It fluctuated between years. It started as early as 1998–1999. There were a couple of years there that it did come out: 2001–02 was the year they had a small surplus; in 2002–03 they had another small surplus; and in 2003–04 they started going back into a deficit position. I believe the last time they had a positive entry was 2004–05.
I was saying, Mr.
Chairman, the fact that the
department has been working with authorities and trying to get them to live within their means…. But the simple fact that they had been spending more than they had been bringing in is an example of everything the Member’s raised; for example, further increasing the costs of delivery across the Territories in a number of these authorities. It is something we’re going to have to get a grip on and make the necessary changes to start living within the budgeted amounts that are provided.