Page 3213 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (5.37), in reply: I thank members for their contributions. I note the suggestion by Ms Le Couteur. I understand that there is an extensive process of digital transformation for the Assembly’s business processes and digitisation of the Assembly’s archived records to make the history of this place more accessible in the future. That is clearly part of this appropriation and part of the ongoing work of OLA in the 2019-20 fiscal year.
We look forward to further submissions, and I will take on board the practical and efficient measure that has been suggested by Ms Le Couteur. I will certainly bear it in mind, as I am sure you will, Madam Speaker, in the context of shaping future budget submissions.
In relation to Mrs Dunne’s observations, there is some merit in considering that, although we would need, of course, to be consistent with the self-government act, which is very clear that only a minister can propose an appropriation. Ultimately, the executive is accountable for all expenditure, so there must be, in a democratic system, an ultimate accountability; that does sit with the executive and, I guess, with the Treasurer.
Whilst I would like to fund every submission that comes forward, I suspect that the opposition would be very concerned at the level of revenue that would be necessary to fund every submission that comes in to the budget process. I do not think that would generate a particularly strong level of community support overall as well. It is a difficult process. We receive, generally speaking, three to four times the level of available funds in submissions into the process. It is no different for the Office of the Legislative Assembly from other areas of public expenditure.
This year we have certainly funded all of the priority projects that were identified. We look forward to the successful delivery of those projects and the inevitable approach for more funding to undertake more work, consistent with the direction that has been set in this appropriation this year. I commend it to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
The Assembly adjourned at 5.40 pm.
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