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4.2 BUDGET INITIATIVES

A Healthy, Safe, Diverse and Contributing Community

Department of Health and Community Care

Growth in Needs	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	5 111	9 294	13 542	20 017

The health and community services needs of the ACT community are increasing in real terms. The Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate funding is provided to meet this growth recognising the importance of health outcomes.

This initiative helps to meet the growth in the need for health and community care services. It recognises demographic issues and changes in the public / private patient mix. It will enable the Department to purchase additional outputs in all areas of health service provision.

Disability Services for Children	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	250	256	262	269

This initiative provides for appropriate and integrated clinical and community services for children with complex behavioural and support issues, in particular, for children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. It will also provide funding for therapy services for children in special schools.

Provision of these services will decrease crisis intervention and carer/family breakdown. Consumer access will be improved and there will be a reduction on the pressure being experienced by the service sector. Consumer involvement, self‑management and independence will be promoted and supported.

Supervised Injecting Place	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	725	725	0	0

This initiative provides for the scientific trial and evaluation of a supervised injecting place.

The program will support the establishment of a trial facility where injecting drug users be provided with a clean and medically supervised environment, and be provided with pathways to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

Nucleic Acid Testing/TGA	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	190	195	200	205

This initiative provides for the Blood Transfusion Service to implement Nucleic Acid Testing of fresh blood products for Hepatitis C and HIV and the associated regulation of fresh blood products through the Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA).

This will ensure that there continues to be the highest possible standard of safety applying to the supply of blood and blood products in the ACT.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	636	601	616	631

This initiative will augment the capacity of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to meet the mental health needs of children and adolescents with moderate to severe problems. Growth in demand for occasions of service by CAMHS necessitates that resources are provided to deal with the problems early wherever possible. The initiative allows for early intervention and prevention of mental health problems among children and adolescents.

Early intervention and timely treatment will reduce long-term chronic mental health problems and increase quality of life for affected young people.

Indigenous Health	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	100	103	106	109

This initiative provides improved access indigenous people to health services in the ACT. Priorities for the funding will be agreed in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Forum.

The Government is committed to achieving real and improved health outcomes for indigenous people in the ACT.

YMCA Redevelopment Project	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	1 100	0	0	0

This initiative provides a grant to meet the Government's commitment to assist the YMCA with the inclusion of a Ronald McDonald House in its redevelopment of Block 12 Section 10 City.

Provision of the First Breast Prosthesis Following Mastectomy	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	11	11	11	11

This proposal provides funding towards the first breast prosthesis for all public patients and partially insured private patients following a mastectomy. In cases of women undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, the scheme will fund up to $420 towards the provision of two prostheses. Currently only pensionable women receive a maximum of $130 towards the first prosthesis.

Department of Urban Services

Implementation of ACT Greenhouse Strategy measures	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	160	160	160	160

This initiative will implement various measures aimed at assisting in the achievement of the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets including an extension of the subsidy program for water-efficient shower heads, an extension of the Energy Advisory Service, increased mandatory Energy Efficiency Ratings for new housing, changes to Commercial Building Performance Standards, ACT Government purchase of green power, the introduction of Greenfleet and further analysis into how to reduce energy use in government buildings. In addition, ACT Housing will expend $1m per annum on insulation and draught prevention in at least 1000 public housing units each year.

This program continues the reduction of the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the ACT’s commitment on this issue, given in 1997.

Streetsmart Program	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	750	750	0	0

This initiative extends the Streetsmart program commenced in 1999 to improve the appearance of Canberra’s roads and public places. It will identify prominent roads and public places which will benefit from works and will make a substantial contribution to the improvement in Canberra’s appearance for local residents and tourists alike.

This program will ensure that adequate resources are available for the delivery of quality roads and public places.

Lakesmart Program	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	250	250	0	0

In keeping with the Government’s commitment to maintaining the quality of the environment of public open spaces, the Lakesmart program will improve the standard of maintenance and facilities at various waterways around Canberra.

This program seeks to meet community expectations of urban lake and pond management by improving facilities on lake foreshores and increasing opportunities for water-based recreation by the community.

Surveying and Mapping Modernisation	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	170	100	100	0

This initiative provides for the implementation of the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA), the new national standard for collecting, storing and applying spatial data. This standard is compatible with satellite-based navigation systems and other major international geographic systems.

The program will contribute to an increase in public safety and accuracy of the land title system through the delivery of modern accurate land data and maps.

Department of Education and Community Services

Lanyon Youth Centre (Youth Services Grants Program)	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	80	82	84	86

This initiative will enable a Youth Services program to be established for the new Lanyon Youth Centre. Construction of a new community facility incorporating a Youth Centre for the Lanyon area will be completed in 2000‑01. The Youth Services Grants Program provides funding to community based organisations to deliver a range of social, recreation, outreach and support services to young people in the ACT.

Therapy Services for Primary School Autism Units	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	50	51	53	54

This initiative will provide for the introduction of a therapy program as part of the educational program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program will extend the presently provided services and will facilitate integration and inclusion of children with ASD into their school communities and promote better participation in their family and local community life.

Additional Funding for Apprenticeships	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	510	518	525	533

This initiative will enable the expansion of the user choice program which provides support to business and opportunities for young people to obtain entry-level training positions after school. It is estimated that an additional 330 new apprenticeship places will be required through the nationally agreed user choice program in 2000‑01, providing real job opportunities for young Canberrans.

At the end of 1999 there were 4,687 trainees and apprentices in training under the user choice program, this initiative will enable this program to expand by a further 330 places in 2000‑01.

Department of Justice and Community Safety

Correctional Services	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	318	211	214	217

This initiative enhances detainee safety. There are five elements of the initiative, which will contribute to safer and more secure custodial programs, especially for young people, in the ACT. The elements are:

· introducing a common induction screening process across all detention centres in the ACT, to guard against self harm by detainees;

· upgrading security and safety measures at Quamby Youth Justice Services Detention Centre;

· introducing a unit based case management system at Quamby, to ensure the effective transfer, storage and accessibility of information concerning detainees;

· introducing an On-Call system at Quamby, allowing a senior manager to be available on call at all times; and

· improving Control Room procedures at Quamby, to facilitate experienced operational staff having maximum contact with young people in custody.

ACT Prison Project	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	1 400	908	0	0

This initiative provides for the planning and procurement process for the establishment of a prison in the ACT.

The proposal spans two years, and comprises four stages as follows:

· the development of tender specifications;

· the conduct of the tender process;

· the negotiation of contractual arrangements; and

· final commissioning scheduled to begin in late 2001.

Office of the Public Trustee	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	70	175	125	0

This initiative provides for the Office of the Public Trustee to develop its business to the extent that it can become self-sufficient within five years (2005). This action will align the Public Trustee’s operations more closely with other Public Trustees.

The Public Trustee will be able to develop its core commercial business through:

· improving productivity from enhanced use of information technology, revised organisation and staffing structure, and competency based training;

· developing and implementing prudent person legislation; and

· increasing marketing activities.

It is anticipated that a breakeven point in the Public Trustee’s operations will be reached by June 2003.

Aeromedical Retrieval	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	228	234	240	246

This proposal will further support the Government’s commitment to provide aeromedical retrieval of patients who need emergency or trauma care. The service supports improved health outcomes for the people of the ACT and surrounding region, particularly those who rely on the expert medical assistance from specialised medical practitioners as part of the Southcare aeromedical retrieval teams.

Expenditure on Behalf of the Territory –Australian Federal Police	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	4 000	4 000	4 000	4 000

This initiative provides funding for a new certified agreement for the Australian Federal Police, who provide community policing to the ACT. That agreement delivers substantial productivity improvements for the ACT community, through changed work practices and rostering. The proposal will ensure that adequate resources are available to maintain an acceptable level of policing within the ACT community.

A Dynamic, Sustainable Economy

Chief Minister’s Department

Research and Development Grants Scheme	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	2 000	3 000	4 000	0

The Research and Development Grants Scheme supports the Government outcome of building a dynamic and sustainable economy. The scheme capitalises on the world leading research undertaken by research institutions and organisations in the ACT. By providing capital to small-to medium-sized enterprises at a vital stage in their development, it is expected to lead to further development and commercialisation of ACT-based businesses. The implementation of this proposal is expected to result in increased economic development, diversification, and the creation of new jobs in the ACT.

Grant selection will be undertaken on a competitive basis, with a major focus on market opportunity and potential for commercial outcome. Applicants will be expected to identify milestones which should be successfully completed. Where appropriate, funding may be provided according to successful completion of milestones. Priority will be given to applicants who have active private sector participation.

The ACT Research and Development Grant Scheme will commence operating prior to the end of the year 2000.

ACT Business Incentive Scheme Funding	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	675	1 381	916	136

ACTBIS attracts significant business activity to the ACT. This is achieved through the provision of assistance packages that provide incentives to businesses, including tax concessions and on occasions, financial assistance.

Increased funding is required for ACTBIS assistance packages already granted to Telstra Corporation, Ansett Australia, and Raytheon Systems, and to supplement the forecast ACTBIS budget to facilitate the provision of additional cash incentives through the program. These assistance packages are expected to result in an increase of about 700 jobs. In addition, the ACTBIS program is required to meet any call on guarantees provided to the CPS Credit Union under the New Enterprise Loan Guarantee Scheme.

Support for International Year of Volunteers 2001	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	50	50	0	0

This initiative will provide support to Volunteering ACT, and will enable them to implement initiatives to celebrate the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in 2001.

Very High Speed Train, Contract Negotiation	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	500	0	0	0

This budget amount is contingent on the Very Fast Train project successfully completing the current Prove Up evaluation stage being conducted by the Commonwealth, New South Wales and ACT Governments. The next stage in the project’s development would include contract negotiations with and between governments and a range of required statutory processes. Statutory processes would include a comprehensive environmental impact assessment with extensive public consultation.

This amount of $0.5m is the ACT Government’s one third share of costs for the next stage of the project, which are estimated to be $1.5m.

The Government continues to be a strong supporter of the project based on the significant benefits that it will deliver to the Canberra Region.

Assistance Package for BRL Hardy’s Wine Tourism Project	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	464	0	0	0

The funding variation will allow for the completion of site works for the BRL Hardy Wine Tourism Complex, including construction of access from Flemington Road, a water main connection, a sewer connection and stormwater works. Also included is the provision of all external civil engineering services and building of internal roads.

This funding represents the balance of the $2m assistance package as specified in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and BRL Hardy Ltd in 1997. This project will significantly contribute to the outcome of encouraging business and investments. There is an expected flow-on effect in the creation of new jobs and the establishment of new businesses arising from this agreement.

Australian Science Festival	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	96	96	96	96

This provides continuing funding to support the Australian Science Festival. This festival promotes science and technology, fostering awareness through theatre, film, and workshops and media productions. The festival is estimated to have contributed $4.8 million to the local economy in previous years and it is expected to continue to attract visitors to the ACT.

Electronic Service Delivery Scheme	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Capital Injection	18 000	0	0	0

This initiative provides for the establishment of an Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Fund to enable ACT Government agencies to initiate projects related to the online delivery of government information and services to the community.

Examples of some of the online services being considered include:

· a health information network to facilitate the exchange of information and medication notification between hospitals and GPs, and requests and results for pathology services;

· expansion of the highly successful Business Gateway Internet site to allow people to pre‑fill applications forms, with less data entry required, and a more powerful search engine;

· online teaching and examinations, including video conferencing, online enrolment and global classrooms;

· vehicle registration and licences for a motor omnibus, hire car or taxi;

· access to the ACT public library catalogue and payment of library fines;

· domestic dog registration and licences to keep more than three dogs;

· access to information on lost animals and the dog pound;

· basic plan approvals;

· information on road closures;

· electrical licences; and

· architect registration, building licences and a wide range of trades licences.

Policy Group	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	1 525	1 525	1 525	1 525

This initiative provides for the establishment of the Policy Group.

The Policy Group was established in August 1999 to undertake whole of government strategic policy revisions and co-ordination activities. The Policy Group will:

· provide the Chief Minister with timely strategic advice on portfolio and whole of government policy issues;

· strengthen the quality of, and provide a whole of government overlay to policy advice;

· support and assist agencies to achieve agreed corporate and government goals;

· provide a focus on performance review and reporting on outcomes and priorities;

· strengthen support for the Assembly committee processes; and

· deliver major projects.

Accessible Cost-Effective Services

Department of Health and Community Care

Efficiency Improvements	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	-2 465	-5 007	-7 627	-10 329

The Government recognises that the cost of provision of hospital and acute care services in the ACT is significantly above the Australian National Average. The Commonwealth Grants Commission 1999 review, based on 1997-98 data, indicates that actual expenditure on hospital services in the ACT is 24% higher than the standardised expenditure levels.

It is the Department’s intention to lower costs and this will be achieved through a process of continuous improvement to bring about efficiencies in service delivery costs. This will be undertaken progressively to ensure that there is no reduction in the quality of acute health service provision.

Department of Urban Services

Gungahlin Public Library Operating Expenses	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	152	220	225	231

This initiative will provide for the operation of the new Gungahlin Library, which is planned to open in January 2001. The library is planned to be a ‘gateway’ to public library services for Gungahlin residents.

This program assists in providing accessible and cost effective library services to all members of the ACT community.

Kerbside recycling, organics and residual waste collection trials	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	200	100	0	0

In order to further the No Waste by 2010 Strategy, this initiative will enable a suburban trial of the new generation co-mingled recycling, organic and residual waste kerbside collection systems. The trial will be used to test different collection methods including the collection and processing of compostible materials and the assessment of customer satisfaction.

Scoping study of infrastructure assets maintenance costs	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	300	0	0	0

In order to determine appropriate maintenance and funding levels, this study will include a condition audit on infrastructure assets for detailed programming purposes, verification of target maintenance service standards contained in the Urban Services Asset Management Plan and development of performance-based service standards.

This program will ensure that fully informed decisions are made regarding the allocation of funds for maintenance of infrastructure assets and priorities for capital works.

Replacement of the Transport Regulation Information Processing System (TRIPS)	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Capital Injection	4 000	0	0	0

TRIPS is currently used for processing all driver licensing, Compulsory Third Party Insurance and vehicle registration charges as well as parking and traffic infringement fines. TRIPS also provides an important law enforcement link to the AFP and national agencies. This initiative will provide funding for a replacement system for TRIPS. On-going costs of the new system in future years is still being investigated.

This program will support the full implementation of all national road transport reforms.

Department of Education and Community Services

Information Technology	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Expenditure	550	110	110	110

This initiative will provide for the expansion of the Schools Wide Area Network and enhancement of the Department’s Internet site. Increased network bandwidth to ACT Government schools is a prerequisite for the introduction of interactive on-line education services. A search engine for the DECS Internet site is necessary to facilitate the introduction of on-line services and to ensure that client access to information is fast and accurate.

The initiative will enable more flexible and innovative teaching and learning techniques.

Department of Treasury and Infrastructure

Replacement of the existing ACTAX taxation system	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Capital Injection	3 481
Expenditure	0	500	500	500

This initiative provides the capital funding for the replacement of the existing ACTAX taxation system with a new and effective taxation system capable of responding to new technological demands for the receipting, reporting and analysis of all taxation revenue.

In order to meet the Government’s commitment to electronic service delivery and the provision of online transaction processing, the proposed target date for the new ACT Taxation System is 1 July 2001.

Relocation of ACT Revenue Office Customer Service Centre	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Capital Injection	253
Expenditure	0	-120	-120	-120

This initiative provides for the relocation of the ACT Revenue Office Customer Service Centre (CSC) from the FAI building to the Canberra Nara Centre. This will lead to improved administrative efficiency by the integration of Revenue Office functions in the one building and savings in accommodation costs for operational and storage requirements.

The initiative will require a capital outlay of $0.253m in 2000‑01 and will be offset by savings of $0.120m per annum in successive years.

Reduction in stamp duty	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Revenue	-1	-1	-1	-1

This initiative provides for a reduction in duty to $20 only for hospitals, schools and charitable organisations for the following:

· establishment of a trust relating to unidentified property and non-dutiable property - current duty is $200;

· transfer of property from one superannuation fund to another - currently ad valorem or $200 whichever is lesser, minimum of $20; and

· transfer to trustees or custodians of superannuation funds - currently ad valorem or $200 whichever is lesser.

Under the Duties Act 1999 all other transactions for hospitals, schools and charitable organisations are either exempt or $20 duty applies where document stamping and/or handling is involved.

This provides for more consistent treatment of hospitals, schools and charitable organisations, under the Duties Act 1999. All other transactions for hospitals, schools and charitable organisations are either exempt or $20 duty applies where document stamping and/or handling is involved.

This initiative will decrease stamp duty revenue by $1,000 in 2000‑01 and future years.

Increase in payroll tax free threshold	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Revenue	-1 050	-4 290	-4 610	-4 940

This initiative provides for the payroll tax-free threshold to be increased from $800,000 to $900,000 from 1 January 2001, and to $1m from January 2002, and retain the tax rate of 6.85%. This will provide progressive relief for employment growth in smaller businesses. Based on 1997‑98 payroll returns, this will result in around 60 small businesses no longer paying payroll tax in 2000‑01 increasing to 100 businesses from 2001‑02.

This will enable the ACT to remain competitive with NSW.

First Home Owners Scheme	2000-01 ($’000)	2001-02 ($’000)	2002-03 ($’000)	2003-04 ($’000)
Revenue	12 250	12 250	12 250	12 250
Expenditure	12 250	12 250	12 250	12 250

This initiative provides for the establishment of a new First Home Owners Scheme (FHOS). The scheme is to operate from 1 July 2000 with eligible applicants entitled to $7,000 assistance per application to offset the impact of the GST. This follows the Inter‑Governmental Agreement on the reform of Commonwealth-State financial relations.

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