House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-10-18 Daily Xml

Contents

TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

192 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (30 November 2010). With reference to Budget Paper 4, volume 1, page 2.12, Program 2—

1. What supplies and services will be cut given the budget has been reduced by $2.924 million in 2010-11?

2. Why were payments to consultants $66,000 over budget in 2009-10?

3. Why will payments to consultants increase in 2010-11?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Correctional Services): I have been advised the following:

1. The reduction in supplies and services in 2010-11 relates to savings targets to be met. These have been achieved through the reduction in migration and trade programs and associated market strategies, along with a change in the service delivery model for overseas offices.

2. The increase in consultants during 2009-10, recognised in the Estimated Result in the 2009-10 Portfolio Statements, is predominantly due to an increase in Special Envoy costs associated with the appointment of Special Envoy China during 2009-10.

3. Payments to consultants will increase in 2010-11 as a result of consultancies to be undertaken by the Olympic Dam Taskforce and in trade related activities, offset by a reduction in a once-off migration related consultancy during 2009-10.