Education and Child Development Department

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (12 November 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for the Public Sector): I have been advised of the following:

As at 19 November 2014, 423 Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) staff have purchase cards.

This is a reduction from 462 staff with purchase cards in 2012.

During the application process for a purchase card, the cardholder signs the following acknowledgement:

'I acknowledge that I have read and understood Treasurer's Instruction 12, and the DECD Purchase Card Policy, and I will observe any other local management instructions and conditions in my use of a State Government Purchase Card in my name.'

Relevant extracts from the DECD Purchase Card Policy are as follows:

'An approved cardholder may use a card to purchase generic goods and services for official DECD business.

Employees authorised to be a cardholder are required to comply with the associated procedures outlined in this document:

Card application process

Use of a card

Purchasing using a card, and

Accounting for purchases made by card.'

'A cardholder may use a card to pay for appropriate generic goods and services that have been:

Ordered or pre-arranged

Purchased over the counter

Purchased by phone or mail order

Purchased over the internet

Examples of the types of goods and services that may be purchased through any of these methods are meals and accommodation, taxi transport, stationery, conferences, staff training and development, minor repairs and maintenance, subscriptions and travel expenses.'

'All Departmental purchasing must comply with DECD Procurement Framework and any other relevant policies and procedures (e.g. Commissioners Standard 3.2). If required, officers from the Procurement Unit will be able to provide advice with regard to this framework and any other purchasing advice.'

'Cardholders must only use their card for official DECD business and therefore must not use it for:

Non-business or personal use (e.g. purchase of alcohol, flowers, gifts and cigarettes)

Entertainment (unless an approved delegate as per the Financial Delegations has granted prior approval) – refer to the 'Entertainment Policy'

Social functions (e.g. happy hours, farewells and staff Christmas parties)

The general provision of morning and afternoon teas

The purchase of fuel for government vehicles (unless there are extenuating circumstances)

Withdrawal of cash.'

The Department has provided purchase card training to all coders of purchase card transactions so that they are aware and reminded of the requirements of the DECD Purchase card policy and procedure and Treasurer's Instruction 12 Government Purchase cards.