Question On Notice No. 265 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 September 2021 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas
Question Directed to the: Minister for Mental Health representing the Treasurer
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to section 20 of the Financial Management Act 2006 that allows the Treasurer to direct all or part of moneys standing in a special purpose account that the Treasurer deems not to be reasonably required for the purposes of that account to be credited to the Consolidated Account, and I ask:
(a) for the each of the financial years 2016–17 to 2020–21 inclusive, on how many occasions has the current or former Treasurer used the power under section 20 to transfer amounts from special purpose accounts to the Consolidated Account; and
(b) for each of those occaisions:
(i) what was the total value of all funds transferred from special purpose accounts to the consolidated account;
(ii) from which accounts and respective agencies or departments were these funds withdrawn and why; and
(iii) on what dates did the transfers take place?
Answered on 12 October 2021
The Department of Treasury advises:
(a) Three.
(b) (i) $112.5 million in total.
(b) (ii – iii)
1. Agency Cash Balance Review ($70.4 million) – on multiple dates between 7 May 2018 and 19 June 2018 – following a review of agency cash balances, cash that is surplus to agencies’ requirements was returned to the Consolidated Account to assist with the State’s overall cash and liquidity management.
The following agencies returned surplus cash under section 20:
· Commissioner for Children and Young People;
· Corruption and Crime Commission;
· Health and Disability Services Complaints Office;
· Legislative Assembly;
· Legislative Council;
· Public Sector Commission;
· Registrar, WA Industrial Relations Commission;
· Salaries and Allowances Tribunal;
· Training and Workforce Development;
· Department of Treasury; and
· Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
2. Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority ($20.7 million) – 27 June 2018 – following the sale of Lots 5 and 6 at Elizabeth Quay, in accordance with the terms of the approved project.
3. Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority ($21.4 million) – 25 September 2019 – following the sale of Lots 2 and 3 at Elizabeth Quay, in accordance with the terms of the approved project.