Industry, Science and Resources
Reallocation of departmental resources
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Geological Survey Organisation:	‑0.8	‑0.8	‑0.8	‑0.8	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	‑0.5	‑0.6	‑0.6	‑	
Total:	‑1.3	‑1.4	‑1.4	‑0.8	

Explanation
The Government has decided to reallocate monies from the Australian Geological Survey Organisation and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to meet the cost associated with defining the limits of the Continental Shelf off the Australian Antarctic Territory beyond Australia’s 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
Further Information
See also the related expense measures titled Reallocation of Technology Diffusion Programme funds in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio, and Mapping of the Australian Antarctic Territory extended Continental Shelf in the Finance and Administration portfolio and Pricing review of departmental resourcing in the Environment and Heritage portfolio.
Building on our sporting achievements
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Sports Commission:	5.0	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
To continue the Government’s commitment to our elite athletes, an additional $5 million will be provided to the Australian Sports Commission in 2000‑01. The Government will bring forward a major policy statement on sport and recreation during the year which will include the Government’s response to the Oakley report Shaping Up: A Review of Commonwealth Involvement in Sport and Recreation in Australia. 
The Government will develop a broadly based, comprehensive sports strategy, including measures to improve participation in sport and junior sports development.
Tough on Drugs in Sport — blood tests as part of our anti‑doping programme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Sports Drug Agency:	‑	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
Subject to an acceptable test being validated and introduced at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Government has made a commitment to provide $1.0 million in 2000‑01 to the Australian Sports Drug Agency to undertake blood testing for Erythropoietin (EPO) as part of our anti‑doping programme.
The Government’s commitment and support is a further statement of Australia’s leading role in the international fight against drugs in sport. 
Further Information
As a result of Australian research, there is every likelihood that a blood test for the detection of EPO will be available in time for the Sydney Olympics. If this occurs, the Australian Sports Drugs Agency should be in a position to include such a test in its public interest testing programme.
This commitment builds upon the $3 million provided in 1997‑98 for research, sampling and analysis programmes to assist preparations for the drug testing requirements of the Sydney Olympics. In the last two and a half years the Government provided a further $3.3 million for a programme of research undertaken by the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory to develop and validate a test for detecting EPO.
Supplementation for commercial rents and sales costs
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation:	‑	5.9	8.4	10.7	

Explanation
Following an independent review of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) property holdings based on the Commonwealth Property Principles, six properties (in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth) will be sold and leased back over the next three years. To ensure these sales have no adverse financial impact on CSIRO’s research activities, CSIRO will receive funding for additional sale and rental costs.
Further Information
See also the related capital measure titled CSIRO Property Review — proceeds from sales, in the Industry Science and Resources portfolio. 
Continued resourcing for the Science and Technology Awareness Programme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	2.8	1.4	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will provide continued support for the Science and Technology Awareness Programme (STAP). This programme is designed to raise community awareness about the importance of science and technology and to encourage young people to undertake science based careers. The programme includes the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science which is an award for outstanding achievement in science and technology promoting human welfare, support for National Science Week, and a number of science and technology awareness raising projects.
Further Information
See the related expense measure Reallocation of Technology Diffusion Programme funds in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio.
Continued resourcing for the Australian Building Codes Board
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	1.0	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will extend funding to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in 2000‑01 to finalise the implementation of a nationally consistent framework for building regulation. The Commonwealth, States and Territories established the ABCB in 1994 to develop a nationally consistent framework. The Commonwealth provides funding for the ABCB on a matching dollar for dollar basis with the States and Territories. In addition, the ABCB receives income from royalties for subscriptions to publications and other services. 
Further Information
The work of the ABCB aims to increase consistency in building regulations between jurisdictions. These regulations provide important benefits to the community in terms of safety, health and amenity. A high level of consistency in these regulations minimises the cost to business of compliance. In addition, the performance based approach of the Building Code of Australia allows scope for greater innovation in the design and construction of new buildings.
Implementing the National Biotechnology Strategy
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry:	0.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	
Department of the Environment and Heritage:	‑	‑	‑	‑	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	‑	8.2	9.2	9.2	
Total:	0.1	9.4	10.4	10.4	

Explanation
The Government has developed a National Biotechnology Strategy and a $30.5 million package of assistance for the assessment and development of biotechnology in Australia. The Department of the Environment and Heritage will absorb $0.3 million of this package. 
Important elements of the strategy cover the provision of information on biotechnology to the public; ensuring that effective regulatory controls are put in place; assisting with the conduct and application of appropriate research in Australia; strengthening Australia’s involvement in relevant international forums; and managing access to biological and genetic resources.
A major emphasis ($20 million) of the package will be on assistance with the commercialisation of Australian biotechnology research over the period 2001‑02 to 2003‑04. The package also includes $4 million for the coordination and implementation of the strategy; $3.3 million for an on‑going examination to assist agriculture and food industries make judgements on supplying genetically modified products and adopting identity preservation; $3 million to provide the public with information on biotechnology; and $0.25 million for research into some of the most immediate environmental risks arising from gene technology. 
Further Information
The National Biotechnology Strategy has been developed over the past year on the basis of research and consultation with the community.
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Department of the Environment and Heritage, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
See also the three related expense measures titled Pricing review of departmental resourcing; and Reallocation of Technology Diffusion Programme funds in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio.
Pricing review of departmental resourcing
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	‑5.0	‑5.0	‑5.0	‑5.0	

Explanation
The Government has endorsed the outcomes of a joint review between the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and the Department of Finance and Administration. This will result in a reduction in the resourcing for DISR of $5 million per annum. An important element of pricing reviews is the collection of performance information from a range of providers to identify and promote better practices in the delivery of government services.
The Department will meet this reduction in resourcing through the implementation of a range of improvements to efficiency that were identified through this review. The savings generated will be used to partially offset the cost of the new National Biotechnology Strategy. 
See also the related expense measure titled Introduce a new National Biotechnology Strategy in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio. 

Reallocation of Technology Diffusion Programme funds
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	‑4.7	‑8.0	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will reallocate Technology Diffusion Programme (TDP) funds to the National Biotechnology Strategy ($6.6 million) to develop and promote new biotechnologies in Australia and to the Science and Technology Awareness Programme ($2.8 million). Each reallocation is broadly consistent with technology diffusion purposes, as the TDP encourages awareness and adoption of new leading edge technologies.
The cost of mapping the extended continental shelf in the Australian Antarctic Territory will also be partly funded through a reallocation of $3.3 million in funds from this programme. 
Further Information
See also the related expense measures titled Implementing the National Biotechnology Strategy, Continued resourcing for the Science and Technology Awareness Programme, in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio; Mapping of the Australian Antarctic Territory extended continental shelf in the Finance and Administration portfolio and Pricing review of departmental resourcing in the Environment and Heritage portfolio.
Reallocation of funds from the Textile Clothing and Footwear Post 2000 initiative
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	‑0.5	‑0.5	‑0.5	‑0.5	

Explanation
The Government will reallocate $0.45 million a year from the Textile Clothing and Footwear Post 2000 package of assistance to meet the costs of assistance to Pacific Island countries under the new South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement (SPARTECA) — TCF Scheme.
The Government has decided to change the way in which local area content (LAC) is calculated for Textile Clothing and Footwear products under the existing SPARTECA. This will allow a greater range of Forum Island Country (FIC) products to be imported into Australia duty free.
Further Information
The Import Credit Scheme (ICS), introduced in 1991 to assist the TCF industry, terminates later this year. The scheme permitted TCF exporters to earn import credits on the value of their exports, which could be used to offset duty payments on their imports of other TCF goods. Relaxation of the LAC rules under SPARTECA will assist in ameliorating some of the deleterious effects that the termination of ICS may have on FIC trade.
See also the related expense measure titled South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement — Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Scheme, in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio; and the related revenue measure titled South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement — Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Scheme in the Attorney General’s portfolio.
South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement — Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Scheme 
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Industry, Science and Resources:	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4	

Explanation
The Government has decided to change the way in which local area content (LAC) is calculated for Textile Clothing and Footwear products under the existing South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement (SPARTECA). This will allow a greater range of Forum Island Country (FIC) products to be imported into Australia duty free.
The administrative costs arising from these changes will be $0.35 million per annum.
Further Information
The Import Credit Scheme (ICS), introduced in 1991 to assist the TCF industry, terminates on 30 June 2000. The scheme permitted TCF exporters to earn import credits on the value of their exports, which could be used to offset duty payments on their imports of other TCF goods. Relaxation of the LAC rules under SPARTECA will assist in ameliorating some of the deleterious effects that the termination of ICS may have on FIC trade.

See also the related expense measure titled Reallocation of funds from the Textile Clothing and Footwear Post 2000 initiative, in the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio; and the related revenue measure titled South Pacific and Regional Free Trade Agreement — Textiles Clothing and Footwear Scheme in the Attorney General’s portfolio.

Prime Minister and Cabinet
Expansion of the Community Development Employment Projects Scheme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission:	9.2	19.0	19.5	20.0	
Department of Family and Community Services:	‑6.9	‑14.2	‑14.6	‑15.0	
Torres Strait Regional Authority:	0.5	1.0	1.1	1.1	
Total:	2.8	5.9	6.0	6.1	

Explanation
The Government will enhance the economic development and employment opportunities for Indigenous people by expanding the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme. Under this measure an additional 1,500 places will be provided in 2000‑01. These additional places will be directed towards rural and remote regions of Australia.
The CDEP scheme provides the opportunity for more than 32,000 Indigenous people to meet their mutual obligation responsibilities through voluntary work for wages that are roughly equivalent to income support payments. The scheme operates through community managed work projects that contribute to community development, social cohesion and cultural maintenance, as well as encouraging skills enhancement and mainstream employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
This is a cross portfolio measure with the expenses incurred under the CDEP attributed to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. These expenses are offset by a reduction in income support payments made by the Department of Family and Community Services.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — 2001
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet:	16.4	16.4	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will provide funding of $32.8 million to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) for the costs of staging the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Brisbane in October 2001. CHOGM will be the largest and most prestigious international summit ever held in Australia, bringing together 54 Heads of Government, combined with a visit by The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth is committed to providing a range of security services to support the Queensland Police. The above funding will enable PM&C to engage the services of several Commonwealth agencies including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Protective Security Coordination Centre (PSCC) and the Australian Defence Organisation.
Systems and desktop replacement for the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman:	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.1	

Explanation
The Government will provide $0.5 million over four years to the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman for systems development, integration and other costs to replace and enhance its case management system (CMS) and desktop equipment. The development of a new CMS will facilitate the maintenance and improvement of complaint handling performance.
Further Information
See also the related capital measure titled Systems and desktop replacement for the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman in the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. 

Transport and Regional Services
Adelaide Airport noise amelioration
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	10.3	24.2	23.7	5.5	

Explanation
The Government will establish a new programme aimed at reducing the impact of aircraft noise in areas around Adelaide Airport. Under the programme, owners of residences and public buildings in areas surrounding the Adelaide Airport which are subject to high levels of aircraft noise will be eligible to have their buildings insulated. This will help ensure that Adelaide Airport continues to maintain its important contribution to the development of the surrounding region.
Further Information
See also the related revenue measure titled Extension of the application of the Aircraft Noise Levy Collection Act (1995) to Adelaide Airport in the Transport and Regional Services portfolio.
Beef 2000 Exposition
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	‑	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Commonwealth was an event partner in the staging of the Beef 2000 Exposition held in Central Queensland during April 2000 and contributed $0.25 million in 1999‑2000 in sponsorship. The Exposition promoted the Australian beef industry nationally and internationally, and provided members of the industry with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills. 

National Parking Regime at leased Federal Airports
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	0.4	0.5	0.6	0.7	

Explanation
The Government will provide additional funding to the Department of Transport and Regional Services for the administration costs of implementing a new parking regime at leased federal airports. The parking regime is consistent with the Australian Road Rules being implemented nationally by states and territories. The Australian Road Rules ensure common signs for parking throughout Australia and national uniformity of rules and signage will promote a greater understanding and interpretation by the public.
Further Information
See also the related revenue measure titled National Parking Regime at leased Federal Airports in the Transport and Regional Services portfolio.
Improvement in services to the Indian Ocean Territories
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	2.9	2.9	2.9	2.9	

Explanation
The Government will implement a range of measures to provide the communities of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands with improved services. Funding will be used to improve services such as vocational education and training; health services covering carer and patient and specialist services; welfare services, home and community care; and environment protection. It will also allow for possible applications by the Indian Ocean Territories communities for grants in the areas of welfare services, culture and recreation and assistance to industry. Air services to the islands will also be maintained. 
This measure ensures that the Indian Ocean Territories have access to a level of services and support comparable with that available in small remote communities on the mainland. It implements the recommendations contained in the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s 1999 report on the Indian Ocean Territories.
Further Information
See also the related capital measure titled Indian Ocean Territories Infrastructure Development programme in the Transport and Regional Services portfolio.
Reduction in departmental resourcing
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	‑2.0	‑2.0	‑2.0	‑2.0	

Explanation
This measure provides for a reduction in the cost of outputs for the Department of Transport and Regional Services through increased efficiencies in the delivery of its activities.
Year 2002 — Year of the Outback
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Transport and Regional Services:	‑	0.2	0.4	‑	

Explanation
The Government has designated 2002 as the ‘Year of the Outback’. This programme is in recognition of the contribution that the outback has played in the development of Australia’s cultural and economic wealth. The Government will provide additional funding to the Department of Transport and Regional Services for a range of communication and community activities prior to, and during, 2002 to celebrate outback history and achievements. This measure includes funding of $1.4 million in 1999‑2000, to organise and manage the programme and provide seed funding to support a range of national and regional specific events over the next three years.

Treasury
Reduction in departmental resourcing
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Bureau of Statistics:	‑3.0	‑3.0	‑3.0	‑3.0	

Explanation 
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will deliver savings of $3 million per annum from reductions in departmental expenses. These funds will be used to offset the cost of a number of other high priority measures in the Treasury portfolio.
Retention of name identified census forms
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Bureau of Statistics:	0.8	5.8	4.0	‑	

Explanation
The Government is providing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with additional funding to develop a Centenary of Federation gift to the nation in the form of name identified census information. If the household agrees, the name identified census data will be transferred by the ABS to the National Archives of Australia for a closed access period of 99 years and made available to the community in 2100.
Airport regulation
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	

Explanation
The Government will provide the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) with $3.6 million over four years to undertake its regulatory responsibilities in relation to airports.
The funding will enable the ACCC to improve airport access arrangements, assess compliance with airport price caps including pass through of necessary new investment, monitor prices of aeronautical‑related services at airports, monitor quality of service and perform other related functions.
The ACCC’s costs will be recovered from the industry. See also the related revenue measure titled Airport regulation cost recovery in the Treasury portfolio.
Further Information
The Federal Government granted long‑term leases at Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports in 1997, and at Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Coolangatta, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston and Townsville airports in 1998. As part of the privatisation process, the Government introduced a framework for economic regulation of these airports under the Airports Act 1996, the Prices Surveillance Act 1983 and the Trade Practices Act 1974. 
Extend communications regulation
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	0.9	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will provide additional funding in 2000‑01 to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to administer a number of powers in relation to competition notices and arbitration activities. This will maintain funding at 1999‑2000 levels.
The measure responds to increased demands on the ACCC, in particular to those flowing from amendments contained in the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment Act 1999.
Specifically, the measure will assist the ACCC to speed up the workings of the competition notice regime in Part XIB of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and the processing of arbitration and the associated legal issues under Part XIC of the Act.
The ACCC’s costs will be recovered from industry in 2001‑02. See the related revenue measure titled Increase in annual carrier licence fees in the Communications, Information Technology and the Arts portfolio.

Provisioning for legal services
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	10.0	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will provide the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) with additional funding to enable it to meet increased legal expenses. This will enable the ACCC to maintain its compliance and enforcement activity. In addition, it will enable the ACCC to undertake representative actions, under Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974, where it identifies that there is a misuse of market power or other restrictive trade practices.
Monitoring of the prices of certain milk products
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	‑	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government has provided additional funding of $0.5 million in 1999‑2000 for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor prices, costs and profits of businesses selling liquid milk products. This is to examine whether the prices of these products are being appropriately set given the introduction of a dairy industry adjustment levy and industry deregulation.
Further Information
The Commonwealth dairy industry adjustment package will assist dairy farmers to make the transition to a deregulated environment. This follows the agreement by the State and Territory Governments to the deregulation of the dairy industry by removing current farm gate pricing arrangements. The package will be funded by a levy of 11 cents per litre that will be applied to liquid milk products. The farm gate price of milk is expected to fall following deregulation on 1 July 2000.
See also the related expense measure titled Dairy Regional Assistance Programme, in the Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business portfolio.
Monitoring tax reform price exploitation
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	15.5	6.5	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government is providing additional funding of $22 million over two years for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to undertake activities to ensure compliance with the price exploitation provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA). The ACCC will expand its monitoring of retail prices function to include further data collections in 2000‑01 and in 2001‑02; increase its capacity to respond to inquiries from business and consumers through its telephone hotline; and improve Australia‑wide management of GST compliance by undertaking compliance and enforcement actions to counter deceptive and misleading conduct by unincorporated entities and individuals. The States were previously responsible for this activity.
The Government has also provided the ACCC with an additional $1 million in 1999‑2000 for preparatory work on the second and third items above.
Further Information
In the 1999‑2000 Budget the Government provided the ACCC with $28 million over three years to monitor retail prices and to report to the Treasurer on instances where consumers have not benefited from reductions in the tax rate, or have been exposed to greater than necessary price rises. Funding was also allocated to provide information to the community at large through a national advertising campaign and to enable the ACCC to take enforcement action where there are breaches of the new prohibition on price exploitation in the Trade Practices Act 1974. 
The Government announced in the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 1999‑2000 that it would provide the ACCC with an additional $5 million in 1999‑2000 to expand its monitoring of retail prices function to include four additional data collections before the implementation of the GST on 1 July 2000.

Postal services regulation
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission:	
1.0	
1.0	
1.0	
1.0	

Explanation
The Government will fund the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to carry out its proposed role as the competition regulator for postal services. The ACCC will undertake tasks associated with administration of functions under the access regime, including declaration inquiries; arbitration of the terms and conditions of access; and assessment of access undertakings offered by providers of postal services. It will also oversee record keeping for the purpose of accounting separation between the reserved services and other services.
This measure will be funded by a levy on Australia Post (see related revenue measure, Postal services regulation cost recovery).
Further Information
The proposed access regime is a key feature of the postal reform package that the Government announced in July 1998 following a review of the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989. The access regime allows competitors to access Australia Post’s network. The regime will promote competition in the postal services industry. The current nationwide letter service at a uniform price for standard letters up to 250 grams  the Universal Service Obligation  will be unaffected by the reforms.
Continuation of managed investments regulation
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Securities and Investments Commission:	2.9	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will provide the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) with funding in 2000‑01 so it can continue to monitor and regulate managed investment funds. This will enable ASIC to promote and maintain high standards of disclosure and compliance in the managed investments industry. Ongoing funding is pending the outcome of a review of the Managed Investments Act 1998 by a Parliamentary committee in 2000‑01. 
Further Information
The Managed Investments Act 1998 established a new regime for the regulation and structure of managed investment schemes, such as unit trusts. Resources were allocated to ASIC in the 1998‑99 Budget to fund the establishment of the regime and the initial registration and licensing of the schemes in existence at that time during a two year transitional period.
Transfer of responsibility for unclaimed moneys from the States and Territories to the Commonwealth
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Securities and Investments Commission:	3.3	3.3	3.2	3.2	

Explanation
The Government will provide the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) with funding to administer unclaimed moneys from non‑bank Authorised Deposit‑taking Institutions. 
The above figures include provision for the refund of unclaimed moneys, administered through the Banking Act 1959. 
Further Information
The Commonwealth, through ASIC, will now administer the unclaimed moneys from non‑bank Authorised Deposit‑taking Institutions. With the proclamation of the Financial Sector Reform (Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 1999, this administrative function has been transferred from the States and Territories to the Commonwealth of Australia.
By consolidating the administration of unclaimed moneys for all financial institutions with ASIC, depositors will now only have to deal with one agency.
See also the related revenue measure titled Transfer of responsibility for unclaimed moneys from the States and Territories to the Commonwealth in the Treasury portfolio.

Administration of the Fuels sales grants scheme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Taxation Office:	9.5	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
From 1 July 2000 the Government will introduce a tiered grants scheme which will be paid to retailers of petrol and diesel in non-metropolitan and remote regions. This scheme will be administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Funding under this measure will contribute towards staffing and other implementation costs. The Government has provided the ATO with an additional $3.2 million in 1999‑2000 to implement the scheme.
Further Information
See also the related expense measure Fuels sales grants scheme and capital measure Administration of the Fuels sales grants scheme, in the Treasury portfolio.
Business tax reform
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Taxation Office:	20.6	22.9	-	-	
Department of the Treasury:	4.5	5.5	6.5	6.5	
Total:	25.1	28.4	6.5	6.5	

Explanation
The Government will provide the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with funding to meet the administrative and systems costs for implementing the Business Taxation Reform measures including an additional $20 million in 1999‑2000 to assist business to implement the new arrangements. This funding will assist the ATO in designing and developing legislation, along with the development of its business processes which flow from the implementation of the Government’s business tax reforms. It will also be used to train ATO staff in the new policy, law and work procedures.
The Government will also provide funds to the Department of the Treasury to establish a non‑statutory Board of Taxation, and to respond to increased demands for tax policy advice. The Board will be supported by a secretariat based in the Department of the Treasury and the Board will be able to commission research from external consultants. The Board will consult with a wide range of bodies and individuals on taxation policy. This will allow access to private expertise (at a high level) on a regular basis, on all aspects of the tax law.
Further Information
This is a cross agency measure between the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of the Treasury.
See also the related capital measure Business tax reform, in the Treasury portfolio.
Fuels sales grants scheme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Australian Taxation Office:	110.0	120.0	125.0	135.0	

Explanation
From 1 July 2000 the Government will introduce a tiered grants scheme which will be paid to retailers of petrol and diesel. A grant will be paid for sales to consumers in non‑metropolitan areas with a higher rate of grant provided for sales in remote areas. Petrol and diesel prices are generally higher in non‑metropolitan and remote areas compared with metropolitan areas. The grants scheme will help address the divergence in fuel prices between the cities and regional areas.
As part of the A New Tax System package, the Government will also reduce excise on petrol and diesel so the pump price of these commodities for consumers need not rise. Taken together, these measures will ensure that the Government’s commitment that the price of petrol and diesel for consumers need not rise as a result of the introduction of the GST is met.
Further Information
The Government will continue to monitor fuel prices in the lead up to 1 July 2000 to set the grants rate. Further details on the exact entitlement to the grant scheme along with the grant rates will be announced before 1 July 2000 and will be prescribed in regulations to the legislation.
See also the related expense and capital measures titled Administration of the Fuel sales grants scheme, in the Treasury portfolio.

Veterans’ Affairs
Change the date of effect for grants and variations to compensation payments
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Family and Community Services:	..	0.1	0.1	0.1	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	0.9	‑2.3	‑2.5	‑2.8	
Total:	0.9	‑2.2	‑2.5	‑2.7	

Explanation
The Government will modify the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 to change the way that disability and war widows’ pensions are calculated to more accurately reflect pensioners’ true entitlements.
Currently pensioners receive a full fortnight’s instalment at the new or varied rate on the payday following the determination. Under these new arrangements, pensioners will receive a payment that reflects only the number of days prior to that payday for which they are entitled to the new or varied rate.
Where a reduction in pension occurs, the pensioner will receive a more generous first payment in the next fortnight. This is because the reduction is only made for the number of days prior to the pay day for which the reduced rate applies, rather than for a full fortnight.
As a result of this change, a disability or war widow/er pensioners assessable income for Family and Community Services and Veterans’ Affairs payments income test purposes may reduce slightly. This leads to a small increase in the Department of Family and Community Services income support payments.
Further Information
See also the related capital measure titled Change the date of effect for grants and variations to compensation payments, in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio.
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Family and Community Services.
Extension of ‘Their Service — Our Heritage’ Commemorative Programme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	5.0	5.0	3.6	3.6	

Explanation
The Government will build on the ‘Their Service — Our Heritage’ Commemorative Programme. The Programme will be extended through the Centenary of Federation and into the new millennium with a range of initiatives including commemorative missions, community awareness programmes and commemorative events.
Managing health care information
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	‑4.2	‑8.3	‑8.5	‑8.7	

Explanation
The Government will provide funding for the third stage in the development of a data warehouse system that will allow for more effective management of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs health care information.
Services to the veteran community will be improved through collection of data to allow analysis of linked health care activities and assessment of the impact of treatment. The system will also be a single authoritative source of health related management data that can then be used to benchmark the performance of different providers and provider organisations.
The measure is expected to generate savings in expenses in a number of areas including improving contract negotiations and performance monitoring and consequentially moving towards better quality outcomes and efficiency.
Further Information
See also the related capital measure titled Managing health care information, in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio.
Refurbishment of war cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance in Australia and overseas
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	

Explanation
The Government will enhance the maintenance programme undertaken by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG). 
The OAWG maintains memorials, cemeteries and associated facilities in Australia and overseas. This includes more than 70 war cemeteries and war plots, and more than 215,000 official post war memorials. The number of post war memorials increases at a rate of approximately 8,000 memorials per year. 
Residential Care Development Scheme
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	6.8	‑	‑	‑	

Explanation
The Government will continue funding for the Residential Care Development Scheme, demonstrating its commitment to the best possible residential care services for the veteran community. The Scheme supports the improvement of residential care facilities run by ex‑service organisations (ESOs) to meet certification and accreditation standards.
The Scheme helps both ESOs and community based organisations, where there is identified direct benefit to the veteran community, to improve access of entitled veterans and their widow(er)s to high quality residential aged care services and Community Care Packages. 

Response to findings of the Vietnam Veterans’ Health Study
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Health and Aged Care:	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	8.2	7.0	7.2	7.1	
Total:	8.9	7.7	7.9	7.8	

Explanation
The Government will provide a package of assistance for Vietnam veterans and their families. Preventive health regimes already available under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 will be expanded and enhanced through both physical and mental health initiatives. For veterans’ dependants, the initiative provides health care and support to supplement community care already available through the Home and Community Care Programme.
This package has been developed following the Government’s consideration of the Vietnam Veterans’ Health Study. The Study was undertaken to address veterans’ concerns that their health, and the health of family members, had been adversely affected by their service in Vietnam. The Study found that veterans perceive their health as much poorer than others their age, and indicates that they have some chronic illnesses at higher rates than the community norm.
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Review of service entitlements anomalies with respect to South‑East Asian
service 1955‑75
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Defence:	‑	‑	‑	‑	
Department of Family and Community Services:	‑12.9	‑26.6	‑27.2	‑27.8	
Department of Health and Aged Care:	‑0.8	‑1.5	‑1.5	‑1.5	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	16.2	36.4	36.9	36.8	
Total:	2.5	8.3	8.3	7.5	

Explanation
The Government will extend repatriation benefits and medals to certain deployments to South‑East Asia in the period 1955‑75.
A review of service entitlements anomalies with respect to South‑East Asian service 1955‑75 concluded that anomalies existed in the determination of entitlements to medals and repatriation benefits for a number of deployments of Australian Defence Force and other personnel. The Department of Defence has reassessed each deployment, and this measure rectifies anomalies determined in the award of medals and repatriation entitlements.
An additional 43,000 medals will be awarded, and an additional 2,600 veterans will be entitled to repatriation benefits. The Department of Defence will absorb the cost ($1.7 million in 2000‑01) for the provision of medals. 
As the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will provide service pensions and health care for those entitled to repatriation benefits, savings will be realised in the Departments of Health and Aged Care and Family and Community Services. 
This is a cross portfolio measure between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Defence.

Veterans’ Home Care
Expense ($m)
	2000‑01	2001‑02	2002‑03	2003‑04	
Department of Veterans’ Affairs:	6.4	‑29.4	‑15.4	‑18.9	

Explanation
The Government will transfer responsibility for the provision of home care services for entitled veterans from the Home and Community Care (HACC) programme in the Department of Health and Aged Care to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This will result in net savings for DVA as the current costs of high level care will lessen due to more clients being able to access home care services. 
This programme will be available to eligible Gold and White Card holders who are assessed as needing home support services. The initiative is part of a strategy for improving and maintaining the health, well‑being and independence of veterans through the provision of better targeted support in the home.
As a result of this transfer of responsibility for home care services for veterans, there will be additional capacity in the HACC programme to service the needs of the wider community.