Introduction
Standing order 19 (2) and (3) requires that the Committee determine the amounts to be included in the parliamentary appropriation bills for the Department of the Senate.
Proposed Appropriations for 2022-23
The Committee notes that the Senate Department's 2022-23 appropriations have been calculated in accordance with the current Commonwealth funding policy.
The proposed appropriation for 2022-23 (which rounds to $24.0m in the Portfolio Budget Statement) is as follows:
Part 1 - Departmental Annual Appropriation
The prior year's budget for departmental expenses1
(as disclosed in the 2021-22 PBS) |
$26.011m |
| Agreed budget measures: |
| 2021-22 one off additional funding not sought in 2022-23 |
($2.022m) |
| Other adjustments (economic parameters) |
$0.016m |
| Total departmental appropriation for 2022-23 |
$24.202m |
The total appropriation to the Senate Department to be approved by the Parliament in the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2022-2023, as a part of the federal budget delivered is $24.202m (compared to $26.011m in 2021-22).
Part 2 – Accumulated Prior Year Appropriations, Operating Results and Capital Expenditure
| Balance of prior year appropriations (estimate as at 30 June 2021) |
$14.952m |
Part 3 - Special Appropriations (senators' remuneration and entitlements)
| Made up of the following components (for this and next year): |
| 2021-22: |
| Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017 |
$21.972m |
| Parliamentary Superannuation Act 2004 |
$2.793m |
| Australian Constitution |
$1.454m |
| Total Special Appropriations for 2021-22 |
$26.219m |
| |
| 2022-23: |
| Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017 |
$21.972m |
| Parliamentary Superannuation Act 2004 |
$2.904m |
| Australian Constitution |
$1.454m |
| Total Special Appropriations for 2022-23 |
$26.330m |
An estimated amount, totaling $26.330m of special appropriations, will be drawn down during the year to facilitate third party payments on behalf on Department of Finance (compared to an estimate of $26.219m in 2021-22).
Conclusions
As noted on page 9 of the Department's Portfolio Budget Statements 2022-23, the establishment of select committees in the current Parliament far exceeds the levels on which the department's funding was based. If the number and duration of committees established by the Senate continues at this level in future parliaments, the department will seek additional resources over the forward estimates to ensure the requirements of the Senate and senators can continue to be met.
Determination
The Committee determines that the total appropriation to be approved by the Parliament in the Appropriations (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2022-23 is $24.202m and reports to the Senate accordingly.
Senator the Hon Slade Brockman
Chair
1 Excluding expenses not requiring appropriation in the Budget year - made up of depreciation/amortisation, audit fees and resources received free of charge where recognition of an expense is required.