103   Minister to prepare estimate of rural fire brigade expenditure

(1)  Before or as soon as practicable after the end of a financial year, the Minister must:

(a)  prepare and, subject to the Treasurer’s agreement, adopt an estimate of the rural fire brigade expenditure (the estimated expenditure) for the next financial year, and

(b)  prepare and adopt an estimate of the amount of estimated expenditure for each relevant council for the next financial year.

(2)  In determining the amount of estimated expenditure for each relevant council, the Minister may apportion the total estimated capital expenditure between relevant councils in the way the Minister thinks fit.

(3)  To assist the Minister in preparing and adopting the estimated expenditure for a financial year, the Commissioner must prepare and give to the Minister a written report and recommendations about rural fire brigade expenditure for the year and the estimated expenditure for each relevant council.

(4)  The Minister must consider the Commissioner’s report and recommendations in preparing the estimates.