Whole of Government (continued)
Other measures
Responsible Economic Management — Adjusting the funding for specific health programs
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Australia | - | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | -113.7 | -138.1 | -130.3 | -123.1 |
| Total | - | -113.0 | -137.8 | -130.1 | -122.9 |
The Government will adjust the funding for a number of health programs that have a history of lower than anticipated expenditure by aligning future funding more closely with anticipated demand. This measure will not impact on the delivery of these health programs and the Government will review funding levels for individual programs should demand exceed expected take‑up rates in the future.
The efficient allocation of resources is a core element of the Government's health reform initiatives. The adjustments have been made to eight programs primarily focused on providing grants for primary care projects, education and training for health care providers. These programs have total funding of $854.5 million in 2008‑09 and $3.3 billion over the four years 2008‑09 to 2011‑12. The programs are:
- Primary Care Financing, Quality and Access;
- Primary Care Education and Training;
- Primary Care Policy, Innovation and Research;
- Pathology Services;
- Mental Health;
- e‑Health Implementation; and
- Diagnostic Imaging.
This measure will provide savings of $503.7 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — After‑hours medical services — streamlining grants funding
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Australia | - | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | -3.5 | -5.7 | -8.7 | -8.2 |
| Total | - | -3.6 | -5.8 | -8.7 | -8.2 |
The Government will rationalise and streamline grants to general practices providing after‑hours medical services. Currently, there are two programs providing grants to support these services, including funding to help establish new facilities and to support the ongoing cost of providing after‑hour services.
Under the new arrangements, grant funding will be available under one program. This will allow for more efficient administration and reduce complexity for general practices accessing the grants funding. This program will continue to provide grants to support the operations of existing and new after‑hour services, but funding to establish new facilities will no longer be available. Funding to establish new after‑hours services will be provided under the Health and Hospitals Reform — GP Super Clinics measure.
See the related expense measure titled GP Super Clinics in the Health and Ageing portfolio.
This measure will provide savings of $26.2 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Alerting the Community to the Links Between Illicit Drugs and Mental Illness — advertising and information campaigns
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | -9.0 | -0.7 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with the final two years of funding for the program COAG Mental Health — alerting the community to the links between illicit drugs and mental illness announced in the 2006‑07 Budget. This program previously provided $21.6 million over four years primarily for media and education campaigns. Messages providing information to help people understand the links between drug use and the development of mental illness will be delivered instead through the National Drugs Strategy as part of broader illicit drug communications programs.
This measure will provide savings of $9.7 million over two years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Apprenticeship Incentives for Agriculture and Horticulture
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | -7.7 | -12.7 | -13.5 | -13.9 | -0.9 |
The Government will continue to provide funding for Apprenticeship Incentives for Agriculture and Horticulture. All first and second year Australian Apprentices undertaking a Certificate level II, III or IV qualification in agriculture, and those in rural and regional areas who are undertaking a Certificate level II, III or IV qualification in horticulture, will continue to be eligible for the $500 fee assistance training voucher and the tools for your trade initiative.
Additional funding included in the forward estimates to fund this measure will be withdrawn and the cost of this measure will be met from within existing resources of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
This will provide savings of $48.7 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Asia‑Pacific forestry skills and capacity building
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | -2.9 | -4.3 | -4.3 | -4.3 | - |
The Government will not proceed with additional funding for the Asia‑Pacific forestry skills and capacity building measure announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08. Funding for this measure will be provided from the existing International Forest Carbon Initiatives program.
This measure will provide savings of $15.7 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — AusLink — inland rail — revision of measure
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government | -10.8 | -54.2 | 65.0 | - | - |
The Government will provide $15.0 million over three years from 2007‑08 to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for a scoping study involving the detailed planning and design work for a potential inland rail corridor. The Government is deferring, until the outcome of the study is clear, the expenditure of $85.0 million for projects on existing sections of the AusLink rail network which could contribute to a future inland rail corridor. This deferred expenditure includes $10.8 million from 2007‑08 and $54.2 million from 2008‑09 which will now be expended in 2009‑10.
The previous measure was announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08. Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates.
This measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Australia Connected — cancellation of the OPEL contract
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy | -99.1 | -634.2 | -226.0 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the OPEL Networks (the Optus and Elders joint venture) broadband network. OPEL's Implementation Plan did not satisfy the condition precedent of the funding agreement, and as a result the contract has been terminated.
This measure will provide savings of $959.3 million over three years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
See also the related expense measure titled National Broadband Network — rollout in the Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Australia‑Japan Free Trade Agreement — commencement of negotiations
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various Agencies | - | -1.1 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with half of the funding for Australia‑Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations for 2008‑09 provided to agencies in the measure Australia‑Japan Free Trade Agreement — commencement of negotiations announced in the 2007‑08 Budget. Funding provided in 2007‑08 has been retained by the agencies. Future negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement will draw to a greater extent on the existing resourcing of the relevant agencies. This will not affect the Government's capacity to undertake the negotiations.
This measure will provide savings of $1.1 million in 2008‑09 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Apprenticeship Workforce Skills Development Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | -5.1 | -5.1 | -5.2 | -5.2 |
The Government will redirect funding from the Australian Apprenticeship Workforce Skills Development Program. The funding was originally allocated to support increased opportunities for school‑based New Apprenticeships in the trades, but has not been achieving this objective efficiently. Increased opportunities for school‑based New Apprenticeships in the trades will now be met through implementation of the Government's Skilling Australia for the Future and Trade Training Centres in Schools plans.
This measure will provide savings of $20.6 million over four years to offset the Government's election commitments, Early Childhood — Strong Quality Standards in Child Care and Early Years Learning Framework.
See also the related expense measures titled Strong Quality Standards in Child Care and Early Years Learning Framework in the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Apprenticeships State and Territory Incentives Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | -5.3 | -15.6 | -20.5 | -22.2 |
The Government will not proceed with incentives provided to State and Territory governments under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program to employ apprentices.
The Government does not provide these incentives to its own agencies and considers that State and Territory governments should accept full responsibility for funding their agencies to employ apprentices. This measure does not affect the eligibility of local government agencies to receive incentives under the program and does not affect payments made to apprentices.
This measure will provide savings of $63.6 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Defence Force — fewer non‑operational overseas postings and exchanges
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence | - | - | - | - | - |
| Related revenue ($m) | |||||
| Australian Taxation Office | - | 0.5 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.3 |
The Government will phase out 89 Department of Defence non‑operational overseas postings and exchanges and will reduce funding for overseas travel by $7.0 million per year. There will be no reduction in Australian Defence Force numbers as a result of this measure.
The measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management by providing savings of $86.4 million over four years, which will be reinvested in priority projects within Defence.
The measure is also expected to increase taxation revenue by $6.6 million over four years, as personnel posted on non‑operational deployments are taxed concessionally.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Federal Police airport liaison officer network
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Federal Police | - | -1.5 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with full funding for the measure National Security — Australian Federal Police airport liaison officer network, announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2003‑04. The network provides an Australian Federal Police coordination point at major airports for national security related issues.
Half of the funding to maintain the liaison officer network will be provided instead from within the existing resourcing of the Australian Federal Police. Separate funding of $1.5 million for the remaining cost of maintaining the network at current levels has been retained in the estimates for 2008‑09. Provision for funding from 2009‑10 to 2011‑12 has been included in the forward estimates, pending a review of the measure in the 2009‑10 Budget.
This measure will provide savings of $1.5 million in 2008‑09 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Federal Police surge capacity
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Federal Police | - | -2.5 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the measure National Security — Australian Federal Police surge capacity, announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2004‑05.
Funding to maintain a surge capacity at current levels will be provided from within the existing resourcing of the Australian Federal Police.
Provision for funding from 2009‑10 to 2011‑12 has already been included in the forward estimates, pending a review of the measure in the 2009‑10 Budget.
This measure will provide savings of $2.5 million in 2008‑09 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Federal Police — termination of residential and accommodation leases in Papua New Guinea
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Federal Police | -0.7 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for residential accommodation leases intended for Australian Federal Police personnel in Papua New Guinea that are unoccupied and no longer required.
This measure will provide savings of $0.7 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian National Rugby Academy
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Ageing | -5.0 | -10.0 | -10.0 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the Australian National Rugby Academy measure announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
This measure will provide savings of $25.0 million over three years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation | - | -2.1 | -1.7 | -1.7 | -1.7 |
The Government will reduce the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's funding in recognition of the need for all agencies to achieve further efficiencies and prioritise resources. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's funding will remain exempt from the standard annual efficiency dividend.
This measure will provide savings of $7.3 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Political Parties for Democracy Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Finance and Deregulation | - | -1.3 | - | - | - |
The Government will reduce funding for the Australian Political Parties for Democracy Program. This program provides funding to Australia's major political parties for international activities. The program has a history of underspending and the arrangements after 2008‑09 will be reviewed to determine whether the program should be refocused.
This measure will provide savings of $1.3 million in 2008‑09 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Australia Post Special Dividend
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy | - | 150.0 | - | - | - |
The Government will receive a special dividend of $150.0 million from Australia Post in 2008‑09. The special dividend reflects the strong financial position of Australia Post.
Responsible Economic Management — Australian Tourism Development Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism | - | -6.9 | -4.3 | -4.3 | - |
The Government will reduce funding to the Australian Tourism Development Program and will focus the program on projects with greater community benefits. Funding of $6.5 million in 2008‑09, $4.0 million in 2009‑10 and $4.0 million in 2010‑11 will be retained to provide competitive, merit‑based grants to tourism projects across Australia, including election commitments and projects that promote tourism development for Indigenous communities and in drought‑affected areas of regional and rural Australia.
This measure will provide savings of $15.5 million over three years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Better targeting and delivery of Baby Bonus
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | -52.4 | -96.5 | -101.0 | -104.7 |
The Government will limit eligibility to the Baby Bonus to families with an adjusted taxable income of $75,000 or less in the six months after the birth of a baby (equivalent to an annual income of $150,000) from 1 January 2009. This will ensure that family payments are targeted to families on the basis of need.
The Government will also pay the Baby Bonus in 13 fortnightly instalments from the date of claim, rather than as a lump sum, to all eligible births from 1 January 2009.
The Government will increase the Baby Bonus from $4,258 to $5,000 on 1 July 2008 and will index the payments by the Consumer Price Index each subsequent year on 1 July. In addition, the Baby Bonus will be extended to families with newly adopted children aged from two years to 16 years, from 1 January 2009.
This measure is expected to lead to savings of $377.2 million and to cost $22.6 million to administer, leading to net savings of $354.5 million over four years. The measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $6.4 million in 2008‑09, $5.5 million in 2009‑10, $5.3 million in 2010‑11, and $5.0 million in 2011‑12.
Responsible Economic Management — Better targeting and delivery of Family Tax Benefit — $150,000 income test on primary earner for FTB‑B
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | 0.5 | -112.8 | -132.4 | -141.2 | -158.0 |
The Government will limit eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part B to families where the primary earner has an adjusted taxable income of $150,000 a year or less. Adjusted taxable income includes taxable income, plus other amounts that reflect a person's financial means, such as net rental property losses and tax free pensions or benefits. The income test will be indexed annually by the consumer price index. This measure will ensure that family payments are targeted to families on the basis of need.
This measure is expected to deliver net savings of $543.8 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $0.5 million in 2007‑08 and savings from Centrelink of $0.1 million in 2008‑09, $1.4 million in 2009‑10, $1.7 million in 2010‑11, and $2.1 million in 2011‑12.
Responsible Economic Management — Better targeting and delivery of Family Tax Benefit — continuous adjustment to reduce over‑payments of Family Tax Benefit
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | 1.7 | -14.3 | -0.5 | 0.6 |
The Government will ensure that when families advise during the year that their income estimate has increased, their Family Tax Benefit payments will be adjusted, with the aim of avoiding any overpayment. This 'continuous adjustment' measure will commence from 1 July 2009. This measure is directed at avoiding overpayment and the need for families to pay back Family Tax Benefit debts.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $3.6 million. This measure is expected to lead to net savings from Family Tax Benefit of $12.5 million over four years.
This measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Better targeting and delivery of Family Tax Benefit — streamlining administration
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | 2,139.5 | 2,171.4 | 2,210.8 | 2,250.2 |
| Australian Taxation Office | - | -2,159.3 | -2,196.4 | -2,238.7 | -2,278.7 |
| Total | - | -19.8 | -25.0 | -27.9 | -28.5 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Australian Taxation Office | - | 1.6 | - | - | - |
The Government will simplify the delivery of the Family Tax Benefit. From 1 July 2009, the Family Tax Benefit will only be paid and claimed through Centrelink and Medicare, and not through the tax system. This will simplify claiming arrangements for families and reduce administrative costs. Families will still be able to choose between lump sum claims made at the end of the year and fortnightly instalments.
This measure will lead to net savings of $99.7 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $3.5 million in 2008‑09, $6.0 million in 2009‑10, $6.1 million in 2010‑11, and $6.1 million in 2011‑12.
Responsible Economic Management — Bimbimbie Wildlife Park
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | - | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding towards the infrastructure costs of establishing the Community Wildlife Centre in the Bimbimbie Wildlife Park, Victoria. This funding was not subject to a competitive selection process.
The $2.5 million contribution in 2007‑08, as announced in the 2007 Pre‑Election Economic and Fiscal Outlook, was to be met from within the existing resourcing of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The funding has been reallocated by the Department to other priorities.
This measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Biodiversity Hotspots — reduction in funding
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | -6.0 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will reduce funding for the Biodiversity Hotspots program in 2007‑08. There were insufficient suitable projects identified under the program to utilise all the available funding.
This measure will provide savings of $6.0 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — BroadbandNow
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy | -2.4 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for BroadbandNow, which was designed to provide information to help consumers understand the broadband options available to them and how to get connected. This function duplicated initiatives provided by industry and the Broadband Service Locator, available on the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website.
This measure will provide savings of $2.4 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Capability Technology Demonstrator Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence | - | - | -4.3 | -13.0 | -13.0 |
The Government will reduce funding for the Capability Technology Demonstrator Program. The program provides funds to subsidise the defence industry's development of demonstration technologies that may enhance Australian Defence Force capability.
Base funding for the program will be set at $13.0 million per annum for the four years 2008‑09 to 2011‑12, with additional funding of $13.0 million in 2008‑09 and $8.7 million in 2009‑10 to meet existing commitments.
The program has a low rate of successful transition to Australian Defence Forces service. The program's efficiency will be enhanced by focusing resources on projects that target development of the Australian Defence Force's priority technologies. The Defence White Paper, due for completion in 2008, will examine more effective approaches to working with defence industry.
This measure will provide savings of $30.3 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Career Advice Australia
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | -2.9 | -2.9 | -2.9 | -2.9 |
The Government will redirect residual funding from the Career Advice Australia program to two new programs: Mentors for Our Students and Enterprise and Career Education — School Business Linkages. The Mentors for Our Students program will pilot a volunteer mentoring program involving recently retired tradespeople and professionals sharing their knowledge and skills with younger Australians. The Enterprise and Career Education — School Business Linkages program will strengthen partnerships between schools and businesses and develop innovative, high quality, relevant work and training programs for vocational education and training in schools.
This measure will provide savings of $11.4 million over four years to offset the Government's election commitments Mentors for Our Students and Labor's Education Revolution: New Directions for Vocational Education and Training.
The Government will also provide $51.2 million over two years (including $33.9 million in 2008‑09 and $17.3 million in 2009‑10) to extend the Career Advice Australia program. Career Advice Australia provides access to career information and advice, meaningful work experience and quality information about industry opportunities to help young people make informed decisions about their future. Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates.
See also the related expense measures titled Mentors for Our Students and Enterprise and Career Education — School Business Linkages in the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Centrelink — further call centre supplementation
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | -3.3 | - | - | - | - |
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | -1.7 | - | - | - | - |
| Total | -5.0 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the Centrelink — further call centre supplementation — continuation announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Year Outlook 2007‑08.
Centrelink was able to meet call centre demand for the 2007‑08 financial year within existing funding.
This measure will provide savings of $5.0 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Additional funding for call centres has been provided for the 2008‑09 financial year.
See also the related measure titled Centrelink call centre supplementation — continuation in the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolio.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Chamber Music Australia
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | -0.1 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with a one‑off contribution to Chamber Music Australia. Chamber Music Australia is supported by the corporate sector and a number of public sector agencies in Victoria, reducing the need for support from the Australian Government.
This measure will provide savings of $0.1 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Chemical, biological and radiological incident response — provision of deployable mortuaries
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney-General's Department | - | -0.8 | -0.8 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the purchase of deployable mortuaries announced in the 2006‑07 Budget. The Attorney‑General's Department has determined that deployable mortuaries could be more effectively delivered through a service agreement with a commercial provider.
This measure will provide savings of $1.6 million over two years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Chemotherapy Drugs — more efficient arrangements
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | 4.4 | -31.9 | -33.6 | -35.8 |
| Medicare Australia | - | 0.6 | 0.1 | .. | .. |
| Department of Veterans' Affairs | - | - | -3.3 | -3.2 | -3.4 |
| Total | - | 4.9 | -35.0 | -36.8 | -39.2 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Medicare Australia | - | 0.8 | - | - | - |
The Government will implement more efficient arrangements for funding chemotherapy drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and under the Chemotherapy Pharmaceutical Access Program. Under the new arrangements, to commence from 1 July 2009, chemotherapy drugs will be funded on the amount of active ingredient used, rather than by the number of vials used. In addition to meeting the cost of the drug, the Government will also pay a mixing fee of $40 per prescription to assist in the cost of preparing the drugs for infusion. This fee will replace the current wholesaler mark‑up and pharmacy dispensing fee provided for prescriptions of these medicines. These changes will not increase the co‑payment paid by patients of up to $31.30 for general patients and $5.00 for concessional patients.
This measure will provide savings of $105.4 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Child Care Benefit — remove the minimum rate
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | 1.8 | -43.8 | -51.1 | -61.1 | -68.1 |
The Government will strengthen the income testing arrangements for Child Care Benefit, and improve the targeting of Government assistance, by abolishing the Child Care Benefit minimum rate from the first Monday in July 2008.
Families currently using approved care have the hourly rate of Child Care Benefit reduced over certain income ranges down to a minimum rate of Child Care Benefit. This measure will have the effect of reducing the minimum rate of Child Care Benefit to zero. As a result families with higher incomes (over $110,000 per annum) will no longer receive any Child Care Benefit. However, this measure is being introduced at the same time as the Child Care Tax Rebate is being increased from 30 per cent to 50 per cent and this change to the Child Care Tax Rebate will give families significantly more assistance than will be removed via the abolition of the minimum rate of Child Care Benefit.
This measure will not affect Child Care Benefit for registered care.
This measure will provide net savings of $222.2 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $1.7 million in 2007‑08, $4.3 million in 2008‑09, $4.0 million in 2009‑10, $1.0 million in 2010‑11, and $1.0 million in 2011‑12.
Responsible Economic Management — Child Support Reforms — revised advertising campaign
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Human Services | -4.9 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will reduce funding for the Child Support Reforms — communication strategy announced in the 2006‑07 Budget. The Government has revised the planned communications campaign activities for the Child Support Reforms to use shorter and more accessible methods of delivering information such as newsletters and online information.
This will ensure that parents affected by the reforms are properly informed, but at a lower cost.
This measure will provide savings of $4.9 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Choice of Superannuation Fund
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Securities and Investments Commission | - | - | -1.1 | -2.3 | -2.3 |
| Australian Taxation Office | - | -6.6 | -13.8 | -13.8 | -13.8 |
| Total | - | -6.6 | -14.9 | -16.1 | -16.1 |
| Related revenue ($m) | |||||
| Australian Prudential Regulation Authority | - | - | -1.1 | -1.1 | -1.1 |
The Government reduce funding for the Choice of Superannuation Fund measure.
The successful implementation of the Choice of Superannuation Fund means that additional implementation funding is not required beyond 30 June 2009 for the Australian Taxation Office and the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal. Funding at a reduced level of $7.2 million for the Australian Taxation Office in 2008‑09 will support residual implementation issues. Funding for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission will continue at a reduced level of $2.7 million per annum from 2010‑11, to support the Commission in superannuation related enforcement and compliance issues.
The termination of additional funding for the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal will be matched by a reduction in levies collected by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority through the financial sector supervisory levy on superannuation funds. The Tribunal receives its resources from Government via the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's appropriation.
This measure will provide savings of $50.5 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Citizenship Test — advertising
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Immigration and Citizenship | -10.0 | -5.6 | -2.1 | -2.1 | - |
The Government will reduce funding for Citizenship Test advertising provided as part of the Citizenship Test measure announced in the 2007‑08 Budget.
Funding of $1.2 million remains to allow for a range of public relations activities to promote the citizenship test over the next three years.
This measure will provide savings of $19.8 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Citizenship Test — values statement component
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Immigration and Citizenship | -1.8 | -4.1 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with departmental funding for administering the values statement provided as part of the Citizenship Test measure announced in the 2007‑08 Budget and the Citizenship Test — administration measure announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
From 15 October 2007, visa applicants aged 18 years and over have been required to sign a values statement when applying for selected visas. The values statement requires applicants to confirm that they will respect the Australian way of life and obey the laws of Australia before being granted a visa. The existing values statement will continue, but with costs to be met from within the existing resourcing of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
This measure will provide savings of $5.9 million over two years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Clean Energy Target
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator | -0.5 | -1.3 | -1.7 | -2.2 | -2.2 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator | - | -3.3 | -1.1 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with the introduction of the Clean Energy Target announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08. The Clean Energy Target of 30,000 gigawatt hours of electricity a year generated from low emissions sources by 2020 will be replaced with the expanded Renewable Energy Target of 45,000 gigawatt hours of electricity a year to be generated from renewable sources by 2020.
This measure will provide savings of $12.3 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
See also the related expense measure titled Renewable Energy Target — expansion in the Climate Change portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Climate Change — Asia‑Pacific Network for Energy Technology
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism | -1.9 | -3.1 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding to the Asia‑Pacific Network for Energy Technology announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
This measure will provide savings of $5.0 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Commercial Ready
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research | - | -70.0 | -200.2 | -213.8 | -223.2 |
The Government will discontinue the Commercial Ready program, a grants program for small to medium enterprises that subsidises innovation and its commercialisation. A 2007 report by the Productivity Commission (Public Support for Science and Innovation) found that there is robust evidence that the Commercial Ready program supports too many projects that would have proceeded without public support, and that the national benefits from the program are, at best, uncertain.
Pending the outcomes of the National Innovation System Review, innovation will continue to be supported through the Research and Development Tax Concession Program, including access to the Research and Development tax offset for small and medium sized companies. In addition, support will be provided through a number of new initiatives including: Enterprise Connect Innovation Centres, the Business Enterprise Centres, the Renewable Energy Fund, the Energy Innovation Fund, the Green Car Innovation Fund and Clean Business Australia.
This measure will provide savings of $707.2 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management. $160.0 million over three years from these savings will provide offsets for the Government's Clean Business Australia election commitments.
See also the expense measures Tackling Climate Change — Clean Business Australia — Climate Ready Program, Tackling Climate Change — Clean Business Australia — Green Building Fund and Tackling Climate Change — Clean Business Australia — Retooling for Climate Change in the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation dividend
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation | - | -9.5 | -9.8 | -10.2 | -10.3 |
The Government will reduce the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's funding in recognition of the need for all agencies to achieve further efficiencies and prioritise resources.
This measure will provide savings of $39.8 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — adjusted taxable income test
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | 11.6 | -9.7 | -12.2 | -13.0 |
| Department of Veterans' Affairs | - | 0.6 | -0.1 | -0.1 | -0.1 |
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | - | -20.5 | -20.1 | -21.6 |
| Total | - | 12.2 | -30.2 | -32.4 | -34.6 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Department of Veterans' Affairs | - | 0.2 | - | - | - |
The Government will change the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income test to include gross income from superannuation income streams from a taxed source and include income that is salary sacrificed to superannuation in the income assessment.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card provides a range of benefits to people who do not qualify for the Age Pension but have an adjusted taxable income of less than $50,000 (for singles) or $80,000 (for couples combined).
This measure will increase fairness by ensuring that, in applying the existing income test, all income received by seniors — whether from superannuation or another source such as a managed fund or interest from a bank account, is treated in the same way.
This measure will cost $19.4 million over four years to administer and includes funding for Centrelink of $11.3 million in 2008‑09, $3.3 million in 2009‑10, $1.6 million in 2010‑11 and $1.6 million in 2011‑12. This measure includes $0.2 million in 2008‑09 for capital funding for IT system enhancements.
This measure is expected to result in net savings of $84.8 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Community Water Grants
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | - | -41.5 | -26.5 | -1.9 | -3.7 |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the Community Water Grants program from 2008‑09.
Households will be provided assistance for water and energy saving projects under new measures being introduced by the Government, including the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative, and Green Loans.
This measure will provide savings of $73.6 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Concession Cards — retention while overseas
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Veterans' Affairs | - | 0.2 | .. | .. | - |
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | -4.9 | -4.9 | -4.9 | -5.0 |
| Total | - | -4.6 | -4.9 | -4.9 | -5.0 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Department of Veterans' Affairs | - | 0.1 | - | - | - |
The Government will cease the automatic cancellation of concession cards for temporary absences from Australia. This will reduce administration costs. Under this measure, concession cards will remain current during a cardholder's temporary absence from Australia of 13 weeks or less.
This measure is expected to result in net savings through administrative efficiency of $17.2 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $2.2 million in 2007‑08, and savings of $4.9 million in 2008‑09, $4.9 million in 2009‑10, $4.9 million in 2010‑11 and $5.0 million in 2011‑12. This measure includes $0.1 million in capital funding in 2008‑09 for the Department of Veterans' Affairs for Information Technology system changes.
Responsible Economic Management — Continence Management Strategy — advertising campaign
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Ageing | - | -1.5 | -1.5 | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with the final two years of the adverstising campaign associated with the Continence Management Strategy. The Strategy will continue to fund continence management educational activities provided through a range of existing projects.
This measure will provide savings of $3.0 million over two years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Corporations Payments to the States — termination
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Treasury | - | -179.8 | -184.3 | -188.9 | -193.6 |
The Government will no longer provide payments to the States and the Northern Territory relating to the transfer of companies regulation to the Commonwealth in 1991. These payments are no longer relevant, given the broader reform to the financial framework of the Commonwealth‑State relations.
This measure will provide savings of $746.6 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Department of Immigration and Citizenship — efficiency improvements
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Immigration and Citizenship | - | -8.0 | -9.9 | -12.1 | -13.5 |
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will implement a range of efficiency initiatives to provide savings of $43.6 million over four years.
Efficiencies will be achieved by: making greater use of lower cost processing locations to reduce overhead costs and achieve more efficient visa processing; reprioritising activities within the National Office; encouraging employers to use online systems to check the employment eligibility of temporary residents; encouraging clients to utilise the automated Visa Entitlement Verification Online system to reduce manual visa evidencing (stamping); streamlining permanent partner visa assessment arrangements; automating name matching in the movement alert list database; and enhancing global health processing.
This measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Department of Immigration and Citizenship's overseas posts — reduced Australia‑based staffing
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Immigration and Citizenship | - | -5.9 | -5.9 | -6.0 | -6.0 |
The Government will redeploy Department of Immigration and Citizenship Australia‑based operational staff to achieve operational efficiencies.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has a presence in 68 posts, where it engages around 163 Australia‑based and 869 locally engaged employees. This measure will result in an ongoing reduction of 16 Australia‑based officers.
This measure will provide savings of $23.8 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Document Verification Service — Lost and Stolen Document Register
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Crime Commission | -0.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Australian Crime Commission | -0.2 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the pilot national register of lost and stolen proof of identity documents announced in the 2006‑07 Budget.
A more efficient and effective approach is being developed to make information on lost and stolen identity documents available to appropriate agencies through the Document Verification Service. This will be achieved by working collaboratively with commonwealth, state and territory document issuing agencies to develop common protocols for managing lost and stolen document information.
This measure will provide savings of $0.7 million in 2007‑08 (including capital of $0.2 million) and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Drought Package 2006 — revised communications campaign
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Human Services | -0.9 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will reduce communications and advertising funding for drought assistance announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2006‑07.
Research findings indicate there is already a high level of awareness about drought assistance in affected areas. On‑the‑ground outreach and associated public relations for drought‑affected communities will continue to be delivered by Centrelink through its program of drought buses and media promotion activities.
This measure will provide savings of $0.9 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minster for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Drought Package 2007 — assistance to rural research and development corporations and companies
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | -2.0 | -8.0 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with the Drought Package 2007 — assistance to rural research and development corporations and companies measure announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08. Additional funding for rural research and development corporations and companies will be available under the new Climate Change and Productivity Research Program.
This measure will provide savings of $10.0 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
See also the related expense measure titled Climate Change and Productivity Research Program in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Drought Package 2007 — communications
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | - | -5.5 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for media advertising in 2008‑09 for the measure titled Drought Package 2007 — communications announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
This measure will provide savings of $5.5 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Drought Package 2007 — re‑establishment assistance
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | -26.0 | -72.8 | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with part of the funding for the measure titled Drought Package 2007 — re‑establishment assistance announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
The revised funding recognises that the rate of take up by primary producers has been significantly lower than expected. There has been no change to the eligibility criteria of the program and no limit placed on the number of re‑establishment grants available.
This measure will provide savings of $98.9 million over two years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — ECLIPSE System — discontinue development
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Australia | - | -2.9 | -5.7 | -5.8 | -5.8 |
The Government will not proceed with funding for further development of the ECLIPSE system. A review has indicated there is little value in adding to existing ECLIPSE functions.
The Government will maintain the present ECLIPSE system that allows private health funds or Medicare Australia to advise private patients seeking treatment in hospital to establish, prior to treatment, how much they are likely to be out of pocket on the basis of quotes from Medicare Australia and private health funds.
This measure will provide savings of $20.3 million over four years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Employment Entry Payment — Abolish from 1 July 2008
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | 0.1 | -4.2 | -4.3 | -4.2 | -4.2 |
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | 0.9 | -10.7 | -11.5 | -11.4 | -11.3 |
| Total | 1.0 | -14.9 | -15.8 | -15.6 | -15.5 |
The Government will abolish the Employment Entry Payment from 1 July 2008. The assistance provided by the payment has been largely duplicated by the Working Credit and, for those with connections to the Job Network, through Job Seeker Accounts and/or the Special Employment Advance.
This measure will provide net savings of $60.8 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
The measure includes funding for Centrelink of $1.0 million in 2007‑08 and $0.7 million in 2008‑09.
Responsible Economic Management — Employment Services for 2009‑10 to 2011‑12
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | 54.5 | -38.9 | -148.4 | -157.7 |
| Department of Human Services | - | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Department of Finance and Deregulation | .. | 0.4 | - | - | - |
| Total | 0.0 | 56.2 | -37.6 | -147.1 | -156.4 |
| Related capital ($m) | |||||
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | 2.2 | 2.9 | - | - |
The Government will implement a reformed employment services system from 1 July 2009 with total funding of $3.7 billion over three years. The reformed system will better target assistance to the most disadvantaged job seekers, improve linkages with education and training, create greater flexibility for employment services providers to deliver assistance tailored to job seeker needs and encourage greater engagement with employers.
Under the reformed system, employment services providers will be encouraged to refer job seekers to education or training opportunities, including the additional training places (including apprenticeships) available for job seekers under the Government's Skilling Australia for the Future policy. Improving the skills of job seekers will boost their opportunity to gain sustainable employment.
As part of the new approach to employment services $41.0 million will be provided over three years to establish a fund for innovative initiatives that will address barriers to gaining employment experienced by disadvantaged job seekers including those who are homeless or who have a mental illness.
Under the reformed system, separate contracts will be replaced with a single contract. The better targeted and efficient employment services arrangements will deliver savings of $370.2 million over three years. Many registered providers are also Registered Training Organisations and will be eligible to provide the extra training places available under the Skilling Australia for the Future policy.
This measure includes $8.2 million over two years for a tender to select suitable providers of new employment services. A further $83.0 million will be provided over five years (including $5.1 million in capital) for: transitioning existing job seekers into the new employment service and legislative changes; IT systems upgrades to underpin the delivery of employment services; and a longitudinal study to evaluate the experiences, pathways and outcomes of job seekers once they leave income support.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $30.2 million in 2008‑09, $11.8 million in 2009‑10, $9.7 million in 2010‑11 and $3.4 million in 2011‑12.
See also the related expense measure titled Skilling Australia for the Future in the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio.
Responsible Economic Management — Ethanol Distribution Program
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism | -5.0 | - | - | - | - |
The Government has reduced funding to the Ethanol Distribution Program in 2007‑08 to better align funding under the program with the demand for grants. The Ethanol Distribution Program provides grants of up to $20,000 for retail service stations, reducing the cost of installing or converting the infrastructure necessary to supply ethanol blended petrol, and encouraging the take‑up of those fuels. Funding of $11.0 million in 2008‑09 and $2.3 million in 2009‑10 will be maintained, providing continued assistance to encourage development of facilities at service stations.
This measure will provide savings of $5.0 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Ethanol Production Grants
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism | -10.8 | - | - | - | - |
The Government has reduced funding to the Ethanol Production Grants Program in 2007‑08 to better align funding available with the demand for grants, ongoing eligibility is not changed. The Ethanol Production Grants Program provides a targeted means of promoting the use of biofuels in Australia. Funding for this program in 2008‑09 and the forward estimates has been maintained.
This measure will provide savings of $10.8 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Family Relationship Centres — advertising
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney-General's Department | -2.2 | -6.7 | -3.2 | -3.2 | -3.2 |
The Government will not proceed with funding for advertising relating to Family Relationship Centres announced in the 2005‑06 and 2006‑07 Budgets.
The Government will maintain funding to allow the services provided by Family Relationships Centres to be promoted through church and social welfare organisations, with information also available via the internet and a telephone hotline.
This measure will provide savings of $18.5 million over five years and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was originally announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008 and further savings were identified upon review of the advertising requirements relating to Family Relationship Centres.
Responsible Economic Management — Family Tax Benefit — cease fortnightly payments for recipients who do not lodge tax returns
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | 41.6 | 13.3 | 121.1 | -115.5 | -137.6 |
The Government will implement changes to address Family Tax Benefit debts accrued because recipients do not lodge a tax return. This measure will cost $15.8 million to administer and will lead to a reduction in Family Tax Benefit expenses of $92.8 million, to provide net savings of $77.1 million over five years.
Where Family Tax Benefit recipients in a family have not lodged their tax returns for more than 12 months following the relevant entitlement year and have not responded to Centrelink notices asking them to do so, they will no longer be entitled to receive Family Tax Benefit through fortnightly instalments. Recipients will still be able to receive Family Tax Benefit after lodging their tax return by claiming through Centrelink, Family Assistance Office or Medicare. Lodgement of tax returns is necessary to reconcile a person's Family Tax Benefit entitlement once their final annual income is known. At that time, debts owing can be deducted from the person's Family Tax Benefit entitlement. The measure will commence on 1 July 2009 and will ensure that people only receive the Government support to which they are entitled.
By encouraging people to lodge their tax return, the measure will produce a significant outlay in 2009‑10, primarily driven by people receiving their end of year supplement payments, minus any debt they owe. The supplement is only paid following the lodgement of a tax return. Significant savings arise in 2010‑11 and beyond as people are not paid family payments to which they are not entitled.
This measure includes funding for Centrelink of $4.1 million in 2008‑09, $6.2 million in 2009‑10, $1.7 million in 2010‑11 and $1.7 million in 2011‑12.
The measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
Responsible Economic Management — Fishing Hall of Fame — abolition
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism | -3.0 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with funding for the Fishing Hall of Fame project. The project was originally funded in the 2001‑02 Budget, on the basis that funding would be provided on a matching funding basis with the Queensland Government and local community. It has not been progressed due to limited interest from possible participants.
This measure will provide savings of $3.0 million in 2007‑08 and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Flemington Racecourse — funding for alternative water strategy
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | -5.0 | - | - | - | - |
The Government will not proceed with the Flemington Racecourse — funding for alternative water strategy measure announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2007‑08.
This measure will provide savings of $5.0 million and delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management.
This measure was announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 6 February 2008.
Responsible Economic Management — Fraud and compliance — assessments to verify income or assets
| 2007‑08 | 2008‑09 | 2009‑10 | 2010‑11 | 2011‑12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | - | -32.4 | -64.6 | -86.4 | -97.1 |
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations | - | -69.7 | -80.6 | -79.4 | -79.1 |
| Total | - | -102.1 | -145.2 | -165.8 | -176.2 |
The Government will increase the number of assessments of people receiving payments through Centrelink, where data‑matching with the Australian Taxation Office suggests the need for such a review. The reviews will seek to identify people who have failed to declare, or may have under‑declared, income or assets to Centrelink. This measure will reduce overpayments and will lead to the recovery of amounts already incorrectly paid.
The measure will cost $138.0 million over four years for Centrelink to administer ($33.2 million in 2008‑09, $34.3 million in 2009‑10, $35.0 million in 201