Human Services Department

483 Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (29 November 2018). Regarding the Department for Human Services and all agencies reporting to the minister:

(a) What savings targets have been set for each year of the forward estimates in the 2018-19 budget?

(b) Are you projecting to meet these savings targets?

(c) What measures are you implementing to meet your savings targets?

(d) If savings measures haven't been decided, when will they?

(e) What is the decision-making process to decide on the elements of the savings measures?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General): The Minister for Human Services has provided the following advice:

(a) Savings measures in the 2018-19 Budget and across the forward estimates were outlined in the Budget Measures Statement, Budget Paper 5.

In addition to the 2018-19 budget savings announced, the department is also managing the impact of the efficiency measures and other savings imposed from prior years.

(b) The department and SA Housing Authority is currently anticipated to meet its 2018-19 savings targets.

(c) Measures were outlined in the Budget Measures Statement, Budget Paper 5 for the department and SA Housing Authority. These measures outlined for the SA Housing Authority do not include offset savings through asset sales (net).

(d) Please refer to (a).

(e) The department undertakes an annual executive review of its savings targets. Savings are generally allocated to divisions using the same methodology as imposed by the government. During the year, divisions develop savings measures and strategies to achieve their allocated savings targets. The DHS Executive Budget Committee and Executive Leadership Team provide the governance and responsibility for the achievement of their component of the Department's annual savings. The achievement of savings forms part of the Division's end of year projection and is captured as part of the monitoring process.

Savings measures were identified by the Chief Executive of the SA Housing Authority, with the support of the Department of Treasury and Finance.