LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISASTER FUND

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:27): Does the minister know what the balance of the reserve is once those payouts have been made?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:27): The current balance of the fund is $41.8 million, including the $3 million drawdown for the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council. The 2011-12 allocation in the state budget for the fund is $1.392 million. The 2011-12 revised estimate currently is $4.392 million, due to the approval of a $3 million drawdown for the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council in the 2010-11 financial year but carried over into the 2011-12 financial year.

Applications to the fund for assistance currently total $30.8 million, with a further $4.4 million anticipated, giving a total of $35.2 million. A cabinet submission has been prepared for cabinet's consideration and approval requesting a drawdown from the fund in 2011-12 of $8.13 million and $7.33 million in 2012-13 to meet the expected validated reinstatement costs.

The PRESIDENT: I welcome the Hon. Mr Gilfillan in the gallery.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!