Page title

Purpose

This document outlines the criteria used by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to determine whether a client will receive a discount for the use of recreation camps, and the discount that will be provided. Discounts are applied against the full cost of providing the service¹.

The recreation camps operated by DLGSC are designed to provide physical activity and experiential learning opportunities through participation in outdoor activities. The Government provides a community service obligation to enable schools and other eligible community groups to access these camps at a discounted price, to achieve the Government’s objective of encouraging a healthy and active population.

Considerations for the costs associated with providing these services include:

1. costing methodology direct/indirect
2. operating costs
3. divisional costs
4. agency costs
5. notional costs.

Income

The recreation camps have developed four key customer groups in which services are categorised. The groups are reflected in four pricing tiers:

• Tier 1 — Corporate
• Tier 2 — Sustainable communities
• Tier 3 — School and education groups
• Tier 4 — Internal events and special needs groups.

The price schedule encompasses accommodation services and recreation programs. Catering services are only provided directly through our regional camp in Albany (Quaranup) whilst the metropolitan camps are serviced directly by a professional caterer.

Tier 1 — Corporate

Criteria

• private/public companies where the profits are redistributed to owners, directors or shareholders (i.e., activities for personal gain)
• government organisations (e.g., departments, government trading enterprises, statutory authorities and commissions) that are utilising camp services for internal outcomes
• industry associations that are not part of the sport and recreation, arts and culture or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community
• corporate organisations that have a substantive capacity to pay.

Discount

Nil. Corporate clients do not receive any discount, these prices reflect the full commercial cost of providing the services offered.

Tier 2 — Sustainable communities

Criteria

• community groups that:
  • have a strategic objective that provides benefit to the broader community (e.g. education and training, crime prevention or healthy lifestyles)
  • provides services to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged or at-risk groups; or
  • can demonstrate their proposed activities are likely to have a positive effect on social welfare and families or
  • who operate on a not-for-profit,² charity or primarily volunteer basis.
• state sporting associations (that have an ABN and are registered with DLGSC) and peak bodies in the sport and recreation sector
• communities promoting inclusivity and diversity through participation in arts and culture
• government agencies (Federal, State or local) that provide programs with the objective of achieving a community service outcome.

For example, community groups included in this category may include:

• sporting/recreation clubs at grass roots level
• state sporting associations
• regional clubs and Community Resource Centres
• Guides/Scouts WA
• Aboriginal community and assistance groups
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD)
• at risk communities
• church or religious groups
• DLGSC operated holiday programs.

Discount

These groups are supported by an aggregate discount no greater than 30 per cent of the retail price for accommodation, and up to 30 per cent of the retail price for activity programs unless they are also using accommodation services, in which case they may be eligible for up to a 55 per cent discount on programs where the participants are of school age.

Tier 3 — Schools and education groups

Criteria

• All WA schools including public, independent, private and religious and tertiary institutions. This includes camps funded by school P&C groups and committees supported by the education institution.

Discount

These groups are eligible for a maximum discount of 55 per cent off the retail price for programs and a maximum discount of 45 per cent for accommodation. This discount reflects the support required to provide a price that is within the reach of these organisations

Tier 4 — Internal events and special needs groups

Internal DLGSC events

At cost activities are those provided internally within DLGSC. These activities cannot be invoiced and are treated within an accounting framework based on variable user requirements. Subject to approval consistent within departmental procurement limits at approved delegated cost centres.

• Events organised by DLGSC camps staff for the purpose of delivering operating and strategic objectives for the camps or the wider agency.
• Typically held when there are no competing bookings, such that clients are not prevented from using the camp during these events.
• In some instances, as in meeting room bookings, no cost may be incurred.

Discount

The cost to DLGSC for these events represents between 0% and 45% of the full commercial cost of the service. This value recovers the cost of labour required to provide the events where it has an impact on the operating costs.

Special needs groups

In most cases these are joint venture projects with another party and DLGSC (i.e. other agencies or non-government organisations (NGOs)) to achieve specific social welfare outcomes. The level of cost recovery may vary and requires approval at director level on a case-by-case basis.

Criteria

• not-for-profit organisations or government agencies offering services to severely at risk or disadvantaged groups
• groups that would be unable to access recreation camp services if DLGSC did not strategically intervene and provide the services at a discount
• identified as a social priority in DLGSC strategic intent
• target populations for community intervention may include sport and recreation, arts and culture or multicultural interests
• the purpose of using the camp is to deliver a social welfare outcome.
  

Discount

The price offer to special needs groups varies according to the specific requirements of the client (e.g., additional carer labour, instructor ratios, disabled access in dormitory areas, 24-hour security). Due to this, the price charged for these groups requires approval at director level on a case-by-case basis. However, in most cases, these groups will not pay more than the labour costs or specific operational costs that are attributed to that service. This may represent a discount of between 45% and 100%. 

Client matrix

Camps staff use a client type reference guide to interpret group types and the appropriate fee category. Staff are encouraged to seek advice from management where they are uncertain as to which category the client may belong. This matrix is reviewed annually consistent with each new calendar year of pricing and reflects the Department of Treasury endorsed price framework.

Price book

The operating register for the recreation camps fees and charges resides in the camps booking systems — Kx Conferencing. This is updated annually consistent with tariffs, fees and charges reviews and approvals. Tax invoices reflect GST inclusive prices.

Price points have simple rounding applied as part of the tariffs, fees and charges submission.

Approved changes achieved in a pricing review are uploaded by the Director Recreation and Camps ahead of the new calendar year price period.

Strategic context to DLGSC

Our vision

Creating a vibrant, inclusive and connected WA community.

Our mission

To enable dynamic and inclusive communities and support the WA economy through effective regulation and the facilitation of outstanding sporting and cultural experiences and opportunities.

Our values include:

• customer focused
• responsive
• respectful
• accountable
• innovative.
  

Context to sport and recreation

To support a connected sport and recreation sector that is safe, encourages participation develops talent while contributing to a healthy and active Western Australia. 

Opportunity — more Western Australians having the opportunity to participate and progress in sport and active recreation more often.

Connected — a well-informed, empowered and connected sector which recognises and promotes the value of sport and recreation, is innovative and responsive to the changing needs of the community. 

Capable — a capable sport and active recreation workforce including areas such as administration, coaching, officiating, instructing and volunteering.

Place — create optimal sport and recreation environments now and into the future with the places and spaces to enjoy and play. 

Review of the changes impacting camp locations are undertaken by camp managers and camps booking staff as part of the publish review prior to going live in the public domain.

Context to recreation camps guiding principles: PEOPLE

Participation and partnership through outdoor activity.

Engage with diversity, building communities through recreation and education.

Operations are safe, affordable, effective and accessible.

Professionalism is paramount in all aspects of service delivery.

Learning and life experience is cherished and respected.

Empowering participants and outdoor leaders to fulfil their potential.

Footnotes

1. The full costs include:
   • all camp operating costs
   • camp administration costs
   • agency costs/overheads
   • depreciation estimated at the market rate
   • opportunity cost of capital estimated at the market rate
   • notional payroll tax.
2. To be considered a not-for-profit for the purposes of this policy an organisation must: be a legal entity; be incorporated in Australia; have a declaration of not-for-profit status in their constitution; and not distribute any profits back to members