EDUCATION AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES DEPARTMENT

45 Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (10 July 2007). Why has there been a significant increase in the level of employee benefits and costs, and consultancy expenses in 2006-07?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling): As shown in Budget Paper 4 Volume 3 on page 13.30 of the 2007-08 Portfolio Statement, employee benefits and costs increased from $246.734 million in the 2006-07 budget to $256.362 million in the 2006-07 estimated result. The increase is due to an expenditure initiative approved in the 2006-07 Mid Year Budget Review to provide additional transitional support funding of $9 million to DFEEST and the effects of a 3.5 per cent enterprise bargaining increase approved for PSM Act staff in 2006-07.

As shown in Budget Paper 4 Volume 3 on page 13.30 of the 2007-08 Portfolio Statement, consultancy expenses in 2005-06 were $668,000. While the actual expenditure for 2006-07 is still subject to audit verification, consultancy expenses in 2006-07 are estimated to be $102,000, a decrease of $566,000 compared to 2005-06.