That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

I present the March quarter report for the 1998-99 Capital Works Program.

Mr Speaker, this report is the first to be tabled in the Assembly under reforms that were introduced this financial year. An important part of these reforms is the introduction of quarterly expenditure reporting against the capital works program. This initiative reemphasises the accountability of the Government by providing a detailed capital works program with a project focus, rather than simply a program focus.

The report enables regular and thorough monitoring of project expenditure. It also highlights those projects that are unlikely to be complete at years end, thus allowing for the substitution of other projects into the program.

Mr Speaker, Territory Departments incurred expenditure on capital works of $44.5m in the March year to date. The Department of Health and Community Care was the largest contributor, with projects such as the Phillip Health Centre refurbishment and the Health Protection Service Co-location. They were closely followed by the Department of Urban Services with expenditure of $12m in the year to March.

Mr Speaker the quarterly report is project specific. It recognises that changes to expenditure estimates do occur, and where applicable these updates have been provided. Details of any known project rollovers to 1999-2000 are identified in an attachment to the report.

Capital works is one area where significant progress and improvements have been achieved in program formulation, accountability and reporting. This has only been possible through the assistance and cooperation of the Assembly, and particularly the suggestions put forward by the Standing Committee for the Chief Minister's Portfolio.