Chapter 1 - Introduction


Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1        On 10 February 2011, the Senate referred the following documents to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee (the committee) for examination and report:

  • Particulars of proposed additional expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2011 [Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2010-11];
  • Particulars of certain proposed additional expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2011 [Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2010-11];
  • Final budget outcome 2009-2010; and
  • Issues from the advances under the annual Appropriation Acts for 2009-2010.[1]

1.2        The committee is responsible for the examination of the Health and Ageing portfolio; the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolio; and, following a resolution of the Senate on 29 September 2010, the Human Services portfolio.[2]

1.3        The committee was required to report to the Senate on its consideration of 2010-2011 additional estimates on 22 March 2011.

1.4        The committee considered the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2010-2011 for both portfolios at hearings on 23, 24 and 25 February 2011. The hearings were conducted in accordance with the agreed agenda as follows:

  • Wednesday 23 February 2011 – Health and Ageing portfolio.
  • Thursday 24 February 2011 – Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolio; Human Services portfolio
  • Friday 25 February 2011 – Cross Portfolio – Indigenous Matters

1.5        The committee heard evidence from Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers (representing the Minister for Health and Ageing) and Senator the Hon Mark Arbib, Minister for Sport, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness (representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs).

1.6        Evidence was also provided by Ms Jane Halton, Secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing; Dr Geoff Harmer, Secretary of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; and officers representing the departments and agencies covered by the estimates before the committee.

1.7        The committee thanks the ministers, departmental secretaries and officers for their assistance and cooperation during the hearings.

Changes to departmental structures

1.8        Cancer Australia and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre announced on 15 June 2010 they would be merging, to 'further strengthen the Government’s strategic focus on cancer control and build a better health and hospital system'.[3]

1.9        The committee notes that following the Administrative Arrangement Orders made on 14 September 2010, the Department of Health and Ageing is no longer responsible for the following:

  • Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (PM&C)
  • Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
  • Australian Sports Foundation

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is no longer responsible for the following:

  • Housing Affordability Fund
  • National Rental Affordability Scheme
  • Housing Supply and the Housing Supply Council
  • Indigenous Cultural Remains Program
  • Community Compact
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Disaster Recovery (policy and process)
  • Indigenous Capital Assistance

1.10      The committee also notes as a result of the Administrative Arrangement Orders, FaHCSIA have taken responsibility for the Indigenous Capital Assistance Scheme within the Indigenous Business Australia agency.

1.11      For a complete list of changes in responsibility, including the departments now responsible, please see Appendix 1.

Questions on Notice

1.12      In accordance with Standing Order 26, the committee is required to set a date for the lodgement of written answers and additional information. The committee requested that written answers and additional information be submitted by Friday 8 April 2011.

Additional information

1.13      Answers to questions taken on notice at the committee's additional estimates hearings will be tabled in the Senate in separate volumes entitled 'Additional information relating to the examination of additional estimates 2010-2011, February 2011, Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee'. Documents not suitable for inclusion in the additional information volumes will be available on request from the committee secretariat.

1.14      Answers to questions on notice received from the departments will also be posted on the committee's website at a later date.

Note on references

1.15      References to the Hansard transcript are to the proof Hansard; page numbers may vary between the proof and the official Hansard transcript.

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