Budget, NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services
WRITTEN QUESTIONS
11th Assembly
03/10/2008
11. Budget, NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Mr Elferink to for Treasurer
QUESTION
On the 30th of June 2008, $2,012,000 was transferred to the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services:
1. for what reason did the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services require the extra $2,012,000.
ANSWER
Answered on 21/11/2008
Background
In the lead up to the 2008-09 Budget it was announced that the Government would establish the Department of Health and Families (DHF), to commence from 1 July 2008.
This Department included functions from the former Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS), Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) and the Departments of the Chief Minister 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 (2008-09).
In response to the specific question:
1. The transfer of $2.012 million to NTPFES 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 NTPFES for 2007-08, appropriation was required to remain with NTPFES.