Page 59 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Legislative Assembly has temporarily discontinued the work in the Assembly program, and this will free up funding to partially fund a position on a temporary basis to assist the implementation of the framework and other physical security-related functions. This is not a long-term, viable solution.
It remains my view that this role is a critical element required to manage the Assembly’s physical security-related risks effectively. I regard compliance with the framework as the first step in a broader and ongoing physical security management program across the Assembly. I have again made the case for funding a permanent security manager position as part of the 2016-17 budget process.
In relation to enhanced library services, the issue was raised with the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure in the context of the 2016-17 budget. The committee agreed that an additional research capability within the Assembly library is desirable, and funding has been sought as part of the 2016-17 budget development process.
In relation to the administrative arrangements associated with the Legislative Assembly (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Amendment Act 2013, I have initiated work to bring both the Auditor-General and the Electoral Commissioner into the budget protocols arrangement which currently exists between the Treasury and the Office of the Legislative Assembly. I will be writing shortly to the Chief Minister to commence the review process outlined in the protocols. The objective of this review is to regularise the budgetary arrangements for the independent officers of the Legislative Assembly.
I am also considering the adequacy of the provisions in the Auditor-General Act in relation to the engagement of a strategic reviewer, which I have previously discussed. There were some elements of that process that posed certain administrative roadblocks. It may be that legislative amendments will be required to provide more clarity to the process, and I will engage in discussions with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on the role of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in selecting the strategic reviewer, the role of Speaker in engaging the reviewer under contract, the funding for payment of the review and the chronology of the review process.
Papers
Madam Speaker presented the following papers:
Auditor-General Act—Auditor-General’s Report No 10/2015—2014-15 Financial Audits, dated 18 December 2015.
Standing order 191—Amendments to the Courts Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (No 2), dated 23 November 2015.
Mr Barr presented the following papers:
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video