Page 1263 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 April 1994

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

TREASURER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

Question No. 1143

Government Service - Credit Cards

MR CORNWELL- Asked the Treasurer upon notice on 16 December 1993:

(1) How much money was spent through Government credit cards in

1992-93 and how many credit cards were on issue in that

year.

(2) Do guidelines exist as to what can be charged against these

cards and, if so, what are these guidelines.

(3) Were these guidelines breached in 1992-93 and, if so (a) on

how many and (b) what action was taken.

(4) If guidelines at (2) do not exist, why not.

MS FOLLETT- The answer to the Members question is as follows:

(1) The amount spent through ACT Government credit cards in

1992-93 was $5,470,117 (including what was then the ACT

Board of Health). There were a total of 307 credit cards

on issue in that year.

(2) Yes, guidelines do exist covering the use of ACT

Government corporate credit cards. The guidelines were

developed by ACT Treasury, and implemented in 1991-92.

Each potential cardholder receives a copy of the

guidelines, and is required to sign an agreement relating

to conditions of use, prior to being issued with a card.

A copy of the guidelines, including the agreement

covering conditions of use of the card, has been forwarded

to the Members office.

(3) I am advised that guidelines were breached on three

occasions in 1992-93. On two of those occasions, Treasury

brought the breach to the attention of the Agency Head

within the appropriate Department. Investigations were

conducted by the Corporate Services Bureau in relation to

two of the three breaches, both matters were resolved

internally with no disciplinary action taken.

The other breach was resolved and the officer concerned was disciplined.

(4) Not applicable. Refer answer to question (2).

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