Page 5248 - Week 16 - Thursday, 28 November 1991

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I am responding to that question as responsibility for the ACT Government Computing Service falls within my portfolio.

The answer to the question is that the ACT Government Computing Service systematically monitors its available funds allocation, which is controlled electronically by the whole of government financial system, or Fiscal program. In addition, the ACT Government Computing Service has set its own internal budgets. Budget consumables are broken into three parts: Computer consumables such as ribbons, toner, computer paper, magnetic discs and tapes; machine consumables such as photocopier toner and binders for binding machines; and office stationery, such as photocopy paper, pens, notepads, folders and the like. Orders for consumables are raised only if sufficient budget and cash is available. Orders cannot be raised without the appropriate delegates' signatures.

The budgets are also split across the main business areas of the ACT Government Computing Service, and the manager of a business area can access only budget available for that particular area. Regular monthly reports go to all managers and the assistant general manager and are reviewed at the next weekly management meeting. So, there is an ongoing examination. All office consumables are held in the administration area. Most of the computer consumables are kept at the Barton Computer Centre, which is secured by a magnetic key.

Asbestos Removal

MR CONNOLLY: The day before yesterday Mr Jensen asked me to table a copy of the contract between the Government and the companies contracted to remove loose asbestos from Canberra houses. I assume that Mr Jensen has asked for this document to look at the entitlements of asbestos program clients in cases where their houses are damaged during removal. The contracts comprise a variety of papers, including the technical specification for removing asbestos, which is a public document. While I am reluctant to table the full contracts as they are commercial-in-confidence - that is, they contain price sensitive material - I can table the technical specification, and I expect that this will provide the information which Mr Jensen is seeking.

I can assure Mr Jensen that the departmental policy is to require the contractor to make good any damage which occurs while asbestos is being removed from a house. Rectification work is considered to be an integral part of the removal process, and the decision about what work is required to bring the house back to standard is made within the department. There is a review procedure within the department so that clients who are dissatisfied can have their claims reconsidered if they are not happy with any


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