Inquiry into the 2021-22 budget estimates

Background

Each year around May, the Government tables the budget papers and the Appropriation Bills in the Parliament. The budget papers include estimated projections of government revenue over the forward estimates (three years) and expenditure for the next financial year. They also outline the fiscal outlook for the State’s economy and the Government’s proposed major initiatives.

The appropriation bills reflect the spending proposals contained in the budget papers and the Parliament must pass the bills to authorise the expenditure of public money. The budget papers and the appropriation bills form the basis of accountability for financial and performance management for each government department.

On behalf of the Parliament, the Committee conducts detailed scrutiny of the Government’s annual spending and revenue (the budget estimates).

Objectives

The Committee’s budget estimates inquiry aims to benefit the Parliament and the community by:

• promoting the accountability, transparency and integrity of the executive and the public sector
• encouraging effective and efficient delivery of public services and assets
• enhancing the understanding of the budget estimates and the wider economic environment and
• assisting members of Parliament in their deliberation on the appropriation bills.