Hon Neil Thomson questions the Treasurer regarding a $1.3 billion increase to the Treasurer's Advance (TA) for 2023-24, querying the specific purposes and fiscal accountability. The Treasurer's response indicates the funds are for unforeseen events and revenue timing, not committed spending.

AnsweredQoN 153Legislative Council
Asked
14 March 2024
Portfolio
minister representing the Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

TREASURER'S
ADVANCE 2023–24 — ADDITIONAL FUNDING
153. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to the Treasurer's advance that will take the
total TA to $3.2 billion, as noted in the Treasury presentation of 12 March
2024, and the inclusion of further TA impacts in 2023–24 to cover
funding requirements that may emerge as part of the 2024–25 budget.
(1) Noting the
funds will need to be spent by 30 June 2024 and the limited time left to spend
them, can the Treasurer itemise what the additional $1.3 billion will be
required for?
(2) If no to (1), does this reflect poorly on the fiscal
accountability in the state?
The PRESIDENT : Minister for Emergency Services, noting
that the question is seeking a lot of information.

AnswerView source ↗

It is a concise answer. I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer is
provided on behalf of the Treasurer.
(1)–(2) Consistent
with previous years, the $1.3 billion allowance is for funding requirements
that may emerge to 30 June 2024, including unforeseen events like natural
disasters and movements in timing of revenues such as commonwealth funding. The
Treasurer's advance provides the legal authority to draw funds if
required, but it does not commit the state government to any other additional
spending.

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