Treasury fronts up on $210m budget hole

The Department of Treasury and Finance has admitted to an embarrassing blunder in Treasurer Troy Buswell's request for a $1.15 billion advance for the state's bills that left an unexplained $210 million hole.

Earlier today, Opposition Treasury Spokesperson Mark McGowan had urged Mr Buswell to explain the $210 million hole in his submission for another treasurer's advance.

In a brief statement, Mr Buswell said the Department of Treasury and Finance have provided him with an updated schedule for the advance, which included the $210 million for health that was omitted.

"This change has no impact on the amount of funding sought for the Treasurer's Advance. I will formally provide the updated schedule to the Parliament next week."

Earlier this week, Mr Buswell asked for a $680 million increase in the treasurer's advance to cover higher spending commitments, adding to a previous advance for $469.2 million.

The extra funds will be used to deliver essential services including first homebuyers ($235 million), prisons ($72.3 million), education department ($77 million), police ($13.7 million) and Department of Environment and Conservation ($20.8 million).