Answers to Questions

FAMILIES SA

In reply to Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (17 November 2015).

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Higher Education and Skills): I have been advised:

A significant number of Commercial Care invoices are received throughout different directorates within Families SA for checking and approval.

A review on the payment performance and associated practices with Commercial Care Invoices is currently being conducted by KPMG. This will include the revision of instructions for the field when approving Commercial Care invoices.

The review is planned to conclude by 30 June 2016 with short-term improvements to be implemented early into the 2016-17 financial year.

Longer term recommendations will be reviewed and considered, with implementation to occur as soon as practicable.

Until such time as the review is concluded and its findings considered, DECD will continue to work closely with stakeholders to manage the invoice payment process and the timeliness of invoice approvals.