Report on
Budget Estimates 2002-2003
June 2002
© Commonwealth of Australia 2002
ISSN 1441-9912
Table of contents
Committee Membership
Report to the Senate
Introduction
Hearings
Questions on notice - date for response
Matters arising from this round of estimates hearings
Portfolio Specific Issues
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts portfolio
Communications
Information Technology
Cultural
Sport
Environment and Heritage portfolio
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1 - Public Hearing Agendas
Committee membership
Members
Senator Alan Eggleston,
Chair (LP, WA)
Senator Sue Mackay,
Deputy Chair (ALP, TAS)
Senator Andrew
Bartlett (AD, QLD)
Senator Paul Calvert
(LP, TAS)
Senate Kate Lundy
(ALP, ACT)
Senator Tsebin
Tchen (LP, VIC)
Substitute Members
Senator Brian
Greig (AD, WA) to substitute for Senator
Bartlett for information technology
portfolio
Participating Members
Senator the Hon
Eric Abetz
(LP, TAS)
Senator Lyn Allison
(AD, VIC) appointed for the communications
portfolio
Senator the Hon
Nick Bolkus
(ALP, SA)
Senator the Hon
Ron Boswell
(NPA, QLD)
Senator Vicki
Bourne (AD, NSW) appointed for the
communications portfolio
Senator Bob Brown
(AG, TAS)
Senator George
Campbell (ALP, NSW)
Senator Kim Carr
(ALP, VIC)
Senator Grant
Chapman (LP, SA)
Senator Stephen
Conroy (ALP, VIC)
Senator the Hon
Helen Coonan
(LP, NSW)
Senator Winston
Crane (LP, WA)
Senator Christopher
Evans (ALP, WA)
Senator the Hon
John Faulkner
(ALP, NSW)
Senator Alan Ferguson
(LP, SA)
Senator Jeannie
Ferris (LP, SA)
Senator Brian
Harradine (IND,
TAS)
Senator Len Harris
(PHON, QLD)
Senator Susan
Knowles (LP, WA)
Senator Meg Lees
(AD, SA)
Senator Ross
Lightfoot (LP, WA)
Senator Jan McLucas
(ALP, QLD)
Senator Brett
Mason (LP, QLD)
Senator Julian
McGauran (NPA, VIC)
Senator Shayne
Murphy (IND,
TAS)
Senator Robert
Ray (ALP, VIC)
Senator Aden Ridgeway (AD, NSW) appointed for the arts
portfolio
Senator Natasha
Stott-Despoja (AD, SA) appointed for the
information technology portfolio
Senator John Tierney
(LP, NSW)
Senator John Watson
(LP, TAS)
Committee Secretariat
Mr
Michael McLean,
Secretary
Ms
Jacquie Hawkins,
Research Officer
Committee Address:
Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the
Arts Legislation Committee
S1.57, Parliament House
Canberra ACT
2600
Tel: 02 6277 3526
Fax: 02 6277 5818
Email: ecita.sen@aph.gov.au
Internet: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/index.htm
Report
to the Senate
Introduction
On 14 May 2002
the Senate referred the following documents to legislation committees for
examination and report:
-
Particulars of proposed expenditure in respect
of the year ending on 30 June 2003 [Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2002-2003];
-
Particulars of certain proposed expenditure in
respect of the year ending on 30 June 2003 [Appropriation Bill (No. 2)
2002-2003];
-
Particulars of proposed expenditure in relation
to the parliamentary departments in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2003
[Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 3) 2002-2003];
In accordance with the provisions of the order of the Senate
of 13 February 2002, the Committee is required to report to the Senate on the
Budget Estimates on 19 June 2002.[1]
Hearings
The Committee conducted public hearings on the
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts portfolio on 27, 28 and 29
May 2002 and on the Environment and Heritage portfolio on 30 May 2002. The
evidence given is recorded in Hansard
and is available on the Internet at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/commttee/comsen.htm.
Further, written responses and information provided to the
Committee on notice arising from the hearings are compiled as volumes of
Additional Information. These volumes are tabled in the Senate and posted on
the Committee’s web page at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/index.htm
The order of the Senate of 13 February 2002, referred to
above, also provides for supplementary hearings to be held on Wednesday, 20
November 2002, and if required, Friday, 22 November 2002. The Committee notes that this order negates
the requirement contained in Standing Order 26(9)(b) for the Committee itself
to fix a date for supplementary meetings.
Questions on notice - date for response
In accordance with Standing Order 26(9)(a), the Committee
agreed that the date for written answers or additional information in response
to questions placed on notice at the hearings be Friday, 16 August 2002.
In its report on the 2001-2002 Additional Estimates, the
Committee noted that responses from the June 2001 round of hearings on the
2001-2002 Budget Estimates had not been provided in a timely manner. It stated
its expectation of a marked improvement in the future. However, the Committee
now notes that responses from the February 2002 round of hearings were also not
provided in a timely manner, with few responses received by the due date of 27
March 2002. In fact, responses were still being received even while the Budget
Estimates hearings were in progress, some four
months later.
The Committee again expresses its expectation that responses
to questions on notice should be provided to it by the due date.
Matters arising from this round of estimates hearings
The Committee expects that agencies should be fully prepared
for each year’s Budget Estimates hearings. They are one of the most critical
elements of an agency’s accountability responsibilities to the Parliament. Yet,
on several occasions, the Committee found that relevant officers were not
available to answer its questions. Further, it was also requested on several
occasions to vary its program to accommodate the travel requirements of the
witnesses.
The Committee wishes to stress that agencies should approach
the Budget Estimates process with appropriate gravity and with considerably
greater priority.
Portfolio Specific Issues
During its examination of the 2002-2003 Budget Estimates,
the Committee raised a variety of issues which are noted below. The numbers in
brackets behind each dot point refer to the relevant pages in the proof Hansard transcripts of the estimates
hearings. The comments follow the order of the four-day hearings program,
details of which are attached at Appendix 1.
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts portfolio
The Committee welcomed Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, Minister
for the Arts and Sport, representing Senator the Hon Richard Alston, Minister
for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.
Outcome 2 - Competitive and
effective communications and information technology industries and services and
improved access to Government information
Communications
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
-
High definition television requirements (pp.
4-5)
-
Four
Corners program on Alan Jones and role of board members (pp. 5-15)
-
Political bias of the ABC (p. 6, 15)
-
Appointment of Managing Director (p. 7, 34)
-
Broadcasting AFL matches (pp. 15-17)
-
TV Arts programming (pp. 22-23)
-
Production of science documentary (pp. 23-24)
-
Cost of the New York office (p. 25)
-
Staffing arrangements (pp. 26-29)
-
New payroll software (pp. 29-32)
-
Athens Olympic Games radio coverage (pp. 32-33)
Telstra
-
Proposed T3 privatisation (pp. 35-37)
-
Expansion of mobile coverage (pp. 38-43)
-
Mobile phones on highways program (pp. 43-44)
-
CountryWide serve area (pp. 44-45)
-
Update on untimed calls program (pp. 45-47)
-
Infrastructure investment program (pp. 47-49)
-
Impact on shareholder value of a structurally
separated Telstra (pp. 49-51)
-
Pair gain technology (pp. 51-66, 72-78, 86-89)
-
Current broadband services (pp. 66-70)
-
Launceston broadband project (pp. 78-79)
-
Decline in capital expenditure budget (pp.
79-80)
-
Low income package (pp. 82-86)
-
Priority Customer program (pp. 90-91)
-
Education awareness program for customers (p.
91)
-
Triple 0 emergency service (p. 93)
-
Job losses at Network Design and Construction
(NDC) (pp. 94-95)
Australia Post
-
Postal issues raised during current round of
world trade negotiations and their impact on Australia Post (pp. 95-98)
-
Access to Australia Post points of presence at
Australia Post outlets (pp. 98-99)
-
Franchise post shops proposal (p. 99)
Special Broadcasting Service
-
Progress with high definition requirements (p.
102)
-
Transmission to rural and regional areas (p.
103, 107-108)
-
Broadcasting arrangements for World Cup soccer
(pp. 103-105, 107)
-
Staffing arrangements (pp. 105-106)
-
Advertising on SBS (pp. 106-107)
Australian Broadcasting Authority
-
Actions proposed to prevent spamming (p. 109)
-
Internet Industry Association code of practice
(p. 109, 120)
-
Functions of NetAlert (pp. 110-111)
-
Expansion of ABC News Radio Service and Radio
National (p. 112, 118)
-
Report on antisiphoning list (pp. 113-117)
-
New standard for Australian content on
television (pp. 118-119)
Australia Communications Authority
-
New electromagnetic radiation standard (pp.
120-121)
-
Customer service guarantee related faults
statistics (pp. 122-123)
-
Use of SMS on mobile phones (pp. 124-125)
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
-
Detailed examination of components of Outcome
2.1 (pp. 130-141, 148-163)
-
Green Phone project (pp. 141-147, 163-170)
-
Networking the Nation (pp. 170-181, 192-195)
-
Strategic industry development arrangements (pp.
181-185)
-
Broadband Advisory Board (p. 188-189)
-
Telecommunications Action Plan for remote
indigenous communities (pp. 197-200)
-
Multichannelling by commercial networks (p. 202)
Information Technology
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
-
ICT Centre of Excellence (pp. 151-154)
-
BITS incubator program (pp. 195-196)
National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE)
-
Reorganisation of NOIE functions (p. 214)
-
ICT Centre of Excellence (pp. 215-220)
-
Broadband Advisory Group (pp. 225-227)
-
E-security, strategies to raise awareness (pp.
228-230)
-
Information access (pp. 234-237)
Outcome 1 - A
rich and stimulating cultural environment and a stronger, sustainable and
internationally competitive Australian sports sector
Cultural
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
-
Staff numbers within the Arts area of the
department (p. 245)
-
Evaluation of Federation Fund projects (p. 245)
National Library of Australia
-
Reduction in staff numbers (p. 248)
-
On line access to Library resources (pp. 250-251
Australia Council
-
International market development and promotion
program (pp. 252-254, 255-258)
-
Youth Arts festival, Noise (pp. 254-255
Australian Film Commission
-
Funding for the Australian Film Institute (AFI)
(pp. 260-261)
-
Impact on local film industry of Global Rule One
(p. 264)
Australian Film Finance Corporation
-
Increased budget allocation (p. 265)
-
Funding priorities (p. 265)
Australian Film, Television and Radio
School
-
Purpose of funding increase (p. 266)
-
Numbers attending and applications for the
School (p. 267)
Australian National Maritime Museum
-
Travelling exhibitions (p. 269)
National Archives of Australia
-
Impact of reallocation of funds to the National
Museum (p. 269)
National Museum of Australia
-
Purpose of reallocation of funds from other arts
institutions to the National Museum (p. 271)
-
Visitor numbers to the Museum (p. 273)
National Gallery of Australia
-
Outcome of Comcare inquiry concerning Mr Cropp
(pp. 275-276)
-
Update on air conditioning system (pp. 277-278)
-
Funding for refurbishment of the Gallery,
including new front entrance (pp. 278-279
-
Visitor numbers and price per visitor (pp.
280-281)
Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery
-
Visitor attitudes to entry fee (p. 283)
-
Budget increase and decreased revenue from other
sources (pp. 283-284)
Questacon -National Science and Technology Centre
-
‘Smart Moves’ program (p. 286)
ScreenSound Australia
-
Decrease in average staffing level (p. 284)
Sport
Australian Sports Commission
-
Proposed Gungahlin Drive extension and additional funding package for AIS
(pp. 287-305)
-
Details of announced $65.5 million funding
package (pp. 306-310)
-
Commonwealth Games and redevelopment
contribution to MCG (pp. 310-314)
-
Backing Australia’s Sporting Ability policy (pp.
315-316)
-
Funding and support for National Sporting
Organisations (pp. 316-318)
-
Update on SportNet (pp. 322-324)
-
Rates of adult participation in sport and
physical activities (pp. 325-328)
-
Sports participation programs for Indigenous
people (pp. 329-331)
Australian Sports Drug Agency
-
Frequency of drug testing of elite athletes (p.
333)
-
Australian participation in WADA (pp. 338-339)
-
Drug information hot line (p. 340)
Environment and Heritage portfolio
The Committee welcomed Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, Minister
for the Arts and Sport, representing The Hon Dr David Kemp, MP, Minister for
the Environment and Heritage.
Supervising Scientist Division
-
Staffing numbers and placement (p. 351)
-
New premises in Darwin (pp. 353-356, 377-378)
-
Impact of staff moving from Jabiru to Darwin
(pp. 358-359)
-
Membership of the Alligator Rivers Region
Technical Committee (p. 366)
-
Monitoring of uranium levels at Ranger and
Jabiluka (pp. 368-376)
Australian Antarctic Division
-
Alternative sources of revenue (p. 379)
Bureau of Meteorology
-
New premises at Darwin Airport (p. 379)
National Oceans Office
-
New office in Darwin (p. 380)
-
Development of regional marine plans (p. 381)
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
-
Development of shale oil deposits at stage 2
(pp. 383-393)
-
Representative Areas Program (pp. 398-399)
-
Membership of the Authority (pp. 399-401)
-
Management plan for coral trout (pp. 401-403)
-
Closure of trawling area on the inshore areas
off Mission Beach (pp. 403-408)
-
Oil exploration in the Townsville trough (pp.
410-411)
-
Potential impact of the Caribbean tube worm or
the Asian green mussel on the Reef (p. 414)
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
-
Progress of management plans for sites (pp.
415-416)
Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO)
-
Budget spending (pp. 417-418)
-
Impact of shale oil project stages 2 and 3 on
greenhouse emissions (pp. 420-421)
Parks Australia
-
Environmental Assessment of Christmas Island
(pp. 421-423)
-
Employment processes at Kakadu National Park (p.
424)
Environment Australia
-
Purpose of Customs expenditure in the
Environment and Heritage budget papers (pp. 425-427, 430-431)
-
Under expenditure of budget allocation (pp.
427-428, 431-432)
-
Staffing levels (pp. 428-429)
-
Natural Heritage Trust, including Cape York plan
(pp. 432-436)
-
National Action Plan for Water Quality and
Salinity (pp. 437-439)
-
Natural Heritage Trust television advertising
campaign and evaluation process (pp. 437-439, 439-442)
-
Role of Australian Heritage Commission in
proposed detention centre on Christmas Island (pp. 443-446)
-
System for identifying Commonwealth heritage
listed properties when their disposal is being considered (pp. 447-450)
-
Environmental Impact Statement for proposed
space base on Christmas Island
(pp. 450-453)
Acknowledgments
The Committee thanks the Minister for the Arts and Sport,
Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, who represented both the Minister for Communications
and Information Technology, Senator the Hon Richard Alston, and the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP, along with officers
from both portfolio departments and agencies, for their assistance during this
budget estimates process.
The Committee also thanks Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald,
Minister for Forestry and Conservation, for his brief contribution representing
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.
Senator
Alan Eggleston
Chairman
Appendix 1 - Public hearing agendas
Environment,
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee
Budget
Estimates 2002-2003
Monday, 27 May 2002, 9:00am
Committee Room 2S3
Waiting
Room Committee Room 2S2
To
be broadcast on Channel 11 and Radio 91.1
http://webcast.aph.gov.au
Lunch: 1.00pm to 2.00pm & Dinner:
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Communications,
Information Technology and the Arts Portfolio
Communications
Australian
Broadcasting Corporation
Telstra
Australia Post
Special Broadcasting
Service
Australian
Broadcasting Authority
Australian
Communications Authority
Department
Outcome 2 - Competitive and effective
communications and information technology industries and services
Outcome 2.1 Telecommunications, Broadcasting and
Intellectual Property
11.00pm
Adjournment
Environment,
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee
Budget
Estimates 2002-2003
Tuesday, 28
May 2002, 9:00am
Committee Room 2S3
Waiting
Room Committee Room 2S2
To
be broadcast on Channel 11 and Radio 91.1
http://webcast.aph.gov.au
Lunch: 1.00pm to 2.00pm & Dinner:
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Communications,
Information Technology and the Arts Portfolio
Communications
Continuation of
program from Monday, as may be required
Information Technology
Department
Outcome 2 - Competitive and effective communications and information technology
industries and services and improved access to Government information
Output 2.1 ID,
BITS, Government online
Corporate Services
National Office for
the Information Economy
11.00pm Adjournment
Environment,
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee
Budget
Estimates 2002-2003
Wednesday, 29 May 2002, 9:00am
Committee Room 2S3
Waiting
Room Committee Room 2S2
To
be broadcast on Channel 11 and Radio 91.1
http://webcast.aph.gov.au
Lunch: 1.00pm to 2.00pm & Dinner: 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Communications,
Information Technology and the Arts Portfolio cont
Cultural and Sport
Outcome 1 - A rich and stimulating cultural
environment ...
Output 1.1 Strategic policy advice, support and
awareness for the cultural ... sectors
National Library of Australia
Australia Council
Australian Film Commission
Australian Film Finance Corporation
Australian Film, Television and Radio School
Australian National Maritime Museum
National Archives of Australia
National Museum of Australia
National Gallery of Australia
Department -
Output 1.2 Celebrating the Centenary of
Federation
Output 1.3 Access to Old Parliament House and
the National Portrait Gallery
Outcome 3 - Australians value science and
technology’s contribution to our culture and economic prosperity
Output 3.1 Questacon -National Science and
Technology Centre
Outcome 4
- Increased use, enjoyment
and safety of Australia’s audiovisual heritage
Output 4.1-4.2 ScreenSound Australia
Outcome 1 - ... a stronger, sustainable and
internationally competitive Australian sports sector
Output 1.1 Strategic policy advice, support and
awareness for the ... sport sectors
Australian Sports Commission
Australian Sports Drug Agency
11.00pm Adjournment
Environment,
Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee
Budget
Estimates 2002-2003
Thursday, 30
May 2002, 9.00am
Committee Room 2S3
Waiting
Room Committee Room 2S2
To
be broadcast on Channel 11 and Radio 91.1
http://webcast.aph.gov.au
Lunch: 1.00pm to 2.00pm & Dinner: 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Environment
and Heritage Portfolio
Supervising Scientist Division
Bureau of Meteorology
Australian Antarctic Division
National Oceans Office
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Australian Greenhouse Office
Parks Australia
Department of the Environment and Heritage
Approvals and
Legislation Division
Environment Quality
Division
Marine and Water
Division
Australia and World
Heritage Division (including Australian
Heritage Commission)
Natural Heritage
Division
Policy Coordination
Division
Strategic Development
Division
11.00pm Adjournment
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