On the 30th June 2008, $2,509,000 was transferred to the Department of the Chief Minister:

1. For what reason did the Department of the Chief Minister require the extra $2,509,000.

Background

In the lead up to the 2008-09 Budget it was announced that the Government would establish a Department of Health and Families (DHF), to commence 1 July 2008.

This Department included functions from the former Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS), Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services and the Departments of the Chief Minister (DCM) and Justice. A function was also transferred from the former DHCS to the former Department of Employment, Education and Training.

Although these transfers did not take effect until 2008-09, it is usual practice for the Budget Papers to present the Estimate (in this case 2007-08) in a format consistent with the functions being undertaken in the Budget year (in this case, 2008-09).

In response to the specific question:

1. The transfer of $2.509 million to DCM did not reflect a requirement for additional funding. It was the appropriation associated with the function due to transfer to DHF from 1 July. However, as it remained the responsibility of DCM for 2007-08, appropriation was required to remain with DCM.