All Tasmanian Government agencies have been asked by the Premier, Lara Giddings, to review spending on external consultancies as they work to find Budget savings.

 

Ms Giddings said she had written to all Head of Agency urging them to carefully consider spending on all non-essential consultancies.

 

"I accept that there is a role for the use of consultancies in some instances, for example, there are cases where it makes sense to seek external expertise for a limited timeframe rather than retaining costly specialised services on-staff,” she said.

 

  “There are also cases where expert trainers are used to provide important professional development and OH&S training to state service employees, which is entirely appropriate and necessary to maintain an efficient and safe workplace.

 

 “However, I want to ensure that there is strong oversight of all spending by heads of agency and managers, particularly in relation to the appointment of external consultants.”

 

Ms Giddings said in the financial year to date the Department of Premier and Cabinet had spent $1.4 million on general contractors and consultants. Half of that total was awarded to charities and schools to develop community gardens and distribute food to disadvantaged families as part of the Food Security Strategy.

 

A further $395,180 was spent on advertising and promotion, including Seniors Week, the review of Tasmania Together and preparation of the 2011-12 Seniors Card directory.

 

Ms Giddings said there would continue to be a need for the Government to advertise and communicate its policies.

 

“But I recognise that at a time when we are seeking significant savings across all departments, the community would expect us to limit these activities as much as possible.”

 

In addition to the review of consultancies and advertising, Ms Giddings said she had asked Treasury to review the arrangements around private plated vehicles with a view to reducing costs.

 

There are 569 private plated vehicles leased across Government as part of the salary packages of parliamentarians, judges, doctors, SES executives and senior Government employees at an average cost of approximately $13,200 a year per vehicle. 

 

"These are offered so that we can remain competitive with the public service interstate and continue to attract quality staff,” Ms Giddings said.

 

“However I am keen to explore ways that we can further reduce the cost of the overall vehicle fleet.

 

“This could include replacing vehicles that are costly to run and maintain with more efficient vehicles as leases expire.”