National Relay Service

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (8 May 2018).

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services): The Department of Human Services has advised that the commonwealth government has consistently allocated $20 million per annum for the National Relay Service (NRS) since 2013-14. In its 2018-19 budget, the commonwealth government increased the allocation to the NRS to $27.7 million in 2018-19, an increase of 38.5%. Forward estimates are for $22 million p.a. There was no previous budgeted amount of $32 million. However, the estimated actual expenditure for 2017-18 was $31.7 million, or 58.5% over budget.

As undertaken in my earlier response to this question, I have written to the commonwealth Minister for Communications, the Hon. Senator Mitch Fifield, seeking clarification on the budgeted amounts and reassurance that the NRS will continue to be adequately resourced.