Overview
The directorate, through Finance and Budget, advises the government and agencies on the development of the Territory's budget; provides policy and budget advice on a range of government priorities and services and advises on financial issues relating to agencies and the Territory including WoG financial reporting.
The directorate also undertakes reviews of services, programs and functions provided by the government.
Highlights
In 2018-19 the directorate:
- prepared the Territory’s Consolidated 2017-18 Annual Financial Statements, the 2018-19 Budget Review and the 2019-20 Budget consistent with legislative requirements and timeframes;
- prepared the budget appropriation bills - the Appropriation Act 2018-2019 and Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Act 2018-2019 - which were both passed by the Assembly on 28 August 2018;
- provided regular updates to the Budget Committee of Cabinet on the Territory’s finances to allow the government to manage public finances appropriately and maintain a strong balance sheet;
- coordinated and participated in ‘across government’ and national working groups, and provided policy advice on national reform initiatives including the National Health Reform Agreement, National Disability Insurance Scheme and school funding reforms;
- assisted directorates on policy development by providing budgeting, accounting and analytical advice;
- provided regular updates to the government on the progress of its infrastructure program, including regular reports to the Budget Committee of Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly;
- commenced and completed a Repairs and Maintenance Expenditure Review and commenced a Property Services Sustainability Review; and
- sought and gained the government’s agreement to amendments to the Financial Management Act 1996 to make provisions for a capital works reserve as a mechanism for improving the accuracy of budget estimates and performance of the Territory’s capital works program.
The directorate met six and did not meet one of its 2018-19 accountability indicators against this output. The accountability indicator not met was:
- Policy/service reviews completed – The target was two and one review was completed. A second review – Property Services Sustainability – was commenced in the reporting period and will be finalised in the first quarter of 2019-20.
Future Direction
In 2019-20, the directorate will:
- prepare the 2019-20 Budget Review, the 2020-21 Budget, and the Territory’s Consolidated 2018‑19 Annual Financial Statements;
- coordinate the government’s budget processes and report on financial outcomes;
- provide regular updates to the Budget Committee of Cabinet on the Territory’s finances to allow the government to manage the public finances appropriately and maintain a strong balance sheet;
- work with directorates to ensue sound financial management and high-quality advice to Cabinet; and
- undertake a Review of Legislation, Policy and Programs Branch within JACS and a Review of Funding Arrangements for Environmental Offsets.
Further information can be obtained from
Stephen Miners
Deputy Under Treasurer
Economic, Budget and Industrial Relations
+61 2 6207 5071
Stephen.Miners@act.gov.au
Mark Whybrow
Executive Group Manager
Finance and Budget
+61 2 6207 13758
Mark.Whybrow@act.gov.au