STATE GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (15:02): My question again is to the minister. What is the total value of government concession overpayments under the CASIS concession system that have been overpaid and not clawed back?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:02): I answered the question that way because the honourable member was actually on the radio with me, so he knew the answer.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Would the minister perhaps share with the house what he shared with the audience this morning?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: I am happy to do that, Mr Speaker. The exact figure is at this point unknown, as I mentioned on the radio this morning. We have performed somewhere between 90 and 95 per cent of the reconciliation process, and the exact figure is not known. However, what I can say is that the fanciful figure put out by some, of $600 million, is just an absolute nonsense and outrage. Given that the whole annual program is only $122 million, it is hard to say that overpayments are $600 million. As I said this morning, as soon as we get the exact figure, when the final reconciliation is completed, I will provide it to the house.