The Auditor General has tabled a report in Parliament summarising how well 19 State Government entities rolled out 30 financial relief and stimulus funding initiatives, finding that much money is still to be spent.
The Auditor’s report Roll-out of State COVID-19 Stimulus Initiatives: July 2020 – March 2021 covers initiatives including financial relief targeted to support citizens, community groups and businesses that were economically impacted, as well as stimulus funding intended to generate new or additional economic activity and support jobs.
Auditor General, Caroline Spencer said it was a credit to the responsible entities that in unique and somewhat difficult circumstances all 30 initiatives examined were rolled out, at least in part.
“Entities had a strong focus on maintaining sound governance and risk management frameworks,” Ms Spencer said.
“In total, 61 per cent of the total budget was delivered through the 30 initiatives, which also means a total of approximately $800 million remains unspent,” she said.
“Of particular concern are the Department of Communities’ social housing initiatives, with only $6.42 million (two per cent) of the $319 million budget spent at 31 March.”
She said that although the measures were planned to be rolled out over two years, they were now competing for resources in a building and construction boom that was being driven by other pandemic-induced stimulus measures.
“It is relevant to also recognise that the economy is now larger than it was pre-COVID-19,” Ms Spencer said.
“When deciding on future stimulus funding and relief measures, State Government entities should consider predictable events in their planning such as market limitations including reduced contractor and builder availability.”
She said it was also important that entities improved their planning and coordination when initiatives were competing with one another, as was the case with social housing, to ensure all initiatives reached the relevant beneficiaries.
The Auditor General’s 19-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
