencies in Australia and involving Australian interests overseas, including supporting hostage recovery operations with CBRNE dimensions, providing specialist and technical advice to Commonwealth, state and territory agencies and combating terrorist attacks involving an improvised nuclear device.

The Government is also enhancing the capacity of Emergency Management Australia (EMA) to deal with the consequences of terrorist attacks in Australia. EMA will acquire and maintain a reserve of deployable equipment and a training programme to provide assistance to States and Territories in the event of a CBRNE incident.

The Department of Health and Ageing will establish and maintain a centralised national drug stockpile of chemical antidotes and vaccines, which will be available in response to a major biological attack on the Australian public.

See also the related capital measure titled Incident response capability in the Defence portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Strengthening Australia's Defences.

Capital

Enhancement to Defence's tactical response capability

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Defence	0.5	24.1	37.5	24.7

Explanation

Following the events of 11 September 2001, the Government has decided to double the Tactical Assault capability of the Australian Defence Force by establishing a permanent Tactical Assault Group on the east coast of Australia. Capital funding will be used to construct training facilities for the Group.

See also the related expense measure titled Enhancement to Defence's tactical response capability in the Attorney-General's portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Strengthening Australia's Defences.

Incident response capability

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Defence	0.5	11.2	17.4	6.9

Explanation

The Government will provide additional capital funding to the Department of Defence to build the facilities required to support a permanent Incident Response Regiment to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents. This facility will include a regimental headquarters, a range of secure storage and some live-in accommodation.

See also the related expense measure titled Incident response capability in the Defence portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Strengthening Australia's Defences.

Education, Science and Training

Revenue

Extension of the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme

Revenue ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	-	0.1	0.2	0.3

Explanation

From 1 January 2003, the Government will extend access to the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS) to eligible students attending Bond University, Melbourne College of Divinity, the Christian Heritage College and Tabor College Adelaide.

Under PELS, an eligible postgraduate student is loaned a sum at a zero real interest rate. The sum is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As this sum is a loan and is repayable, it does not appear as an expense. The indexation amount is shown as a non-tax revenue.

See also the related capital measure titled Extension of the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme in the Education, Science and Training portfolio.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Investing in Higher Education.

Expenses

Expanding School Based New Apprenticeships

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	4.2	9.1	9.2	9.2

Explanation

The Government has decided to provide extra incentives to employers taking on New Apprentices who are continuing their school studies. Employers who are willing to take on a New Apprentice while they are at school will receive $750. A retention bonus of $750 will be provided to employers who continue to employ a young person as a New Apprentice within six months of them completing Year 12.

School Based New Apprenticeships enable students to gain a national vocational qualification while continuing school studies. Students earn a wage for the time spent in productive work, providing an attractive transition pathway for some school students. The measure will encourage a greater national take up of the School Based New Apprenticeship pathway.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Higher Standards, Opportunities for All.

Improving information technology skills for older workers

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8

Explanation

The Government will provide up to 11,500 mature age people each year with training up to the value of $500 to attain basic skills in computer and information technology (IT).

The measure provides accredited training to mature age people in the labour force, who are welfare dependent and have no previous post-school qualifications in IT. The training would bring them up to a level of IT literacy that would enable them to operate at a basic level in the workplace.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Skilling Up Australia.

Innovation New Apprenticeship Incentive

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	2.5	6.6	6.6	6.6

Explanation

The Government will provide an extra incentive of $1,100 to employers taking on a New Apprentice in Information Technology (IT) and other highly skilled occupations.

Skill shortages in IT and innovation industries have been identified as a key constraint on the growth and competitiveness of Australian industry, and the emerging information economy. The measure encourages employers to increase structured training opportunities in IT and high skilled occupations through the New Apprenticeship arrangements.

The financial implications of this commitment have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Skilling Up Australia.

Quality Teacher Programme

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will continue for a further three years the Quality Teacher Programme, by providing $31.9 million in 2002-03, $32.5 million in 2003-04 and $33.1 million in 2004-05.

The programme provides funding for professional development and the renewal of teacher skills in the priority areas of literacy, numeracy, mathematics, science, information technology and vocational education. The programme targets teachers who have completed formal training ten or more years ago, casual teachers and teachers who are re-entering the teaching force. The programme also supports national projects related to teacher quality.

Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Higher Standards, Opportunities for All.

Review of Australia's veterinary profession to address the shortage of rural based large livestock veterinarians

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	0.1	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $100,000 towards a review of the veterinary profession. The review is to address the shortage of rural based large livestock veterinarians, with particular focus on the impediments within the education system that may contribute to the shortage.

See also the related expense measure titled Boosting rural veterinary services in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Growing Stronger.

The General Sir John Monash Awards

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide seed funding of $250,000 in 2001-02 to the General Sir John Monash Foundation to assist with the establishment of the General Sir John Monash Awards.

This funding will assist with the establishment of an endowment fund to provide awards to Australian postgraduate students to study abroad at the world's leading universities in North America and Europe, while at the same time promoting international exchange by inviting foreign postgraduates to study in Australia.

This measure is being fully absorbed within the existing resources of the Department of Education, Science and Training.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Investing in Higher Education.

University of Tasmania - Graduate Diploma in Environment and Planning

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	0.2	0.1	0.1	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $360,000 for the establishment of a Graduate Diploma in Environment and Planning at the University of Tasmania, including six scholarships worth $10,000 each over 2003 to 2005.

This initiative will build on the University of Tasmania's reputation in integrated social, economic and environmental planning, and assist in meeting the growing demand for professionals in this field, particularly in Tasmania.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Stronger Tasmania.

Capital

Extension of the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Education, Science and Training	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government has decided to extend access to the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS) to Bond University, Melbourne College of Divinity, the Christian Heritage College and Tabor College Adelaide.

It is expected that the cash value of loans to students at these four institutions will amount to some $18.7 million over four years. The actual amount loaned to students is treated as a financial asset and therefore does not impact on expenses.

See also the related revenue measure titled Extension of the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme in the Education, Science and Training portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in Investing in Higher Education.

Employment and Workplace Relations

Expenses

Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations	-	-0.3	-20.4	-44.0

Explanation

The Government will provide funding of $3,339 million over three years beginning 1 July 2003 for arrangements associated with the Third Employment Services Contract. The Government has decided to make a number of improvements to the Job Network to better target and further increase the effectiveness of employment services provided to job seekers and employers. These improvements will include:

• benefits to job seekers from improved Intensive Support customised assistance with all long term unemployed job seekers being guaranteed access to these services. Service delivery will also be simplified by ensuring that eligible job seekers can, for the duration of their unemployment, access the range of services available through a single Job Network provider of their choice.

In addition, the Government will introduce a number of new initiatives as part of the Third Employment Services Contract including:

• Job Seeker Accounts averaging $850 will be available to 165,000 eligible job seekers each year receiving Intensive Support at a cost of $420 million over three years. The Job Seeker Accounts may be used for expenses that will help a job seeker into employment including training, wage subsidies or transport.
• the Government will require all Job Network providers to provide a guaranteed minimum level of service to all job seekers. These minimum standards will support more active job search and will include assistance with resume and job application preparation, regular contact with the provider to assist with job search activities as well as lodgement of vocational profiles on to the Australian Job Search site to allow automatic job matching.
• an additional 8,500 Work for the Dole places will be funded per year at a cost of $81.8 million over three years.

Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates. However, due to the combination of better targeting, increased effectiveness of services and the move to fixed price contracts, some savings are expected in the out years under the Third Employment Services Contract.

See also the related capital measure titled Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract in the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitments in More Jobs, Better Future relating to the negotiation of a Third Employment Services Contract. The commitments were costed in the Charter of Budget Honesty process as having no additional cost to the Budget, as the policy changes were to be met from within the existing forward estimates. The financial implications have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

See also the related capital measure titled Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract in the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.

Capital

Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract

Capital ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations	3.2	-0.9	-0.9	-0.9

Explanation

The Government has decided to enhance the information technology underpinning Job Network through the purchase of new hardware and new software which will give recruitment agencies and job seekers access to the Job Network recruitment databases. The amounts shown above are net figures including depreciation (in 2002-03 capital of $3.9 million less depreciation of $0.7 million and in other years $0.9 million).

The enhancements will provide a number of benefits for job seekers and Job Network providers, including:

• automatic matching of job seeker resumes with new vacancies on the National Vacancy Database, with job seekers promptly notified by e-mail or phone of any suitable vacancies; and
• improved access for external job placement agencies so they can lodge vacancies on the National Vacancy Database.

See also the related expense measure titled Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract in the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitments in More Jobs, Better Future relating to the negotiation of a Third Employment Services Contract. The commitments were costed in the Charter of Budget Honesty process as having no additional cost to the Budget, as the policy changes were to be met from within the existing forward estimates. The financial implications have been refined since the Charter of Budget Honesty process, including to reflect final decisions on implementation issues.

See also the related expense measure titled Arrangements for the Third Employment Services Contract in the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.

Environment and Heritage

Expenses

Expansion of the market for Biofuels

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Australian Greenhouse Office	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will reallocate $2.5 million in 2002-03 and 2003-04 from the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Programme to fund a study addressing market barriers to the uptake of biofuels. The study will include consideration of options for vehicle testing to determine appropriate standards for ethanol blend fuels.

Development of sewerage schemes for Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach, Tasmania

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
Department of the Environment and Heritage	1.0	1.0	1.0	-

Explanation

The Government will provide $3 million to the Waratah-Wynyard Council for a new environmentally sustainable sewerage system for the Sisters Beach and Boat Harbour communities.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Stronger Tasmania.

National Oceans Policy

Expenses ($m)

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06
National Oceans Office	-	-	-	-

Explanation

The Government will provide funding of $9.1 million in 2002-03 to the National Oceans Office. The funding will provide for the further development of Regional Marine Plans and related activities as part of Australia's Oceans Policy. It will be used to finalise the South East Regional Marine Plan and for initial development of a marine plan for the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait region. Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment in A Better Environment.

 

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