Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 87
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
What financial impact will the increased efficiency dividend have on your Department / agency this financial year and in the out years?

Answer/s:
The increase will reduce Outcome 1 and 2 appropriations for the Environment and Heritage portfolio by a total of $1.2 million in 2005‑06, $2.5 million in 2006-07 and $3.7 million in each of 2007-08 and 2008‑09.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 88
Sub Outcome:	
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
The increase in the efficiency dividend was announced in last year’s elections, what plans have you made to meet it?

Answer/s:
The increase in the efficiency dividend was reflected in the 2005‑06 Budget and has been factored into estimated appropriations over the forward estimates period. The resulting reduction in appropriations will be absorbed from existing resources.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 89
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
What will this mean for staff numbers?

Answer/s:
Overall, the increase in the efficiency dividend will have no impact on staff numbers in the portfolio. Average staffing levels are expected to grow for the Department of the Environment and Heritage from 1464 in 2004-05 to 1612 in 2005-06 (source: 2005-06 Budget Paper No. 1) commensurate with the overall increase in Australian Government spending on the environment and heritage.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No:  90
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
Will any specific programs be cut?  Please specify which ones and the size of the estimated savings?

Answer/s:
Department of the Environment and Heritage
No.

Bureau of Meteorology
No.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
No.

Office of Renewable Energy Regulator
No

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
No.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No:  91
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
Will any core functions be affected by these savings measures?

Answer/s:
Department of the Environment and Heritage
Core functions within the Department of the Environment and Heritage will not be affected by the increase in the efficiency dividend.

Bureau of Meteorology
Yes.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
No.

Office of Renewable Energy Regulator
No.

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
No.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 92
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
How will meeting the efficiency dividend affect your graduate recruitment plan?

Answer/s:
There is no anticipated affect on portfolio graduate recruitment plans from the efficiency dividend.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 93
Division/Agency:	Department and Agencies
Topic:	Efficiency Dividend
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
How will meeting the efficiency dividend affect your ability to retain experienced staff?

Answer/s:
Department of the Environment and Heritage
The increase in the efficiency dividend will not affect the ability of the Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) to retain experienced staff. Total Australian Government appropriation to DEH is estimated to increase from $749.0 million in 2004‑05 to $818.6 million in 2005-06. The 2005-06 Budget increases total environmental spending by more than $0.460 million compared with 2004-05. This will ensure more than sufficient opportunity for experienced staff to remain within DEH.

Bureau of Meteorology
Meeting the efficiency dividend does not affect the Bureau’s ability to retain experienced staff.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
No affect.

Office of Renewable Energy Regulator
No impact is anticipated at this time.

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
No impact.