❓ Dr. Thomas questions the McGowan Government on the costs, savings, and staffing changes resulting from the 2017 Department of Community Services revamp. The government provides figures on VTSS costs, gross savings, SES staff reductions, and future budget allocations.
AnsweredQoN 177Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the McGowan Government's Machinery of Government changes announced in April 2017 and implemented in the revamped Department of Community Services from 1 July 2017, and I ask: (a) what has been the cost to the Department of the changes by financial year from 2017-2018 to date; (b) what is the quantum of savings registered by the Department by financial year from 2017-2018 to date as a result of the changes; (c) what reduction of senior executive service level staff occurred in the Department as a result of the changes; and (d) what additional costs and savings have been budgeted for in the future as a result of the changes?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2021
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Community Services
Response time
9 days
(a) Costs for Voluntary Targeted Separation Scheme (VTSS) separations in 2017-18 were detailed on pages 13-14 of the 2017-18 Annual Report on State Finances. Since then, the cost of ongoing VTSS separations incurred to 30 June 2021 as part of the transition to the Commonwealth run National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Department of Communities’ Machinery of Government changes total to $41.9 million.
All other costs relating to the Machinery of Government changes have been absorbed within Communities’ budget, are not separately identifiable and did not result in any additional request for appropriation funding.
(b) Gross savings total is $151.5 million to 30 June 2021.
(c) There was a reduction of 13 Senior Executive Service positions.
(d) A total of $10 million remains available to reimburse Communities for any residual VTSS costs that may emerge. Future annual savings now form part of the agency’s base budget and are not separately forecast on an ongoing basis.
All other costs relating to the Machinery of Government changes have been absorbed within Communities’ budget, are not separately identifiable and did not result in any additional request for appropriation funding.
(b) Gross savings total is $151.5 million to 30 June 2021.
(c) There was a reduction of 13 Senior Executive Service positions.
(d) A total of $10 million remains available to reimburse Communities for any residual VTSS costs that may emerge. Future annual savings now form part of the agency’s base budget and are not separately forecast on an ongoing basis.
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