Overview
The Directorate is responsible for advising the Government and agencies on the development of the Territory's Budget, advising on financial issues relating to agencies and the Territory, and for accounting policies and frameworks. It is also responsible for reviews of the services, programs and functions provided by the Government.
The Directorate also brings together specialist capabilities to support the selection, funding, implementation, delivery and whole of life transaction management of complex and major infrastructure projects.
Highlights
During 2013-14, the Directorate:
- delivered the Territory's Consolidated Annual Financial Statements, the 2013‑14 Budget Review and the 2014-15 Budget consistent with legislative requirements and timeframes;
- facilitated the 2014-15 Budget Consultation process, which saw 80 submissions received and provided to the Government for consideration during 2014-15 Budget planning processes;
- prepared the Appropriation Act 2013-2014 (No. 2) and Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Act 2013-2014 (No. 2) which were introduced into the Assembly on 20 March 2014, and passed in the Assembly on 13 May 2014;
- released the Territory's 2012-13 ACT Consolidated Annual Financial Statements 7 November 2013;
- reviewed the Election Commitments Costing Act 2012, with both the review and the Government response to the review being tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 29 October 2013;
- commenced reviews of the Emergency Services Agency, Corrective Services, ACTION and the Commonwealth Fire Payment;
- completed reviews of Human Resources and Financial Services, and Parks and City Services; and
- assisted the Justice and Community Safety Directorate with a review of ACT Policing Enabling Costs;
- developed The Partnerships Framework (TPF), which establishes the framework for:
- delivery of major infrastructure projects under models including Design, Construct, Maintain, Operate and Public Private Partnerships (PPP), and
- provision of infrastructure advice across the ACT Government as required; and
- developed Guidelines for Unsolicited Proposals:
- evaluation of unsolicited proposals under a structured framework.
- was involved in the ACT Courts PPP project during the procurement phase, and supports the Under Treasurer as Chair of the Steering Committee. A Senior Commercial Manager has been appointed by Directorate to the project and the Directorate remains engaged in an oversight and policy capacity;
- provided support and advice for the scoping and facilitation phase of the Capital Metro project, this includes participation in the Market Sounding process, and will include the review of financial and economic modelling; and
- was allocated $0.200 million in the 2014-15 Budget to provide assistance in getting this project investment ready and ensuring the project aligns with The Capital Framework and TPF requirements (if delivered as a PPP).
The Directorate achieved all of its accountability indicators under this Output, including the delivery of the 2014-15 Budget on 3 June 2014.
Future Directions
In 2014-15 the Directorate will:
- undertake a feasibility study on replacing the ageing Budget Development Application system that is integral to the Territory's budgeting process;
- manage the public finances appropriately;
- provide advice aimed at maintaining a strong balance sheet;
- progress and continue to improve the Government's financial management frameworks;
- coordinate the Government's budget processes and report on financial outcomes;
- provide regular updates to the Budget Committee of Cabinet on the Territory's finances;
- achieve value for money in the use of government resources;
- deliver the 2014-15 Budget Review and the 2015-16 Budget;
- provide regular updates to the Government on the progress of its infrastructure program, including regular reports to the Budget Committee of Cabinet;
- continue to strengthen the budget planning and management process, as well as monitor agency financial performance;
- continue to improve the planning, scheduling and delivery of capital works projects across the Territory;
- commence three new reviews of Property Management, Parking Infrastructure and Services Delivery Models, and the Concession Program;
- complete all reviews;
- implement The Partnerships Framework;
- facilitate the delivery of PPP projects in the Territory, including the ACT Courts PPP Project, the Capital Metro Project, the Australia Forum and future PPP projects; and
- provide support and advice on PPP transactions, including transaction execution through to financial close.
Further Information can be obtained from:
Stephen Miners
Executive Director
Finance and Budget Division
+61 2 6207 5071
Neil Bulless
Executive Director
Expenditure Review Division
+61 2 6207 0264
Peter Murray
Acting Executive Director, Infrastructure
Infrastructure Finance and Advisory Division
+61 2 6207 5650