Chapter 1


Introduction

1.1        On 12 February 2015 the Senate referred the following documents to the committee for examination and report in relation to its portfolios:

  • Particulars of proposed additional expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2015 [Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2014–2015].
  • Particulars of certain proposed additional expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2015 [Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2014–2015]; and
  • Particulars of proposed additional expenditure in relation to the parliamentary departments in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2015 [Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No.2) 2014–15][1].

1.2        The committee is responsible for the examination of the following portfolios:

  • Health;
  • Social Services; and
  • Human Services.

1.3        The committee is required to report to the Senate on its consideration of 2014–2015 additional estimates on Tuesday 17 March 2015.[2]

Details of hearings

1.4        The committee considered the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements (PAES) 2014–2015 for the Social Services portfolio, the Human Services portfolio, and the Health portfolio, at hearings from 25 February to 27 February 2015 (inclusive). The hearings were conducted in accordance with the agreed agenda outlined as follows:

  • Wednesday 25 February 2015 — Health portfolio
  • Thursday 26 February 2015 — Human Services and Social Services portfolio
  • Friday 27 February 2015 — Social Services portfolio

1.5        The committee heard evidence from the following Senators:

  • Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, Assistant Minister for Health (and representing the Minister for Health);
  • Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Human Services;
  • Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, Assistant Minister for Social Services (representing the Minister for Social Services); and
  • Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services (representing the Minister for Social Services).

1.6        Evidence was also provided by the following:

  • Mr Martin Bowles PSM, Secretary of the Department of Health;
  • Ms Kathryn Campbell, Secretary of the Department of Human Services;
  • Mr Finn Pratt, Secretary of the Department of Social Services; and
  • officers representing the departments and agencies covered by the estimates before the committee.

Questions on Notice

1.7        In accordance with Standing Order 26, the date for submission to the committee of written answers to questions or additional information relating to the expenditure is 17 April 2015.

1.8        Answers to questions taken on notice and tabled documents relating to the committee's hearings will be tabled in the Senate. Answers to questions on notice and additional information may be accessed via the committee's website.

Hansard transcripts

1.9        The committee discussed many of the expenditure proposals and information contained in the PAES. These discussions are detailed in the committee’s Hansard transcripts of 25 February 2015 to 27 February 2015 (inclusive), copies of which will be tabled in the Senate. Hansard transcripts of the estimates proceedings are also accessible on the committee’s website at http://www.aph.gov.au/senate_ca.

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

Changes in the PAES

Health Portfolio

1.11      The government has abolished the following agencies and transferred their essential functions below to the Department of Health:

  • General Practice Education and Training;
  • Health Workforce Australia; and
  • Australian National Preventative Health Agency.[3] 

Social Services portfolio (including Human Services)

1.12      Additional functions relating to child care policy and programmes and coordination of early childhood development policy were transferred under the Administrative Arrangements Order of 23 December 2014 to the Social Services portfolio from the former Department of Education.[4]


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