Aboriginal Lands Trust

250 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 September 2016). In reference to 2016-17 Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 67—what processes are in place to ensure income is adequately accounted for in relation to the Aboriginal Lands Trust 'Head of Bight Whale Watch Tourist Centre', how much income revenue was received for 2014-15, 2015-16 and how much is projected for 2016-17?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy): The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation has received the following advice:

As the location of the Head of Bight (HOB) Whale Watch Tourist Centre is a significant distance from any banking facilities, the Aboriginal Lands Trust has initiated a number of financial controls and processes, which have been noted by the Auditor-General.

These include the Aboriginal Lands Trust receiving:

daily financial transactions, including EFTPOS receipts, a record of all monies received which is reconciled against monies banked;

a weekly summary report on admissions and sales;

a monthly report on total cash held, including admission fees, shop sales and merchandise sales, together with the banking receipts.

Measures in initiated to increase the number of banking's per month ensures there is less cash on hand. As well, closed circuit TV cameras are located throughout the facility for security and monitoring purposes, including for monitoring the admission counter.

Implementation of an electronic (sequential) ticketing system linked to the cash/EFTPOS terminal is also being investigated, to ensure ticket sales and admissions are accurately reconciled.

The Auditor-General has recommended that the trust continues to improve the control environment at the HOB Whale Watch Tourist Centre to ensure that all revenue received at the centre is properly accounted for.

Revenue received in 2014-15 was $397,838 and $359,351 in 2015-16. Projected revenue for 2016-17 is $400,000.

Whale numbers during the migration season June 2015 to October 2015 were significantly down, compared with the 2014-15 season. This resulted in fewer visitors and therefore reduced revenue. However, due to increased publicity and an increase in the number of whales for the 2016-17 season, an increase of revenue is expected.