In 2017–18, the ABCC had a strong focus on financial management to ensure efficient and effective use of resources. The total income for the agency was $32.518 million for 2017–18, which included appropriation funding of $32.412 million. The agency incurred total expenses of $30.642 million. As a result, the ABCC recorded an operating profit of $1.876 million in 2017–18.

Major expenses for the agency include employee benefits (57%), accommodation (9%) and legal expenses (13%). Although the costs of the first two categories are relatively predictable, the legal expenses category is subject to volatility depending on the nature and complexity of the matter. Legal expenses decreased by $6.802 million compared to 2016–17.

The agency resource statement (Table 34) summarises the total resources in comparison to the total payments made during the year. The expenses and resources table (Table 35) details the expenses by outcome.

Table 34: Agency resource statement, 2017–18

  Actual available appropriation for 2017–18 Payments
made
2017–18		 Balance
remaining
2017–18
  $'000 $'000 $'000
  (a) (b) (a–b)
Ordinary annual services*      
Departmental appropriation†^ 75,258 31,655 43,603
Total ordinary annual services 75,258 31,655 43,603
Other services      
Departmental non-operating      
Equity injections - - -
Total other services - - -
Total available annual appropriations 75,258 31,655 43,603
Total net resourcing for the ABCC 75,258 31,655 43,603

* Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2017–18. This may also include prior-year departmental appropriation and section 74 retained revenue receipts.
† Includes an amount of $0.441m in 2017–18 for the departmental capital budget. For accounting purposes, this amount has been designated as 'contributions by owners'.
^ Actual available and balance remaining includes Appropriation Act 2014–15 quarantined appropriation under section 51 of $19.322m.

Table 35: Expenses and resources for Outcome 1, 2017–18

Outcome 1: Compliance with workplace relations legislation by employees and employers through advice, education and where necessary enforcement Budget

2017–18		 Actual
expenses
2017–18		 Variation
  $'000 $'000 $'000
  (a) (b) (a–b)
Program 1.1: Education services and compliance activities
Departmental expenses      
Departmental appropriation* 32,522 32,412 110
Section 74 Retained revenue receipts (a) 405 106 299
Expenses not requiring appropriation in the budget year 1,275 (1,876) 3,151
Total for Program 1.1 34,202 30,642 3,560
Total expenses for Outcome 1 34,202 30,642 3,560
       
    2017–18  
Average staffing level (number)   139  

* Budget information reflects budgets as set out in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2017–18 (Table 2.1.1).