Country Fire Service Firefighters, Workers Compensation

232 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 September 2016). In reference to 2016-17 Budget Paper 4, Volume 2, page 68—

1. Why was there such a large accounting error which caused a $115.8 million overestimate in expenses in the 2015-16 estimated results for the reinstatement of workers compensation provisions during 2015-16 to recognise presumptive legislation for CFS firefighters with specific cancers?

2. Has the money allocated for workers compensation provisions during 2015-16 to recognise presumptive legislation for CFS firefighters with specific cancers which hasn't been expended been reallocated to other emergency services expenditure items and if so, how has that money been spent?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development): The Minister for Emergency Services has been advised:

1. The budget adjustment to reinstate the workers compensation provision is the continuation of the estimated cost of future claims as a result of the introduction of presumptive legislation for firefighters with specific cancers.

2. The workers compensation provision in the financial statements is an estimate of the cost of claims rather than an allocation of funds. The provision is adjusted to reflect changes in the estimate of the cost of claims based on actuarial valuations. Agencies will continue to be provided funds each year to meet the cost of claims arising from this legislated coverage for firefighters with specific cancers.