LOCAL GOVERNMENT

In reply to Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (2 July 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): I have been advised:

Like all data shown in table 4.4, data on trade and other payables for the local government sector as a whole has been drawn from the audited financial statements of individual councils. Without requesting detailed information from councils, it is not possible to explain the various reasons for the increase in the level of trade and other payables showing in council balance sheets over the period 2002-03 to 2006-07. Similarly, an estimated amount for 2007-08 is not available.