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We are Results Oriented We are Honest, Professional and Accountable We are Client and Stakeholder Focused We Are Committed To Improving Our Skills We are Diverse, Trusting and Respectful of Each Other The department is required to manage the resources entrusted to it efficiently, effectively and ethically. This report describes how we manage and account for those resources, and how we are:
We also work towards particular priorities within and across the department. In 2003-04, two of our 20 priorities related to management reform. Our performance against these priorities is reported in Chapter 1. Our priorities for 2004-05 are listed in Chapter 2. We are Results OrientedWe plan for and monitor performance at all levels of the department, as illustrated in figure 6A. Figure 6A - The department's planning and reporting framework
Planning for and reviewing results as an agencyAs a department, we publish detailed plans in May each year as part of the Federal Budget papers. Our Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS):
Responding to staff and key stakeholders, the department also published a summary of our business directions at the end of 2003-04 highlighting:
We report to government on our financial performance, position and cashflows within ten working days of the end of each month. Our report also explains any significant variances from budget. It feeds into the monthly analysis of the Australian Government's finances as released by the Minister for Finance and Administration. We provide an annual report to the parliament about how we have used the resources it has entrusted to us. Our 2002-03 annual report has been publicly recognised for the 'impressive' frankness of the secretary's review and for presenting 'one of the better financial summaries' of any department 1. We have worked hard to make this, our 2003-04 annual report, even better (see case study on performance reporting). 1 Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT Division) July 2004: Report of the Judges on the 2002/2003 Annual Reports of Departments and Agencies reporting under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, the Online Annual Reports Category and ACT Government Annual Reports. Planning for and reviewing results at a group levelThe department requires all business groups to prepare business plans at the group level and monitor progress against these quarterly. In 2003-04 our business plans addressed a range of issues including risk management. Improving the quality of our internal budgeting and reporting is one of our priorities in 2004-05. Planning for and reviewing results at a personal levelThe department requires all staff to develop a 'Plan on a Page' with their manager. In doing so, we challenge every member of staff to think about their group business plan and to discuss:
We also ask staff and their managers to assess their performance against their plan at least twice a year. This discussion focuses on recognising what has been achieved and what lessons have been learnt (see also Performance management). Back to Top    We are Honest, Professional and AccountableThe department has established clear lines of accountability for decisions. We have systems in place to help key decision makers obtain views from and communicate issues across the department, and to encourage and ensure prudent decision making at all levels of the department. Leadership, decision-making and consultationWhile we encourage all staff to show leadership, our secretary and deputy secretaries decide how we manage issues that relate to the department as a whole or affect more than one group. Our secretary also has a number of specific responsibilities. Many of these responsibilities are set out in legislation such as the Public Service Act 1999 and the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. Two deputy secretaries support the secretary and help him determine how we can best deliver required results. Several broadly based groups and processes help the secretary and executive team understand, communicate and tackle issues across our organisation. Figure 6B below illustrates the main groups that we had in place at 30 June 2004. Figure 6B - Internal consultation and decision-making framework at 30 June 2004
We also support the Minister for Transport and Regional Services in his broader portfolio responsibilities and in his role as Deputy Prime Minister. To this end, we supported two portfolio level governance bodies in 2003-04: the Portfolio Business Meeting and the Portfolio Chief Executives' Forum. Risk management and complianceThe department employs hundreds of staff, has thousands of clients and manages billions of dollars. In this context, we recognise that a balanced approach to risk management and compliance is vital. Risk managementThe department builds risk management into its normal business planning. Our business plans for 2003-04 recognised risks including the competency of people, processes, IT systems and management. The effectiveness of risk management, adequacy of internal controls and compliance and maintenance of an ethical culture are also issues that we keep under review. We are working to improve the way we manage risk. In 2003-04, we set up a small working group of senior staff and our internal auditors (KPMG) to refine our risk management framework and to improve the range of practical tools available to staff. Our revised framework focuses on improving our strategic, group and resource management processes, as illustrated in figure 6C opposite. This framework is complemented by what we've called a governance health check and an assurance checklist for staff (see also the 'Matthews three step' below). In 2003-04 we were also one of five small to medium agencies whose risk management and insurance practices were reviewed in depth by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). The ANAO, which released its report in August 2003, confirmed that most agencies managed specific risks well but that all agencies could improve their overall management of risk. We will continue to work on this area in 2004-05
Figure 6C - The department's framework for risk management and governance assurance a
a This framework was developed with assistance from our internal auditors, KPMG. Major risksTo reduce the cost of certain risk events, we purchase general insurance from Comcover and workers' compensation cover from Comcare. We also disclose uninsurable risks with a large potential impact in the Budget papers each year. For 2003-04, we disclosed five risks including up to $3.3 billion worth of war and terrorism indemnities for aviation operators. Fluctuation in demand for natural disaster relief was the only risk that came to pass. Fraud control and protective securityThe department is proactive about tackling specific risks such as fraud and protective security. In 2003-04 we updated our fraud risk assessment and fraud control plan. A new protective security policy and related measures will enable the department to respond appropriately to the heightened national security environment in 2004-05. We have appropriate processes and procedures in place to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, security and other risks. As part of this:
We collect, act on and report data on fraud and security incidents as required. For example, we provide specific data on fraud to the Attorney-General's Department each year, as required by the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines. Internal auditThe department manages a programme of internal audits to assure the executive team that our internal controls are effective and appropriate and that we are implementing the recommendations of previous ANAO and internal audit reports. In 2003-04, issues covered included the National Highways and Roads of National Importance Programme, the Regional Partnerships Programme, maritime security and risk management in business plans. We use internal audit reports to improve our processes and performance. Audits completed in 2003-04 have resulted in particular improvements in the administration of natural disaster relief arrangements and the use of travel and purchase cards (see case study). Back to Top    We are Client and Stakeholder FocusedThe department listens and responds to our clients and stakeholders. We also recognise and respect the rights of stakeholders to scrutinise our actions. Ministerial supportThe department serves the Australian people through our ministers and their staff. On an average working day, we deliver 40 briefs, letters and cabinet documents to our ministers and their staff (see table 6.1). We ask our ministers and their staff to rate the quality of the briefs and letters we prepare, and achieved a 98 per cent satisfaction rating in 2003-04. We aspire to turn all correspondence around within three weeks, and came within 10 per cent of this goal in the final quarter of the year (see figure 6D below). We meet with ministers' offices regularly to discuss emerging issues and provide a range of additional support services. We have a full-time departmental liaison officer in each minister's office - two in the case of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson MP. Figure 6D - Trends in volume and timeliness of ministerial correspondence
Table 6.1 - Trends in ministerial workflows
Communication and consultation with stakeholdersThe department aspires to communicate and consult effectively with all stakeholders. We make all public documents available on our website http://www.dotars.gov.au/ as soon as practical after release. Our website is mainly text-based to ensure it is accessible to people in regional areas and people with disabilities. Where information is provided in other formats, we usually offer a choice of format to ensure it is accessible to all readers. The department routinely provides publications (like the printed version of this annual report) to stakeholders including 42 libraries around Australia 2. We make information available in other languages and formats as needed:
The department operates phone hotlines and regional offices to help us keep in contact with stakeholders wherever they are located. We have offices in Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Wollongong, Orange, Newcastle, Brisbane, Townsville and Longreach as well as Canberra, Jervis Bay Territory, Norfolk Island and on Christmas Island (with this office servicing both IOTs) 3. Departmental staff travel extensively to meet with clients and peak bodies. In 2003-04 we met with more than 150 international, national and regional bodies (for a full list see Appendix F). Around 500 community leaders from every region of Australia regularly share their time and local knowledge with us on a voluntary basis. 2 A list of the 42 libraries participating in the Australian Government library deposit and free issue scheme can be obtained from the Australian Government Information Management Office http://www.agimo.gov.au/ Client serviceThe department often asks clients to rate the quality of our services and report the results. Examples of this can be found above and throughout chapters 4 and 5. We also welcome client feedback as issues arise, and have client service charters explaining how clients can contact us with feedback. In addition to an overarching departmental charter, specific charters apply to motor vehicle compliance and to services we provide to non self-governing territories. Calls to our main tollfree number are answered in the first instance by our switchboard, and then directed to the relevant area. This is the best way to handle the many calls we receive about state, territory and factual matters. Clients who wish to register a complaint or other feedback are still put through to our client service area. In 2003-04 there were 108 calls to our 1800 hotline.
Complaints to the Commonwealth Ombudsman and other bodiesThe department advises clients who are not satisfied with how we handled their complaint to contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman. In 2003-04 we achieved a 60 per cent drop in findings of defective administration. This is despite the fact that twice as many clients chose to contact the Ombudsman who investigated almost four times as many issues as in 2002-03 (see table 6.2). Vehicle importation and compliance was the main issue investigated by the Ombudsman and accounted for two out of the three findings of defective administration. The third finding related to the Adelaide Airport Noise Amelioration Programme. Our clients may also have rights of complaint to the Federal Privacy Commissioner and/or the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). In 2003-04 neither body received any complaints about our actions. Other forms of scrutinyThe department recognises and respects the right of stakeholders to scrutinise our actions and records. These stakeholders include:
Freedom of InformationThe department releases its records to stakeholders as required under the FOI Act. The bulk of our activities and records relate to business rather than personal matters. For information about how to make a request under FOI and what records we hold, see Appendix F. In 2003-04 we received fewer requests than in previous years but continued to receive requests for business rather than personal information. We continued to resolve about 60 per cent of requests within 60 days. We contribute to a detailed annual report on the operation of the FOI Act. This report is published by the Attorney-General's Department and is available at http://www.ag.gov.au/ Key performance information is also provided in table 6.2 opposite. Courts and TribunalsIn 2003-04 the department was involved in a range of matters before Australian courts and tribunals. Matters mainly related to motor vehicle imports, airport planning approvals, personal injury claims for asbestos-related disease and coronial inquests. Many of these matters are ongoing. A major ruling was made in the matter of Marra v the Department of Transport and Regional Services. The full bench of the Federal Court affirmed a decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal giving approval for a motorbike to be imported after its arrival Australia. This decision has clarified ministers' powers under the Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989. Table 6.2 - Trends in external complaints and scrutiny
Audit office and parliamentary scrutinyThe ANAO, parliament and other public bodies release reports on matters relating to the department from time to time. Reports released on matters relating to us in 2003-04 are listed in table 6.3 below. The department responds to ANAO reports formally in writing, and the ANAO includes our response in its reports. The ANAO makes its reports available online at http://www.anao.gov.au/ The Australian Government usually tables its response to parliamentary inquiries and other reports in the parliament. For details of the government response to a specific parliamentary inquiry, visit www.aph.gov.au/committee Parliamentary questions. As well as attending specific inquiries, the department's senior executive attends Senate Estimates several times each year to answer questions about our activities. The department receives questions on notice at such hearings and from individual parliamentarians throughout the year. In 2003-04 we received fewer questions on notice than in 2002-03 (see table 6.2). The largest volumes of questions related to regional programmes and aviation issues including security. We aim to respond to questions on notice within the number of days set in the Standing Orders of each house. Standing Orders mandate 60 days for questions from the House of Representatives and 30 days for the Senate. Table 6.3 - External reports on the department issued in 2003-04
Back to Top    We Are Committed To Improving Our SkillsThe department employs a variety of people management practices to ensure we are aware of, and have the capability to respond to, current and emerging issues. These practices go to:
More information on each of these areas follows. Workforce planningWe estimate and agree our staffing needs as part of normal business planning. In 2003-04, we continued to implement the Work out/Work up plan. We managed staff reductions mainly through natural attrition and tight controls on recruitment, including a reduction in graduate intake (see table 6.4). A total of seven operative staff were made redundant, six on a voluntary basis 4. We reviewed our plans mid-year, when our ministers asked us to set up the new Office of Transport Security and implement related security measures. This is why:
We will continue to adjust staffing levels in 2004-05, based on our business needs and capability requirements. For additional HR statistics, see Appendix H. 4 Seven IOT staff were also made redundant, three on a voluntary basis. Employee relations and remunerationWe set our pay and conditions for employees within the government's policy parameters for agreement making. These arrangements are formalised in a certified agreement (CA) and in australian workplace agreements (AWAs) with SES and some other specialist staff. We offered more AWAs in 2003-04 in order to attract and retain staff with particular skills (see table 6.5 opposite). Table 6.4 - Trends in staff recruitment and retention - non-IOT staff
a Non-ongoing staff are included in recruitment numbers but excluded from retention and separations data. Table 6.5 - Trends in nature of employment agreements with staff - non-IOT staff a
a These statistics do not include inoperative or casual staff or holders of public office. We re-negotiate our CA and AWAs as they expire to ensure we remain an attractive employer. As our existing CA was due to expire on 30 June 2004, we negotiated a new CA over 2003-04. The negotiations included staff representatives, the Community and Public Sector Union and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance of Australia. New certified agreementThe proposed new CA was the subject of a ballot in July 2004. The results, as declared by the Australian Electoral Commission, were extremely positive. Over 60 per cent of staff cast a vote, with 93 per cent voting 'yes'. Our new CA features:
Flexible working arrangementsBoth our CA and AWAs provide a range of non-financial benefits to help staff balance their work and home lives and to support workplace diversity principles. Benefits include:
Learning and developmentThe department is accredited as an Investor in People. To maintain our accreditation, we undergo an annual audit. Our last audit was completed in December 2003 5. 5 The audit was conducted by NATA Certification Schemes International and involved interviews with a number of staff randomly selected from Programmes Group and from Policy and Research Group.
Generic capabilities and related trainingThe department publishes a framework of the skills that staff need to perform well in their jobs and to advance in the Australian Public Service (APS) context. In 2003-04 we updated this framework. Our new framework is based on capability frameworks used by the Australian Public Service Commission but has been adapted to recognise, for example, our need for specific technical proficiencies. It focuses on six broad areas:
Thanks to the success of the Work out/Work up plan in 2003-04, we can now fund a Developing in DOTARS programme in 2004-05. While this umbrella programme will be guided by our new capability framework and annual Investors in People audit results, it will also be:
Specific capabilities that we expect to address over 2004-05 include working in the APS legislative environment, cultivating and supporting productive working relationships, and writing for the APS. Business-specific trainingThe department encourages and resources groups to provide business-specific development opportunities. In 2003-04, we continued a successful seminar programme where senior managers from all groups made presentations about aspects of their business. These seminars were organised through our graduate programme but were advertised and open to all staff based in Canberra. In addition:
Other trainingThe department recognises that generic and business-specific training may not meet the needs of all staff. These include graduate recruits, staff in regional offices and staff from non-English speaking backgrounds. In 2003-04, we continued to provide an accelerated learning and development programme for graduates. This encompassed on-the-job learning including work rotations, workshops and other off-the-job development guided by our capability framework, and an industry tour. Staff numbers in our regional offices rose 21 per cent over 2003-04 and their needs were a particular focus in our 2003-04 Investors in People audit. The audit report indicates that we need to do more to provide these staff with equitable access to learning and development. We are working to address this over 2004-05. Staff from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds also received support to improve their business writing skills through the Diversity and Equity Network. In 2003-04 the network continued to fund classes and one-on-one tutoring in partnership with ANUTech. This initiative will be complemented by more generic training under the new umbrella Developing in DOTARS programme. Performance managementAs an Investor in People, the department encourages our staff to improve their performance. We also aspire to recognise and reward staff contributions. In 2003-04, we continued to recognise performance in a variety of ways:
We do not allocate numerical ratings or rank people on their perceived performance: we want to encourage learning, team work and risk management. Back to Top    We are Diverse, Trusting and Respectful of Each OtherWe treat our clients and each other with dignity and respect. We are committed to:
More information on each of these issues follows. Social justice and equityThe department aspires to communicate effectively with and serve all Australians, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. In 2003-04 we continued to:
We also improved the quality of our reporting: DIMIA rated our report on access and equity for 2002-03 as 100 per cent compliant with the charter, up from 75 per cent in 2001-02. Our full report on implementation of the Commonwealth Access and Equity Strategy in 2003-04 is at Appendix A. Our report on implementation of the Commonwealth Disability Strategy in 2003-04 is at Appendix D. Workplace diversityWe respect and value the diversity of our workforce. In 2003-04, we continued the workplace diversity programme we launched in 2001. The programme is overseen by our Diversity and Equity Network and challenges us to:
More information on each of these issues follows.
Attracting and retaining a diverse range of peopleThe department aims to attract and retain a diverse range of people by offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal and professional development. In 2003-04, we invited the Diversity and Equity Network to advise us on:
Staff from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds also received support to improve their business writing skills through the network. Improving awareness and understanding of workplace diversityThe department provides a modest budget to the Diversity and Equity Network to promote better awareness and understanding of workplace diversity. In 2003-04 the network:
Monitoring progress in meeting workplace diversity objectivesWe have received positive feedback from staff about our workplace diversity programme. We asked staff about their experiences in our recent staff survey (see case study), and plan to review the diversity plan formally in 2005. For more information about our workforce diversity, see table 6.6 below. Table 6.6 - Trends in workforce diversity - non-IOT staff The following table presents a conservative picture of our workfoce, and it is likely that diversity is significantly higher. These statistics focus on staff employed under the Public Service Act 1999 and hence do not include our IOT staff or ten indigenous consulting agents in WA. Around 20 per cent of APS staff choose not to volunteer their personal information.
Occupational health and safety (OH&S)The department recognises and meets its duty of care to provide a safe, healthy and supportive workplace. Our September 2002 staff survey shows that the vast majority of staff are aware of their OH&S responsibilities and consider that we protect their health and safety. OH&S activities are overseen by our OH&S Committee which includes representatives from all business groups. In 2003-04 we actively promoted our employee assistance programme in anticipation of the changes facing staff and their families. Take-up of the programme rose but remains within historical norms (see table 6.7). While there was a rise in unscheduled absences in 2003-04, this rate has begun to trend downwards in 2004-05. We pay premiums to Comcare to reduce the potential cost to us of rehabilitation and compensation, and pass incident reports on to Comcare promptly. In 2003-04 we achieved our best OH&S results on record, in terms of both claims made and total weeks lost through incapacity. For more information on workplace health and safety trends, see table 6.7 below. Table 6.7 - Trends in workplace health and safety
a These figures are as advised by Comcare. Back to Top    |
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