Answers to Questions

PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

317 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (23 August 2011) (First Session). With respect to 2011-12 Budget Paper 4—Volume 4, p160—

1. Why is there such a discrepancy between the $0.557 million budgeted amount and the $1.455 million estimated result for 'employee benefit payments' in 2010-11?

2. Why will 'employee benefit payments' decrease to $1.356 million in 2011-12?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development): I have been advised of the following:

The $0.557 million budgeted amount was incorrect. This is evidenced from the 2009-10 actual cost of $1.36 million. The 2010-11 estimate result includes increases in salaries paid as well as Chief Executive recruitment costs.

The decrease is attributable to a reduction in recruitment costs, maternity leave costs and staff engagements.