PBS

Question

Senator DAVID POCOCK: I was hoping you could help me clarify something in your portfolio budget statement. I'm looking at table 3.7 on page 66. It looks as though revenue from fees and charges is projected to go from $789 million this financial year to just over $1 billion next financial year. Is that correct? Ms Veneros: Yes, that's what's in the table. Senator DAVID POCOCK: But, on page 58 of your PBS, it seems as though the reverse is the case. Under the heading 'Schedule of budgeted administered cash flows', it says: Administered cash receipts primarily comprise receipts from passport and consular services and are budgeted at $1,040.9 million- just over $1 billion- a decrease of $251.6 million. Is that meant to say 'increase'? Senator Wong: From what was estimated, I think it says. Ms Degen: Sorry, can you just confirm which page you're looking at? Senator DAVID POCOCK: 58. Senator Wong: 58 is a reference to- Senator DAVID POCOCK: It says on page- Senator Wong: Could we just let her get to the page, please, Senator Pocock. Senator DAVID POCOCK: I assume she's on it. Senator Wong: Well, yes, but she hasn't-it's not unreasonable. The last part of 58 is a note-administered cash 'as compared with the PBS statement'. Ms Degen: I genuinely think we would have to take this on notice to see what the change was between the two. I'm happy to see what we can find out this afternoon and come back around. Senator Wong: It may be what was estimated as opposed to actuals. That's what I thought when I read it. Can we check that and come back to you? Senator DAVID POCOCK: Okay. Thank you. That'd be good to confirm there. I just thought maybe 'decrease' and 'increase' got mixed up, but on notice would be great.

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