Page 1710 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 13 May 2015
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MS BERRY: Importantly, the community sector reform program also involves us looking at where improvements can be made inside government. We recognise that one of the best ways to support the community sector is to ensure that our relationship with the sector is as simple and as effective as it can be.
In December 2013, the government embarked on a program of red tape reduction reforms for the procurement, contracting and reporting of community services. Since commencing this red tape reduction program, we have simplified audit requirements to reduce the cost of audits for small and medium-sized community sector organisations; reduced financial reporting requirements from twice to once a year; extended the maximum term of funding agreements from three to five years; transferred a number of low risk service funding agreements to simpler recurrent grants; and introduced a single point of contact in the Community Services Directorate.
Total annual efficiency savings to the sector from the measures now implemented under this program are valued at more than $2.5 million. Further savings from red tape reduction are underway through the more simple standard community sector contract and the review of the community services procurement pre-qualification process.
I look forward to providing the Assembly with further updates on future progress, as part of the government’s community sector reform program. I assure members that real fairness will always be the thing that guides us.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Roads—Barton Highway
MR GENTLEMAN: In answer to Mr Coe’s question earlier, I have updated details for him in regard to the Barton Highway roundabout. The project will be retendered this month. The two tenders received were well above the original estimate for the project delivery, and the project will be retendered this month. Construction of the Barton Highway roundabout signalisation project will be advertised this month. Construction is planned to commence in July this year, and is likely to take approximately 12 months to complete.
Hospitals—University of Canberra
MR CORBELL: Yesterday in question time, in answer to a question from Dr Bourke, I note that the draft Hansard refers to me making comment of 250 beds at the University of Canberra hospital. This is not accurate, and my comments may have been misspeaking on my part. 215 became 250. I want to make it very clear that I was intending and attempting to say 215.
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