F 76/ 20
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 4 February 1976
DEPARTMENTAL SPENDING
As announced yesterday savings of about $ 9 million in the
Childhood Services Programme will be achieved in 1975/ 76
This will be possible as a result of the slowing down of some
already approved capital projects and by curtailing further
development of the programme this financial year through
the approval of only a limited number of urgent Child
Care services in the highest priority needs areas.
Funds are available to meet all other existing commitments
this financial year.
The appointment is announced of Senator Margaret Guilfoyle
as Minister assisting me in child care matters.
An Interim Committee within the Department is continuing to
administer-the Childhood Services Programme.
As was also announced yesterday, reduced purchases overseas
by the Australian National Gallery will save over
$ 3 million in -the current financial year.
The policy and programmes of the Australian National Gallery
were discussed with the Chairman of the Gallery's Interim
Council, Mr R. C. Crebbin last week.
It was agreed that decisions could be deferred on the
acquisition of certain overseas works which have been under
consideration by the Council, resulting in a saving in the
present financial year of $ 3 million.
It was also decided to negotiate payment for one particular
work, costing $ 400,000, so as to spread the cost over
the current and next financial. years.
This giv3s a total saving in the present financial year
of $ 3.2 million out cf the Gallery's appropriation of
$ 5.6 million.
At the same time, there was agreement
that the Gallery's acquisition programme for Australian
art should be strengthened by re-allocating an additional
$ 200,000 from other proposed programmes.
The Australia Council's budget of $ 23.7 million
for the current financial year will be reduced by $ 605,000.
Cuts will be made in both administrative expenditure and activities
in support for the arts.
Administrative expenses of the Public Service Board are
to be reduced by $ 394,500 nrainly due to reductions in
expenditure on computers, advertising, consultants' fees
and staff engaged on full time training. These savings are
in addition to general cuts on overtime and travel totalling
$ 161,700.
The Film and Television School's budget of $ 3.7 million will
be reduced by $ 277,000 in the areas of administrative
services and purchase of equipment.
It is expected that expenditure in the current financial
year in connction with the establishxment of the Australia/ Japan
Foundation, about which a statement was made on
January will not exceed $ 100,000.