Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Disability Reform provides the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Traditional Credit Union (TCU) is not required to cover up front costs and then claim reimbursement. The funding agreement between the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs specifies that payments to TCU will be made in accordance with the projected cash flow contained in the approved costed work plan provided to the Department by the TCU.

(2) Refer to the answer at (1) above.

(3) Funds for this project are to be expended over four financial years from 2010-2014 and in accordance with the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and the Australian National Audit Office Implementing Better Practice Grants Administration guide which does not support payment for projects in advance of need.