The department ended the 2014–15 financial year reporting a deficit attributable to the Australian Government of $0.530 million. This result reflects the pattern of expenditure that normally occurs during the middle period of the parliamentary cycle. All areas of the department were fully staffed throughout the reporting period.

Through the 2015–16 federal budget, the department was able to secure supplementary funding to support the work of committees during 2014–15.

While this additional funding alleviated the immediate need to find further efficiencies and savings, wages and salaries expense trends have remained static. The reduction in the department’s own-source income is attributable to the conclusion of some funding agreements under the Pacific Parliamentary Partnerships program.

The department’s statement of financial position continues to remain healthy with adequate cash reserves available to fund planned asset replacement. Phase one of the furniture replacement project is nearing completion. This project will come in under budget and has utilised a combination of departmental capital budget funding and cash reserves.

The outlook for the coming financial years remains very tight and sees a decline of appropriation in real terms. Expenditure restraint will be required to enable us to deliver effective services which can be reasonably expected of us and remain within budget.We will continue to innovate and keep pace with technological change to sustain the quality of our service delivery.

Figure 3: Financial performance, 2010–11 to 2014–15 [Text-only description]