B.3 Scrutiny

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the ACT Public Service take the necessary steps to ensure exit data relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees is collected and reported:

• to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body;
• in directorate annual reports for 2013‑14; and
• in annual ACT Public Service State of the Service Reports.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government aims to improve the collection of exit survey data for workforce planning and reporting purposes. Presently, an exit survey is available to all staff to be completed on a voluntary basis.

In line with the review of the RED Framework, the ACTPS will consider how best to update the survey in line with the One Service model, and will consider continuous improvement in promoting the survey and its benefits to all staff.

The introduction of the Human Resource Information Management Systems (HRIMS) may provide improved capability to capture workforce data including exit data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

In progress

Recommendation 84

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government restore ArtSound's key arts group funding and that the government provide ArtSound and PhotoAccess the funding required to move these organisations to the Kingston arts precinct.

Government Response – Agreed in part

ArtSound FM may choose to reapply for Key Arts Organisation funding in 2015. A study is underway into the Kingston Arts Precinct and ArtSound and PhotoAccess are being consulted on any potential move.

PhotoAccess continued as a Key Arts Organisation in 2018-19 funded through the ACT Arts Fund and ArtSound is a Program funded organisation. ArtSound funding is for the 2019 calendar year with applications currently open for future Program funding for 2020 and 2021.

All proposed resident organisations of the Kingston Arts Precinct have signed a process agreement with the ACT Government which includes a process for the development of transition arrangements including relocation costs. This process agreement will be implemented through the development and construction of the Precinct which is expected to be complete in 2023.

Complete

Recommendation 87

The Committee recommended the government ensure the scoping study for a new Theatre Facility including the possibility of establishing a National Performing Arts Centre in the ACT.

Government Response – Agreed

The government agreed stating that CMTEDD, in conjunction with the Cultural Facilities Corporation, will explore consideration of a performing arts facility of national status within the existing funding envelope identified for theatre studies.

$1.2 million was provided in the 2018-19 ACT Budget to prepare a comprehensive Business Case for a New Canberra Theatre Complex. The Business Case preparation is currently underway with CMTEDD, Cultural Facilities Corporation and the City Renewal Authority working together with appointed consultants to ensure the best options are considered. These options include consideration of a performing arts facility of national status.

Complete

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government inform the ACT Legislative Assembly by the last sitting day in May 2016 as to the parameters for its review of existing debt management processes—with particular reference to:

1. whether the discussion paper being developed by Shared Services for the purposes of ‘commencing dialogue on the matter with the directorates’ is complete—and if not, expected completion date;
2. detail on specific review milestones; and
3. expected timeline for completion.

Government Response - Agreed

Dialogue on this matter has commenced in a number of governance forums. External debt collectors/ purchasers and regulators have also been consulted.

The discussion paper referred to in the recommendation has been evolving during the course of these discussions and will now be in the form of a paper for consideration by the ACT Public Service Strategic Board in June 2016. The paper will provide options for a targeted, sequenced and cost effective implementation of a more centralised model of end-to-end debt management within the ACT Government. The paper will take into consideration the complexities and constraints associated with the implementation of the proposed strategies, for an informed decision. Debts managed by the ACT Revenue Office will not be covered within the scope of this paper.

The Debt Management Working Group (DMWG) consisting of ACT Government representatives from CMTEDD (Shared Services, Treasury and Workforce Capability and Governance), ESA, JACS, Health and TCCS and a representative from the HR Directors Group Forum, was formed on 30 March 2017.

In October 2017 the Strategic Board endorsed a number of recommendations included in the interim report of the DMWG.

In 2018-19, the ACT Government Budget committed funding to Shared Services to acquire and implement a Commercial Off the Shelf debt management solution by 30 June 2019.

The DMWG provided a final report to the Strategic Board in February 2019 which recommended:

• that any high-level end-to-end debt framework that involved Shared Services managing debt on behalf of the directorates be for a period up to 360 days past due; and
• implementation of a mercantile arrangement managed directly by Shared Services.

Complete

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the Chief Minister report to the Assembly by June 2015 on progress on creating a comprehensive government bill and payment portal.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

It is not an accurate description of current initiatives to describe them as a dedicated “online payment portal” for the ACT Government.

The ACT Government has a mature online payment service for its customers accessible predominately through Access Canberra but also through various other ACT Government websites.

The ACT Government is committed to enhancing digital service delivery and has invested $85 million to that end as announced in the 2014-15 budget.

A key program in this vision is the iConnect Program which is focused on delivering a more sophisticated, customer centric web presence, offering more services online including payments, and ultimately reducing the cost of service delivery.

The government will provide the Assembly with an update on progress with the iConnect program in the second half of 2015, which will be the appropriate timing in the context of related procurement activities.

ACT Digital (previously iConnect) is a capability that allows people to prove who they are to government once and be able to access a range of services applicable to them. In 2018-19 ACT Digital released two additional services – Rental Bond Help and Transfer My Infringement.

Complete

Recommendation 36

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government provide further details on how the rollout of public Wi-Fi across Canberra is progressing.

Government Response - Agreed

As at July 2015, there were 125 Wireless Access Points (external Wi-Fi transmitters) installed in central Canberra, including City East, City West, Braddon and New Acton. In addition, CBRfree is also available at over 40 Wi-Fi Hotspots in businesses across Canberra, including in locations at Weston Creek, Woden Town Centre, Tuggeranong Town Centre, Kingston Foreshore, Fyshwick and Mitchell. There have also been 25 indoor Wireless Access Points installed at EPIC for events at this venue.

The town centres scheduled to receive CBRfree Wi-Fi but are currently not operating are: Belconnen, Dickson, Kingston, Manuka, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Weston, Woden and Bruce. Belconnen and Dickson will be completed by the end of October 2015, and Manuka will be completed in time for the Smart Parking trial scheduled for early 2016. All remaining town centres are on track to be completed by the end of the 2015-16 financial year.

CBRfree is available in the public spaces around all of Canberra’s town centres, namely Civic (including parts of New Acton and Braddon), Belconnen, , Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, Woden and Gungahlin. It is also available around a number of selected group centres, including Dickson, Manuka and Kingston, and a range of sporting and public facilities such as the Mt Stromlo Criterium Cycling Circuit, Tuggeranong Basketball Stadium, forecourt of Bruce Stadium, EPIC, Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Canberra Theatre. As of July 2019, the CBRfree network includes 147 fibred Wireless Access Points (WAPs), 115 meshed WAPs and 133 indoor WAPs.

Following the 2019-20 ACT Budget, the government has committed to further delivering free public Wi-Fi services in town centres and key public places across the Territory, ensuring Canberrans and visitors can benefit from better digital connectivity.

Complete

Recommendation 46

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government update its Tourism 2020 strategy to consider the ten years to 2030 and take into account:

• accommodation;
• attractions; and
• events.

Government Response - Agreed

The ACT’s Tourism 2020 strategy is part of the national tourism 2020 framework and will be reviewed and updated in that context.

The ACT's Tourism 2020 strategy aligns with the intent of the national 2020 framework which aims to double overnight visitor expenditure from $70 billion in 2010 to $140 billion in 2020. The goal for the ACT is to grow the total value of overnight visitor expenditure in the Territory to $2.5 billion by 2020.

At the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in February 2017, Ministers agreed to the development of the next long term tourism strategy beyond 2020.

Further updates were provided by the Commonwealth on progress in the development of this strategy at the Tourism Minister’s Meeting held on 18 June 2018 in Adelaide and at the Tourism Minister’s meeting held in Launceston on 1& March 2019.

Consistent with the alignment of the ACT 2020 Tourism Strategy with the national framework, updates the recommendations from the Beyond 2020 Strategy will be used to inform any updates to the ACT’s approach.

It is anticipated the National Beyond 2020 Strategy will be released in 2019-20.

In progress

Recommendation 48

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider the provision of arts facilities in the Woden/Weston Creek area and Gungahlin.

Government Response - Agreed

The government will work with community organisations in considering the provision of arts facilities across the Territory.

An Arts Infrastructure Plan is being prepared by artsACT in consultation with the arts sector and the broader community. The Plan will review the location and distribution of existing arts facilities as well as consider demand for new facilities.

The ACT Government is funding a three-year program of pop up arts events and activities in Woden and Gungahlin from 2018-19 to 2020‑21 through a partnership with Belconnen and Tuggeranong Arts Centres. This program will also identify the arts and cultural needs of Woden and Gungahlin including for facilities.

In progress

Recommendation 80

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government update the Legislative Assembly on the outcomes of actions that are being taken to find suitable alternative accommodation for Gugan Gulwan.

Government Response - Agreed

The ACT Property Group (ACTPG) has been working with Gugan Gulwan to gain a clear understanding of the group’s requirements. Four property options have been discussed with Gugan Gulwan since 2011; however, none of these sites were considered suitable by Gugan Gulwan.

In reviewing the current available properties, ACTPG has not been able to identify any properties that would meet Gugan Gulwan’s requirements that are likely to become available in the next few years. However, the organisation will continue to be considered when suitable properties become available.

The Community Services Directorate (CSD) is leading on this initiative. Initial discussions with Gugan Gulwan will be scheduled shortly by CSD, followed by the establishment of a working group to discuss arrangements and the process going forward. ACTPG will participate in the working group.

Currently ACTPG do not have any suitable properties on its vacancy register that meet the accommodation needs of Gugan Gulwan.

ACTPG has recently accommodated a new program administered by Gugan Gulwan into the Erindale Business Park.

ACTPG has provided information to support the feasibility study being undertaken by CSD in collaboration with the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation of suitable accommodation options for the corporation.

In progress

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government continue to work with indigenous organisations with a view to having the management of Boomanulla Oval returned to Indigenous leadership as soon as it is sustainable to do so.

Government Response - Agreed

Government completed interim restoration works at Boomanulla Oval in consultation with Elected Body and community representatives in October 2018. This enabled the facility to reopen to the community in November 2018, for informal recreation and community activities. Further restoration work to renew the oval surface for formal sporting use was then undertaken with the first formal sporting use by the Boomanulla Raiders Rugby League club on
25 May 2019.

Hosted by the Elected Body and supported by government, a community day to celebrate the return of Boomanulla Oval for community and sporting used was held on 25 May 2019.

Interim responsibility for the maintenance and bookings management remains with the Transport Canberra and City Services, Sportsgrounds and Facilities Team while longer term governance arrangements are being considered.

The ACT Government is currently investigating a governance model for returning Boomanulla to sustainable Indigenous management, and has been liaising with the Elected Body in relation to the issue.

In progress

Recommendation 33

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government ensure improved consultation between its agencies to maximise the benefits of the arts to the ACT Community.

Government Response – Agreed

The government has decided to convene a WoG Working Group on the Arts in order to support the implementation of the ACT Arts Policy, and consider key cross portfolio arts policy issues.

artsACT uses existing governance and policy mechanisms within the ACT Government that enable WoG consultation and input on cross portfolio arts issues. This approach is preferable to creating a separate forum outside of existing consultative mechanisms.

Complete

Recommendation 50

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government outline the long-term strategy for managing the risk of increased costs associated with workers’ compensation scheme insurance premiums.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government remains committed to the health, safety and well-being of all ACT Government workers, whilst ensuring the scheme obtains the best possible value for money outcomes for the Territory.

Significant resources are directed towards managing the Territory’s workers’ compensation liabilities, including via the Work Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation Improvement Plan, which has been funded since 2011-12.

Funding of $2.8 million has been directed to the Plan in 2016, to support a suite of mutually reinforcing initiatives including:

• employment of specialist workers’ compensation and injury management staff to increase return to work service standards for injured workers;
• early intervention injury management and staff training programs;
• improved incident monitoring and response systems and procedures; and
• the design and implementation of a more cost effective workers’ compensation scheme within the Territory’s own legislative jurisdiction.

The Improvement Plan has delivered positive returns on investment, having generated more than $20 million in premium cost reductions. Further claim liability improvements are forecast as initiatives continue to be rolled out.

The program outlined by the government response is progressing as described, with one exception. Rather than legislate a new workers’ compensation scheme for the public sector, the Territory obtained a licence to self-insure for workers’ compensation and to operate as a self-insurer within the Comcare scheme.

This approach is responsive to feedback from worker representatives and means that the types of compensation workers may receive remains unchanged, however the Territory is able to exercise greater influence over insurer resourcing and claim management standards.

Workers’ compensation premium costs have reduced each year since the government response was tabled in August 2016.

Complete

Recommendation 53

The Committee recommends that if the ACT Government fails to lodge a contract on the ACT Government Contracts Register within 30 days of that contract being signed, that it provide an explanation on the Contracts Register.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

From 1 July 2016, the Government Contracts Register has been improved, and is now located with tenders on the Tenders ACT section of the Procurement website. The new Register enables quicker data entry and search functionality, as well as allowing the exporting of information about selected contracts to a spreadsheet, making it more user-friendly. The Territory will investigate the cost and feasibility of further enhancing the Contracts Register to publish the reason/s where a contract has been notified beyond 30 days after execution.

Following the September 2018 update, Tenders ACT can run a report that includes the “Creation date” “Execution date” and “Expiry date”:

• Creation date is the date the contract is uploaded to Tenders ACT;
• Execution date is the date the Contract was signed; and
• Expiry date is the date the Contract finishes.

This now enables the Territory to determine and report on instances of late contract notification.

With respect to public explanation for late notification of the Contracts Register, Procurement ACT has added a field to the upload request form to solicit the reason for delay from the contracting directorate. The response, where provided, can be manually included in the contract notification.

Options for automation of the contract upload system are being investigated.

Complete

Recommendation 55

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider implementing a system that records details of relevant representations made to the ACT Government.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The ACT Government will investigate, with the Office of the Legislative Assembly, the feasibility of establishing a register of representations as part of the Lobbyist Register.

In progress

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Legislative Assembly (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2016 not be further considered by the Eighth Assembly, and that the Bill be scheduled for consideration by an appropriate committee of the Ninth Assembly in a manner that the Ninth Assembly may decide is appropriate following the formation of the Ninth Assembly.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government supports further consideration of the Bill by a committee of the Ninth Assembly, while acknowledging that this will ultimately be a decision of that Assembly.

The government is sympathetic to the main aim of the Bill, namely to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) with enhanced policy costing services. However, the government remains opposed to the creation of a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) in order to achieve that aim. It is not a practical solution to the problem.

The government’s view is that there would be benefit in further consideration of the Bill, the issues that it raises and possible alternative, more practical solutions to the aim of enhancing policy costing services for MLAs, should the next Assembly consider that to be worthwhile.

The government is reviewing this matter further and has not yet reached a determination as to when it will be returned to the Assembly.

In progress

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government provide future Select Committees on Estimates with an outline of all Output Classes for the coming budget on an in confidence basis, including any significant changes, amalgamations or divisions and movements of Output Class across portfolios, to facilitate more accurate, speedy drafting and release of the hearing schedule.

Government response - Agreed

Briefing (by way of a list or similar) will be provided in relation to significant changes, as suggested by the Committee.

The summary of outputs is published on the Treasury website as an appendix to the annual budget.

Complete

Recommendation 16

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government adopt meaningful indicators for diversity in the ACT economy.

Government response - Agreed-in-principle

The ACT Budget refers to a range of metrics for diversity, including service export growth. The government will consider what other meaningful and timely indicators can be used to describe economic diversity in the Territory.

It should be noted that the proportional share of public and private activity in the economy is not the only meaningful indicator of diversity. The diversity of activity within the public and private sectors also contributes to the Territory’s economic stability and potential for future growth.

The ACT Treasury continues to monitor the diversity of the ACT economy for a range of perspectives. For example, ACT Treasury continues to examine and report on the growth of increasingly important service exports such as international education. In addition, changes in the shares of Gross State Product of strongly growing private sector industries such as Professional, Scientific and Technical Services are also monitored and reported.

The overall shift in the public and private sector shares of economic activity are also analysed.

Complete

Recommendation 36

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government seek to maintain a AAA credit rating while providing for the delivery of long-term infrastructure assets.

Government response - Agreed

The ACT Government will continue to manage the Territory’s finances responsibly, and seek to maintain the highest possible credit rating. It should be noted, however, that under current guidance from Standard & Poor’s, State or Territory governments in Australia cannot expect to receive a credit rating assessment that exceeds that of the Federal (sovereign) Government. As such, and with a view to the longer term, the Territory’s credit rating is subject to Federal Government fiscal policy, and will be determined, to some extent, by factors that are beyond the government’s control.

Reflecting the government’s strong financial management, the ACT has consistently maintained AAA long-term and A-1+ short-term local currency credit ratings – as assessed by Standard & Poor’s, while managing significant fiscal challenges such as the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme and the Commonwealth Government’s heavy funding cuts.

The ACT Government will continue to deliver budgets consistent with a AAA credit rating in the years to come.

Complete

Recommendation 46

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government design and implement a phased program, with clear milestones, to place specialised workplace IT applications on a more stable and secure footing, to ensure: improved security; better ability to maintain the currency of installed software; and greater independence from software vendors.

Government response - Agreed-in-principle

The government will undertake a progressive program of related projects that will utilise standardised solutions to ensure the stability, maintainability and ongoing currency of workplace IT applications. The program will incorporate contemporary security management practises that are appropriate to government operations and the specific sensitivities of government information and services. All such investments will be subject to cost-benefit analysis, and future funding decisions will be considered in the usual way in the budget process.

The ACT Government is undertaking a number of projects to ensure the stability, maintainability and ongoing currency of workplace IT applications. These projects include:

• the Windows 10 Standard Operating Environment project under the Desktop Modernisation Program (DMP), which is scheduled to be completed by 1 December 2019; and
• the upgrade to Office 365 project under the DMP.

Complete

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that, once the management contract for the street light network is signed, the Treasurer inform the Assembly of the costs, savings and incentives for network upgrades that arise from the contract.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government will provide an update to the Assembly, following the signing of the management contract with the preferred proponent, which provides detail of the expected streetlight network improvements that will be implemented across the contract period.

The management contract was awarded to Electrix in April 2018. The requested update to the Assembly was provided on 1 November 2018 by the Minister for City Services.

Complete

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that ACT Government directorates and agencies’ adherence to their Record Management Programs should be reviewed by the Territory Record Office every three years, and that the results of these reviews be published.

Government Response - Agreed-in-principle

In 2017–18 the Territory Records Office will launch its Better Records Advice and Support Service, which will work with agencies to examine aspects of their records management practices and identify areas for improvement or where good practices can be shared across government.

The TRO will use a risk-based approach to identifying areas for review, rather than seeking to cover all areas of government. At this stage the TRO does not intend to publish the results of these reviews, but will use them as a mechanism for working collaboratively with agencies.

The Territory Records Office has established its Better Records Advice and Support Service (BRASS) as a means of monitoring and providing feedback to agencies on the operation of their Records Management Programs. In 2018-19 the Office completed reviews of agency records management training and capability, and of records disposal processes.

To encourage open discussion with agencies, the Office does not publicly report on the outcomes of its BRASS engagements. The Office does, however, make recommendations for action by participating agencies, and incorporates its findings into the development of future advice and support tools.

Complete

Recommendation 18

The Committee recommends that the Land Development Authority and artsACT consult closely with all arts organisations that are moving to the Kingston arts precinct on all aspects of their moves, including obtaining any necessary specialist technical advice in relation to their individual needs to ensure their accommodation is fully fit-for-purpose.

Government Response – Agreed

The ACT Government is continuing to work with the arts organisations proposed to move to Kingston Arts Precinct on the development of the precinct.

The Suburban Land Agency and artsACT continue to liaise with arts organisations regarding the Kingston Arts Precinct. All proposed resident organisations of the Kingston Arts Precinct have signed a process agreement with the ACT Government which includes a process for design development of the purpose-built facilities. This process agreement will be implemented through the development and construction of the Precinct which is expected to be complete in 2023.

Complete

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research update the Legislative Assembly on future funding from the Commonwealth on skills reform.

If the National Partnership on Skills Reform is not renewed, the Committee recommends that the Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research advise the Committee on the ACT’s approach to funding skills reform without assistance from the Commonwealth.

Government Response – Agreed

The Australian Government has committed future funding for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, through the new Skilling Australians Fund and associated National Partnership Agreement announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget.

The National Partnership for the Skilling Australians Fund is subject to negotiation between the Australian and state and territory governments. The Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research will make a statement to the Assembly at an appropriate time, to provide information about future funding arrangements under the new National Partnership.

The Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research will provide advice to the Committee on the new National Partnership Agreement for the Skilling Australians Fund at an appropriate time, in accordance with intergovernmental processes.

Mr Michael Pettersson MLA presented a statement to the Assembly on behalf of the former Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research on 27 November 2018 to provide an update on the National Partnership Agreement on the Skilling Australians Fund.

Complete

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government review the NSW High Growth Jobs, Talented Candidates project for implementation in the ACT.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider evaluating the Lead Toolkit from New Zealand for use in a future training program.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider what place-based disability employment initiatives can be implemented as part of future disability employment strategies.

Government Response to recommendations 4, 5 and 6 – Agreed

The ACT Government will continue to assess new initiatives, programs and ideas for the employment of people with disability in the ACTPS. The NSW High Growth Jobs, Talented Candidates project and the Lead Toolkit from New Zealand will be assessed.

The ACT Government will continue to liaise and seek input from the ACT community, disability employment experts (including the Australian Network on Disability, Disability Employment Service Providers, APS inclusion employment sources) and from current ACTPS employees.

The ACT Government has entered into an arrangement with the Australian Network on Disability to provide access for all employees to its Manager’s Guide: Disability in the Workplace (2nd Edition).

This guide provides information on the business benefits of employing people with disability, outlines employer responsibilities, provides guidance on communication and etiquette, tips for accessibility, recruiting new team members, workplace health and safety, learning and development and reasonable adjustments. The guide also provides links to additional resources.

The Australian Network on Disability’s Manager’s Guide: Disability in the Workplace (2^nd Edition) continues to be available for all employees. The Lead Toolkit has been assessed and relevant elements will be included in the programs.

Complete

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government review the ACT Government’s social procurement guidelines to better support disability employment outcomes.

Government Response – Agreed

Goods and Services Procurement is the business area within ACT Government which administers the Territory’s social procurement policy and associated guideline. As part of Goods and Services Procurement’s Annual Report reporting requirements, the Social Procurement Policy is reviewed annually.

In addition to this annual review, a detailed review will be undertaken by the end of the 2017-18 financial year to identify improvements which could be made to the guidelines and associated material to deliver practical, tangible strategies to better support disability employment outcomes.

The government is considering strengthening social outcomes aspects of the Sustainable Procurement Policy which is currently under review, and will include additional guidance including a toolkit to support procurement officers. This work has synergies with and will inform the review of the Social Procurement Policy and associated guidance material which will include a focus on disability employment outcomes.

While the Secure Local Jobs certification process looks to a business’s history, for engagements over $25,000 tenderers are required to submit a Labour Relations, Training and Workplace Equity Plan. In this plan the business commits to addressing health and wellbeing issues (such as domestic violence and drug and alcohol impacts) and social sustainability issues (such as LGBTQI inclusion, gender equality, and employment participation by diverse community groups).

In progress

Recommendation 20

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government implement the Doing it Differently recommendation of co-designing a developmental performance review system to support public servants with a disability.

Government Response – Agreed

The ACTPS approach to performance management and development, as set out in the ACTPS Performance Framework Policy Statement and Guidance Statement, is intended to improve the workplace experience of all employees as well as improve the performance and outcomes delivered across the Service.

The ACTPS Performance Framework is currently being refreshed. Consultation on proposed changes will be undertaken with the Australian Network on Disability and the ACTPS Inclusion Practitioner’s Network to ensure that public servants with disability are supported.

The proposed Human Resource Information Management System (HRIMS) includes a performance framework, consideration of inclusion requirements will be considered as part of the new system. The refresh of the performance framework will be undertaken as part of the implementation of the HRIMS.

In progress

Recommendation 22

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government adopt an anonymous reporting process for people employed in the ACT Public Service that is reported on annually in the State of the Service Report. The Survey should use terminology consistent with the definition of disability.

Recommendation 23

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider the Washington Group questions to inform future data collection processes.

Government Response – Agreed

ACTPS employees are able to anonymously update their diversity status on HR21. This data is reported on in the annual State of the Service Report. Regular email campaigns are undertaken to encourage employees to update their diversity status.

In October 2017 the ACTPS, in conjunction with the Australian Network on Disability, conducted a short and completely anonymous staff survey to hear directly from staff, including those living with and without disability, to learn where the ACTPS could make improvements to better meet everyone’s needs. Consideration will be given to the Washington Group questions for future surveys.

The next ACTPS all staff survey will be held in late 2019. The Australian Network on Disability will be consulted in relation to the use of the Washington Group questions.

In progress

Recommendations

The Select Committee on an Independent Integrity Commission final report includes 79 recommendations covering jurisdictional matters, relationships with other integrity stakeholders, the power to hold public hearings, accountability and independence, staffing and resourcing requirements, application of other legislation and other matters.

Government Response

The ACT Government is committed to establishing an Independent Integrity Commission which is broadly structured on those operating in similarly sized jurisdictions. The Select Committee report and recommendations will inform the establishment of a Commission.

In line with its commitment, the government introduced legislation in the Legislative Assembly in November 2018. The Bill was tabled, debated and passed in the November 2018 sitting.

The Integrity Commission Act 2018 was notified on 11 December 2018. The Act partially commenced on 1 July 2019. The Integrity Commission Amendment Bill 2019 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 16 May 2019 to commence some establishment provisions of the legislation and delay the receipt of referrals to 1 December 2019 (or a date fixed by the Minister). The Act can be viewed on the ACT Legislation website at: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2018-52/

Complete

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends the Minister for Sport and Recreation reports further to the Committee during its 2017-18 annual report hearings on the current and developing status of the Request for Tender process for Boomanulla Oval.

Government Response – Agreed

Following an Expression of Interest process, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services (Winnunga) was invited to prepare a response to a Request for Tender (RFT) released in June 2016. The RFT called for a detailed business case for how the facility will be used and managed going forward.

The process included both the requirement to submit a package of documentation for preliminary review, prior to finalising a full response to the RFT.

Under the RFT, up to $50,000 of Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) funding was available via Active Canberra to assist in the development a guiding strategy for Boomanulla Oval.

In March 2017, Winnunga was successful in securing $49,500 of the IAS funding to develop a guiding strategy for Boomanulla Oval.

Winnunga submitted a Strategic Plan as part of its package of preliminary review documents in September 2017.

In light of importance and complexities of this project, government took time to ensure close attention was paid to every possibility that might enable Winnunga’s proposal to work, but in the end, it wasn’t possible.

The Territory formally ended the Tender process in July 2018.

Complete

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that the ACT government progress work on the Shared Services software asset management system as a matter of urgency. The Committee recommends that the ACT government advise the Legislative Assembly of progress on the project by the end of the 2017-18 financial year.

Government Response - Agreed

A Software Asset Management tool has been piloted and collected an initial sample of data. Government-wide deployment is currently being implemented in alignment with existing technical platforms and will provide comprehensive data for analysis by the end of the 2017-2018 financial year.

In 2017-18 Shared Services developed and piloted an in-house Software Asset Management (SAM) system but it was deemed as not fit for purpose. Procurement of a commercial off the shelf SAM system is underway and it is anticipated the software will be fully live and functional in the
2019-20 financial year.

Complete

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government, in consultation with the private sector, investigate temporary solutions to Canberra’s lack of suitable large-scale banqueting facilities.

Government Response - Agreed

Venues Canberra, in consultation with the City Renewal Authority and ACT Property Group are investigating possible options for a large-scale banqueting facility.

These options will be considered by the Government in the context of the 2019-20 Budget.

The government will continue to consider options in future years.

In progress

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government maintain the National Convention Centre to ensure that it can continue to operate as a quality venue over the short to medium term.

Government Response - Agreed

The government has a sublease agreement with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to operate the National Convention Centre. Each party has obligations in the agreement to ensure that the centre operates as a quality venue for the term of the agreement that expires 2 July 2023. In the 2015-16 Budget the government announced funding over two years of $5.381million for the refurbishment of the National Convention Centre. In 2015-16 works were undertaken by ACT Property Group to refurbish the Main Foyer, Exhibition Hall, Reception, Box Office and Star Room. Other works in 2015-16 included the replacement of the foyer furniture and all new Royal Theatre seating.

In 2016-17 works were undertaken to refurbish the Public Bathrooms, install auto blinds in Meeting Rooms, install a new commercial oven, and upgrade the digital signage. In late 2017 works were completed for the new basketball court in the Royal Theatre at a cost of $0.25million. Current works underway include a kitchen upgrade costing $0.6million. At the same time IHG has invested $0.65million in loose fittings and other upgrades in addition to the $0.4million they spend annually to support the NCC operating as a quality venue.

ACT Property Group and Events ACT will continue to work with IHG to bring forward proposals to government for investment to maintain the NCC as a quality venue over the short to medium term.

In 2018-19 ACT Property Group commenced upgrading of the electrical circuitry in the Exhibition Hall and Royal Theatre, completed the kitchen upgrade that commenced in 2017-18, installed hearing loops and replaced the bathroom sensors following storm damage.

Complete

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government establish an integrity commission.

Government Response – Agreed

The ACT Government tabled an Exposure Bill in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 31 July 2018 for referral to the Select Committee on Independent Integrity Commission 2018. The ACT Government has provided funding in the 2018-19 Budget for the Integrity Commission’s operations.

The ACT Government established the ACT Integrity Commission with enabling legislation tabled, debated and passed in the November 2018 sitting.

The Integrity Commission Act 2018 was notified on 11 December 2018. The Act partially commenced on 1 July 2019. The operational provisions are schedule to commence on 1 December 2019 (or a date fixed by the Minister). The Act can be viewed on the ACT Legislation website.

Complete

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government report on the structure and specific goals of the Policy Innovation Team by the end of November 2018.

Government Response – Agreed

The Minister for Regulatory Services will provide this information to the Assembly.

This information was reported through responses to Questions on Notice received during 2018-19 Estimates hearings (QON#E18‑15).

Complete

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government publish clear guidelines for the participation of ACT Government employees in public consultation run by the ACT Government which recognise their human right to participate in public life.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

There is already an existing document called the Guidelines for Officials – Participation in Legislative Assembly and Other Inquiries which outlines some of these requirements. The government will look to strengthen these Guidelines to cover submissions by ACT Government employees into Legislative Assembly and other inquiries and promote these Guidelines to ACT Government employees.

In progress

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government report on the number and nature of entry level and apprenticeship positions in each directorate.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

This data is currently reported at a WoG level in the State of the Service report. Consideration will be given to including a breakdown of data by Directorate in the 2018-19 State of the Service report.

The data on trainees and apprenticeships is reported at a WoG level in the State of the Service report. Directorates and agencies include a breakdown of trainees and apprenticeships in their annual reports.

Complete

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government report on all voluntary redundancies accepted by ACT public servants in 2017-18, including the level of employment, and the reasons for each redundancy, and the reasons why each employee could not be redeployed elsewhere in the public service.

Government Response – Agreed

Some of the data sought on redundancies is not centrally collated. The data has been sought from Directorates and will be reported when practicable, and in a manner consistent with privacy considerations.

In the 2017-18 reporting period there were 55 voluntary redundancies accepted by ACT Public Servants. There were no involuntary redundancies.

The 55 redundancies were comprised as follows:

• (<)5 x Administrative Services Officer 2;
• (<5) x Administrative Services Officer 3;
• (<5) x Administrative Services Officer 4;
• 5 x Administrative Services Officer 6;
• (<5) x Capital Linen 4;
• (<5) x General Services Officer 5/6;
• (<5) x Health Professional 4;
• (<5) x Health Services Officer 10;
• (<5) x Infrastructure Officer 4;
• (<5) x Registered Nurse 3;
• (<5) x Registered Nurse 4.2;
• (<5) x Registered Nurse 5.6;
• (<5) x Senior Information Technology Officer C;
• 13 x Senior Officer Grade A;
• 10 x Senior Officer Grade B;
• 10 x Senior Officer Grade C; and
• (<5) x Teacher 1.

The reasons for redundancy were:

• changed job role – 8;
• organisational restructure – 30; and
• position ceased – 17

Data on the reasons why redeployment was unsuccessful is not captured and therefore is not able to be reported.

Note: where the actual number is less than 5 it is reported as ‘<5’ to avoid possible re-identification of individuals.

Complete

Recommendation 12

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government clearly publishes the processes involved in suspension of driver licences for medical reasons, including avenues of appeal.

Government Response – Agreed

The government will update publicly-accessible materials, including relevant websites.

Access Canberra will publish this information on its website within the first quarter of the 2019‑20 financial year.

In progress

Recommendation 13

The Committee recommends that Access Canberra provide clearer public advice about what Fix My Street is for, to assist in directing requests for capital works to the appropriate location.

Government Response – Agreed

The government will update publicly-accessible materials, including relevant websites and written guides.

Fix My Street (FMS) is an online interface that provides the Canberra community an online channel to report existing issues and request new municipal services within ACT.

Access Canberra, in conjunction with the Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) Directorate, has engaged in a program of works to update and improve the FMS submission form and information provided on the Access Canberra website to guide the way in which the community uses the FMS service.

Phase 1.1 of works on the FMS service were released in September 2018 and implemented six trial categories into a production environment; Beta phase. The release trialled implementation of a new customer experience supported by development of high-level categories, simple workflows and an engaging user interface. Business areas responding to service requests were provided with additional information to respond to assigned tasks in a timely manner, enabling TCCS to close the loop more efficiently. Executive were able to understand customer interactions through improvements made in how the data was recorded in the Client Relationship Management system.

FMS Phase 1.2 has built upon this initial Beta implementation to complete all remaining categories and workflows. This will enable TCCS to facilitate objectives around customer usability, operational completion and management reporting across TCCS business areas. It is a crucial step in facilitating faster response to customer enquiries and allowing the loop to be closed.

Complete

Recommendation 14

The Committee recommends that, while the Asset Management System is being established, Access Canberra and Transport Canberra and City Services work on interim measures to improve communication with a customer when a call or job is closed or completed.

Government Response – Agreed

The government will explore the most suitable interim measures to improve customer communication in this context.

Access Canberra has extended access to its Client Relationship Management (CRM) system to additional service areas of the Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) Directorate, improving the ability of these areas to manage client relations directly through the CRM.

For those teams not working through the CRM, Access Canberra and TCCS continue to work on measures to improve customer communication.

In progress

Recommendation 15

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government update the data on mobile speed cameras on www.data.act.gov.au.

Government Response – Agreed

The relevant data will be updated as soon as practicable.

Mobile speed camera data is regularly uploaded onto the www.data.act.gov.au website. This data includes infringements and location visits.

Complete

Recommendation 16

The Committee recommends that licence plate recognition data be made available on www.data.act.gov.au in a similar way to data for mobile speed camera visits.

Government Response – Agreed

The relevant data will be made available when practicable.

Access Canberra is investigating data options to be uploaded to the www.data.act.gov.au website. Possible data to be updated includes school visits, infringement numbers and infringement types.

In progress

Recommendation 17

The Committee recommends that Access Canberra introduce a service standard for providing regular, brief updates to complainants on building and planning compliance matters.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

Internal procedures will be updated to provide for Access Canberra customers to be updated on complaint progress for building and planning compliance matters every four weeks.

Access Canberra has updated its procedures to reflect that complainants in an ongoing investigation will be briefly updated on the status of the case, as appropriate, every four weeks.

Complete

Recommendation 18

The Committee recommends that Access Canberra introduce an accountability indicator once a service standard has been introduced.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

Access Canberra is reviewing its accountability indicators in light of the recent Auditor-General's report, ACT Government Strategic and Accountability Indicators Report No 2/2018. This recommendation will be considered as part of that review.

Access Canberra is investigating weekly reporting against each team’s complainant contact timeframes via the Customer Relations Management system.

In progress

Recommendation 19

The Committee recommends that the Minister for Economic Development table in the Assembly the guidelines for the Priority Investment Program, when they are complete.

Government Response – Agreed

The Minister will table these guidelines when practicable.

The Priority Investment Program’s first funding round was held in the financial year. The program guidelines will be tabled in the 2019-20 financial year.

In progress

Recommendation 20

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government undertake a review into the research partnerships identified in the Business Development Strategy, Confident and Business Ready: Building on our Strengths, to determine the effectiveness of the current approach and any changes in the priority sectors for the Priority Investment Program.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The partnership approach articulated in the Business Development Strategy identified a small number of sectors where industry development would be focused, but where there existed a critical mass, unique capability and commitment and leadership from the sectors to work in partnership with government. Given the strategy was released in 2016 and that research partnerships take time to develop and deliver outcomes, the government will undertake reviews in future years. Experience to date and any new sectoral opportunities will also be taken into account in developing the guidelines for the new Priority Investment Program.

The evaluation approach will be developed. The Priority Investment Program guidelines were designed to respond to the priority sectors outlined in the Strategy and any other emerging priority areas of the ACT economy.

In progress

Recommendation 21

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government review whether, in light of increased tourism demand from China, there is more that could be done to make the city friendly for Chinese tourism, for example improved signage and translated government material.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

Many activities already occur that support growing the Chinese experience in Canberra with available budget committed to increasing demand and growing industry capability. The ACT Government, through VisitCanberra, works closely with Tourism Australia to deliver translated content through their platforms to reach this important inbound tourism market.

The ACT Government, through VisitCanberra, will continue to evaluate existing programs and new ways to reach and engage with the Chinese market.

Over the next 12 months opportunities will be explored to:

• develop a China strategy as part of an overall international market plan;
• leverage the strong education links with the Chinese market through tertiary education sector;
• build business education and capability;
• work in partnership with Canberra’s national attractions; and
• invest cooperatively in visitor servicing products with other state and territories as well as local industry.

Five opportunity areas for reaching and engaging with the Chinese market have been identified:

• leverage the strong education links with the Chinese market through tertiary education sector;
• attract Chinese holiday and long-stay visiting friends and relatives from other Australian gateway cities;
• strengthen industry capability to service Chinese visitors and explore partnership opportunities with Chinese payment providers;
• pursue a direct aviation link between Beijing or Shanghai and Canberra; and
• develop Canberra into a destination that offers world-class study tour programs.

These opportunities will inform VisitCanberra’s overarching international market plan and approach for 2019-2021.

In progress

Recommendation 24

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government publish the forensic accounting report regarding the finances of Floriade.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government is currently assessing whether the report can be posted on the open access website, in line with relevant legislation.

The Review into the Internal Financial Management of Floriade 2017, completed and presented by Protiviti in July 2018, was released under Freedom of Information in September 2018.

Complete

Recommendation 26

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government keep key stakeholders and the Assembly updated on what is happening at Kingston Arts Precinct.

Government Response – Agreed

Updates will be provided regarding the Kingston Arts Precinct where possible, noting the need to observe the probity requirements of the sales process.

artsACT and the Suburban Land Agency continue to work closely on progression of the Kingston Arts Precinct. Updates will be provided as available regarding the development of the Precinct.

In progress

Recommendation 29

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government, in consultation with the arts sector, review arts funding and the adequacy of CPI as a funding growth factor for key arts organisations.

Government Response – Agreed

CMTEDD is currently reviewing arts funding through the development of a new ACT Arts Funding Plan, in consultation with the arts sector.

artsACT is currently reviewing organisational funding for arts organisations, including CPI.

In progress

Recommendation 31

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government continue a focus on balancing the budget.

Government Response – Agreed

Achieving a balanced budget position is one of the key objectives of the government’s fiscal strategy, as stated in 2018-19 Budget Paper No. 3, page 45. The Budget is now in balance and is projected to remain in a positive position across the forward estimates.

The government remains committed to its fiscal strategy of maintaining a balanced fiscal position across the forward estimates.

Including the estimated outcome for 2018-19, over the last three years there has been a cumulative surplus of around $100 million.

Over the coming four years from 2019-20, the 2019-20 Budget projects a cumulative surplus of around $400 million.

Complete

Recommendation 38

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government undertake broader analysis of the effects of recent changes to the rates and land tax regime in the Territory, and publish the results of that analysis, before the end of the 2018-19 financial year.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The Public Accounts Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into general rates and land tax for strata residences. The Government will consider the analysis and recommendations presented by the Committee when it reports later this year. The Government’s response to the Committee’s report – which will be tabled before the end of the 2018-19 financial year – will include further analysis as necessary.

Stage two of the tax reform process is due to be completed in 2021-22. As part of preparations for stage three, which will commence in 2022-23, the Government will analyse the impacts of the stage two reforms. This analysis is expected to be published no later than the 2020-21 Budget.

The Government Response to the Public Accounts Committee report on its inquiry into the methodology for determining rates and land tax for strata residences was publicly released on 16 January 2019. The response provided a broad analysis of rates and land changes as part of tax reform to date.

Complete

Recommendation 46

The Committee recommends the ACT Government develop an indicative plan of major long-term infrastructure priorities to ensure confidence in the construction industry.

Government Response – Agreed

The government is currently in the process of updating its ACT Government Infrastructure Plan 2011-2021 to cover the period to 2028.

The government also provides an annual update to the ACT Government Infrastructure Plan 2011-2021 for each financial year (the most recent being the 2017-18 update). These publications jointly serve to provide the ACT community, the construction industry, and other sectors with an overview of the potential pipeline of projects that the government has either initiated or is considering.

The government is developing an ACT Infrastructure Plan which will be published in 2019. This plan will set out the government’s investment priorities for Canberra and the surrounding region.

In February 2019 the government published the 2018-19 Infrastructure Plan Update to the current ACT Government Infrastructure Plan 2011-2021.

In progress

Recommendation 48

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government develop a policy for when peppercorn rents will be offered to community groups leasing ACT Government property.

Recommendation 49

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government develop and publish new guidelines, systems and policies in relation to peppercorn rental agreements, and create a public register of those organisations who benefit from peppercorn rental arrangements during each financial year.

Government Response to recommendations 48 and 49 – Agreed

ACT Property Group supports the implementation of Recommendations 48 and 49. The policy, guidelines, and systems in relation to the current and future peppercorn arrangements – including the development of a public register – will be developed in consultation with the Community Services Directorate and the community sector. It is expected that this work will be completed by 30 June 2019, with progress reported in the next Budget Estimates process.

The policy on peppercorn rents is currently in the process of being drafted. A public register of those organisations who benefit from peppercorn rental arrangements will be developed following implementation of the policy.

In progress

Recommendation 51

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government and Icon Water publish the results of the audit into the Shared Services Agreements between ActewAGL and Icon Water.

Government Response – Agreed

A report is being prepared on the findings of Icon Water’s management audit of the services contracts with ActewAGL. Icon Water forecasts that the audit will be completed by the end of August 2018 and will then be presented to Icon Water’s Risk and Assurance Committee. Once the report has been finalised, Icon Water will publish the results of the audit on its website.

View the summary of the audit findings on Icon Water’s website.

Complete

Recommendation 24

The Committee recommends that ACT Government ensures that the lessees of the Phillip Pool are kept updated on the ACT Government’s work towards a new ice rink facility for the ACT.

Government Response - Agreed

The recommendation will be referred to the relevant Directorate to liaise with the lessees of the Phillip pool and ice-skating rink.

The ACT Government publicly announced in December 2018 that it would conduct an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking interest from suitably qualified and experienced parties to design, construct, operate and maintain a new ice sports facility in the ACT. The EOI for a new ice sports facility will be publicly released within the first quarter of 2019-20.

Complete

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that, if the Bill is passed, the ACT Government ensure that the Registrar is appropriately resourced to monitor and enforce compliance with the resulting Act.

Government Response – Agreed

The government notes that appropriate resourcing has been an important consideration from the outset and that the 2018-19 Budget has provided appropriate funding and resources to implement the secure local jobs package. The government also notes that there will also be some upskilling and training requirements for existing staff such as procurement contract managers, so that procurement processes will be more effective generally.

The Secure Local Jobs branch has been established to support the implementation of Secure Local Jobs and to undertake compliance and education activities.

Complete

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that, if the Assembly proceeds with the Bill, section 22ZD be amended to require the Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council’s review of the operation of the legislation to include an examination of the impact of the legislation on procurement with small and medium local business.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

The government agrees in-principle with this recommendation and notes that the provisions requiring the Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council to review the operation of the legislation are considered to be broad enough to cater for this recommendation. As a consequence, the government does not consider that an amendment is required.

The government will however, undertake to have the terms of reference for the review, once written, specifically include a focus on small and medium sized businesses’ interaction with the new arrangements.

The Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council is yet to begin the Review, which will include a focus on small and medium sized businesses’ interaction with the new code.

In progress

Recommendation 5

The Committee, noting a number of witnesses raised queries about the Secure Local Jobs Code, recommends that the ACT Government consider these queries as part of its current consultation with all relevant stakeholders to determine the detail of the Code.

Government Response – Agreed

The government notes that the Standing Committee’s Report and public submissions received by the Committee are being considered in the refinement of the supporting instruments. The government also notes that the Code is intended to be made as a disallowable instrument and will consequently be supported by a Regulatory Impact Statement as well as benefiting from the scrutiny of the Legislative Assembly.

Furthermore, and separate to the Committee’s inquiry, the Secure Local Jobs Code has also been the subject of extensive consultation which will also be considered in the finalisation of the subordinate instruments, including:

• a first round of public consultation on the structure of the Secure Local Jobs Package was undertaken with the release of a discussion paper and included an eight week public submission period to March 2018;
• multiple meetings with employee and employer representative groups/forums;
• engagement with the Commonwealth; and
• a second round of public consultation on a consultation draft of the Secure Local Jobs Code and other supporting instruments with public submissions sought, ending September 2018.

The Secure Local Jobs Code Registrar continues to engage with stakeholders about the operation of the code.

In progress

Recommendation 6

The Committee, noting the importance of the approved auditors to the Secure Local Jobs Code certification package, recommends that, should the Assembly proceed with the Bill, the ACT Government explore options for building capacity over time to have the auditing work undertaken by public servants.

Government Response

The government will work with the Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council tasked to monitor the auditing arrangements under the Secure Local Jobs Package with a view to exploring the options for in-housing. This will include the provision of advice on building capacity in the ACT Public Sector and providing quality assurance over external auditors, having regard to the importance of maintaining a degree of separation between auditor and decision maker.

The Secure Local Jobs Code Advisory Council will consider in-housing as part of the review of the Code’s operation (which is yet to commence).

In Progress

The Select Committee on an Independent Integrity Commission final report includes 53 recommendations covering a range of matters primarily concerned with legislative amendment. All amendments to the draft legislation agreed to by the government have been made.

Recommendation 27

The Committee recommends that the Commission provide comprehensive training and education material to anyone subject to mandatory corruption notification requirements.

Government Response – Agreed

Most of the Committee’s recommendations were implemented by the Integrity Commission Act 2018. Four of the recommendations related to a
non-legislative response or action and are matters for the Legislative Assembly to determine.

The Integrity Commission Act 2018 was notified on 11 December 2018. The Act partially commenced on 1 July 2019. The Integrity Commission Amendment Bill 2019 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 16 May 2019 to commence some establishment provisions of the legislation and delay the receipt of referrals to 1 December 2019 (or a date fixed by the Minister).
The Act can be viewed on the ACT Legislation website.

Complete

In relation to recommendation 27, section 64 of the Integrity Commission Act 2018 provides that the Commission may make directions about mandatory corruption notifications. The direction may state the types of matters that must be notified, the obligations on the people that must notify and the form, content and method of notification. The Integrity Commission also has a role in providing education programs. Further details on the Commission’s training and education material will be a matter for the Commission.

Complete

Recommendation 38

The Committee recommends that the legislation require the Commissioner to issue guidelines about the Commission’s policies and procedures, and that the ACT Government consider whether the guidelines should be a notifiable instrument.

Government Response – Agree in part

This is a matter for the Commission, however, an amendment has been made to the Bill. The government will give consideration in the future as to whether the guidelines need to be a notifiable instrument.

This recommendation was implemented by section 42 [Conduct of examinations] of the Integrity Commission Act 2018. Section 42 also provides that the guidelines are notifiable instruments.

Complete

Recommendation 49

The Committee recommends that the Commissioner be required to maintain a register of conflicts of interest and any steps taken to manage them within the Commission and that the register be available to the Inspector.

Government Response – Agree-in-principle

It is proposed that the Commission should have an internal policy/procedure addressing how conflicts of interest are to be maintained. The register is to be available to the Inspector.

This recommendation was fully implemented by section 32 [Commissioner—conflicts of interest register] of the Integrity Commission Act 2018.

Complete

Recommendation 54

The Committee recommends that the ACT Government establish a comprehensive review of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 as soon as is possible with the aim of having changes implemented by 2020.

Government Response – Agree

The government acknowledges that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 will need to be reviewed in the context of the Integrity Commission Bill and the new ACT Integrity Commission. The government is considering the context and timing of this review. Any legislative amendments would be subject to an assessment of legislative priorities.

Peg Consulting was selected as the Independent Reviewer for the review of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012. The contract commenced on 6 May 2019. The final report from the Independent reviewer is due by 30 September 2019.

An advertisement was placed in The Canberra Times on Saturday 8 June 2019 seeking public submissions to the review. The Independent reviewer was accepting submissions up until 19 July 2019.

The intention of the government is that legislation reflecting the recommendations of the Review will be presented to the Legislative Assembly by June 2020.

In progress

Recommendation 3

The government should detail, at the time of introducing a final bill, how it plans to promote broader knowledge of the scheme and safer driver practices if the MAI legislation is passed.

Government Response - Agreed

The Commission will promote broader knowledge of the scheme through the provision of education material, fund/work with information support services, and will liaise with ACT Health and Canberra Health Services to ensure broader knowledge of the scheme.

Road safety initiatives are currently funded through a levy paid with vehicle registration. The funding goes into the Road Safety Fund with its use being recommended to the Minister by the Fund’s Advisory Board. The CTP Regulator is a member of the ACT Road Safety Taskforce that assists the Board with advice and recommendations about how this funding is used. Under the new scheme, the Motor Accident Injuries Commission will work constructively with the Taskforce and Road Safety Advisory Board to advance new initiatives.

The new scheme and the role of the Commission has not yet commenced.

In progress

Recommendation 4

The government must provide appropriate resourcing to the new Motor Accident Injuries Commission and associated support services to ensure the objectives of the scheme which cannot be strictly defined in legislation can be achieved.

Government Response - Agreed

There is an expectation that additional staffing will be required for the Commission to undertake these expanded functions. Actual staffing requirements will be finalised once the Bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly.

Funding has already been provided in the 2018-19 Budget for an improved ICT system, that will provide enhanced reporting capabilities to assist the Commission undertake its expanded monitoring and compliance functions

The required staffing level for the Commission is currently being determined as part of implementation of the new scheme. The new scheme and the role of the Commission has not yet commenced.

In progress

Recommendation 13

Noting that there is not currently sufficient information made available to the CTP Regulator or publicly to assess actual insurer profits within the scheme, the new Motor Accident Injuries Commissioner proactively exercise the extended data gathering powers provided in the MAI Bill and be properly resourced to do so.

Government Response – Agreed

Funding has already been provided in the 2018-19 Budget for an improved ICT system, that will provide enhanced reporting capabilities to assist the Commission undertake its expanded monitoring and compliance functions. This will assist in undertaking reviews of the scheme.

The improved ICT system for the Motor Accident Injuries Commission is currently being developed. The system is expected to be ready for the commencement of the new scheme in early 2020.

In progress

Recommendation 14

The government should commit to review insurer profits as part of the full scheme review within three years of implementation and take steps to cap profits as other jurisdictions have done if they are shown to be above fair and reasonable levels.

Government Response – Agreed

The bill includes additional detail about the matters to be considered by the review that is required every three years, without limiting the full scope of matters that may be considered. The bill also includes a broad regulation making to allow a mechanism to be prescribed for what is reasonable actual profits and determine what the consequences are if actual profits differ from reasonable actual profits. A regulation will be made in the future if analysis indicates insurer profits might be higher than is reasonable for the industry.

An assessment of whether insurer profits might be higher than is reasonable for the industry, and therefore whether regulation is required, will not be able to be undertaken until a number of years after the new scheme commences. This is due to the long-tail nature of such personal injury insurance schemes. The new scheme has not yet commenced.

Pending

Recommendation 3

Consideration of Better Practice Initiatives

ACT Government entities who manage non-ACT Government debts, and do not have a low risk with respect to the collection of this revenue, should assess their debt management practices against better practice, and modify their practices accordingly.

Government Response - Agreed

The government will require agencies to review their debt management practices once the guidance on the general principles of debt management is made available by CMTEDD. Agencies will be required to consider the principles outlined in the guidance as well as relevant inter-jurisdictional best practices to determine whether changes are required to their DGFIs. The potential application of better practice models must be analysed by agencies from a number of perspectives including risk, cost, IT capabilities and impact on efficiency, to determine whether it is worth pursuing. The review will also be influenced by any underlying policy or legislation and social sensitivities.

The Debt Management Working Group (DMWG) was established in 2017 to undertake a phased pilot program with a number of directorates. The aim of the DMWG was to consider a centralised end-to-end debt management model within Shared Services to achieve a more efficient and integrated arrangement for managing external debt.

The closure report from the DMWG has now been considered by the Strategic Board and CMTEDD is in the process of finalising high-level guidance on the general principles of debt management incorporating the framework outcomes of the DMWG pilot.

The application of the policy to specific debt by entities once it is issued will need to be considered on a case by case basis taking into account a range of factors including legislative requirements, social sensitivities, technical capabilities and costs.

Additional information on this action is reported in response to Recommendation 2 of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Report No.22 – Review of the Auditor-General’s Report No.1 of 2015: Debt Management.

In progress

Recommendation 3

Automated Credit Card Acquittal Facility (Chapter 2)

Shared Services should progress actions to advance the implementation of an automated credit card acquittal facility for the administration of credit cards.

Government Response - Agreed

Implementation of an Expense Management System to support an automatic credit card acquittal facility is planned for 2017-18, following the finalisation of the Invoice Automation project which is currently being undertaken.

The implementation of an Expense Management System (EMS) was recommended as part of a feasibility study to automate Accounts Payable. An EMS will improve reporting functionality relating to expenditure transactions as well as strengthen governance arrangements.

The Accounts Payable Invoice Automation Solution (APIAS) which processes accounts payable invoices through a workflow process was fully implemented across all directorates in September 2017.

It is anticipated that an Expense Management System (EMS) will be implemented in 2019-20 allowing greater use of purchasing/credit cards across the ACT Government. In July 2019 Shared Services began entering into negotiations and finalising contractual arrangements with a vendor.

In progress

Recommendation 4

ACT Government Policy on Use of Cards (Chapter 3)

CMTEDD should assess the merits, or otherwise, of using cards as a key accounts payable mechanism for goods and services and if appropriate, provide whole-of-government direction including specifying controls to manage associated risks.

Government Response – Partially Agreed

The government has already assessed the merits of using credit cards as a key accounts payable mechanism for goods and services and supports the use of credit cards for low value/low risk transactions.

As noted in the response to Recommendation 3, an Expense Management System is planned to be implemented during 2017-18 which will support the increased use of credit cards. A policy will be issued in conjunction with the availability of the Expense Management System, applying to entities with access to that system, to ensure that the increased risks associated with increased credit card usage are able to be appropriately managed and mitigated.

It is anticipated that an Expense Management System (EMS) will be implemented in 2019-20 allowing greater use of purchasing/credit cards across the ACT Government. In July 2019 Shared Services began entering into negotiations and finalising contractual arrangements with a vendor. In conjunction with the implementation of an EMS, Shared Services will work with Treasury to finalise an agreed policy on the use of credit cards issued in alignment with the new system. Entities that do not use the EMS will be covered by the principles of the policy.

In progress

Recommendation 7

Notifiable Incidents

Procedures for WorkSafe ACT's management of notifiable incidents should be developed, approved and implemented. They should include, amongst other things, guidance for receiving and responding to notifiable incidents and encouragement for ACT Government employees to notify incidents (i.e. 'when in doubt, notify').

Government Response - Agreed

Access Canberra has engaged a Governance Adviser to review, assess current governance arrangements and develop and strengthen processes where recommended. Procedures for the management of notifiable incidents will be developed to ensure staff are using this regulatory tool in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Notifiable Incident reporting has been improved by implementing amendments to the SmartForms to make the reporting of incidents easier for all customers.

The form has also been amended so that any impact on ACT Government utilities is reported to the Utility Technical Regulator on the one form (i.e. simultaneously to both WorkSafe ACT and the Utilities Regulator). The SmartForm has been programmed to go directly into the triaging WorkSafe system (dashboard) at the time it is submitted. All incoming incidents are triaged by an inspector in the first instance and a manager when required.

As WorkSafe ACT transitions out of Access Canberra these procedures will be further developed with regular reviews conducted to ensure the policies and procedures remain current and effective.

Complete

Recommendation 6 – 2020 Accommodation

ACT Property Group and Elections ACT should finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with accommodation arrangements being agreed well in advance (two years) of the 2020 election. If this is not done, Elections ACT should seek assistance from the Head of Service.

Government Response – Agreed-in-principle

Elections ACT has agreed that it would be desirable to settle its additional office accommodation needs well in advance of the 2020 election. ACT Property Group will work with Elections ACT to ensure their space requirements are met for the 2020 Election in accordance with the MoU.

In June 2019 the Strategic Office Accommodation Committee (SOAC) agreed to:

• Elections ACT commencing a new short-term lease agreement for leasing of Level 6, 221 London Circuit, Canberra City as temporary accommodation to conduct the 2020 Legislative Assembly Elections for the period 1 September 2019 to 30 November 2020; and
• Elections ACT maintaining the current lease on Ground Floor, North Building for storage of materials for the 2020 Legislative Assembly Elections.

Complete

Recommendation 8 – Whitelisting of applications

CMTEDD (Shared Services) should develop and implement an application whitelisting strategy for server or desktop computer systems operating on the ACT Government network.

Government response – Agreed

Application Whitelisting will be implemented as part of the deployment of the Windows 10 Standard Operating Environment (SOE) under the Desktop Modernisation Program. To minimise the implementation cost and impact of whitelisting this will be aligned with the roll out of the new SOE and occur between January 2018 and June 2019.

This recommendation is no longer required as progress is being monitored through Recommendation 7 of the Auditor-General Report No.4 of 2018 – 2016-17 Financial Audits – Computer Information Systems.

Closed – no longer required

Recommendation 1

artsACT should lead the development of an ACT Public Art Strategic Plan that covers all ACT Government public art. The plan should incorporate: a desired management model; mechanisms for the involved agencies to work cooperatively; and awareness raising of the contribution of ACT public art to the public realm. If the Australian Government and private sector entities who manage public art in the ACT agree, this plan should be jointly developed.

Government response – Agreed

artsACT will lead the development of an ACT Public Art Strategic Plan to build on the strength of the existing public art, guide future direction and capitalise on opportunities for enhancing the ACT public art collection. artsACT will endeavour to engage with the Australian Government and private sector entities that manage public art in the ACT in the development of the strategic plan.

Desktop research on best practice strategic planning for public art has been completed.

Project planning for the development of an ACT Public Art Strategic Plan is continuing.

In progress

Recommendation 2

artsACT should improve its operational activities by:

1. developing and implementing an overarching risk management plan;
2. developing and reporting against a specific public art related performance indicator/measure;
3. updating the Public Art Database so that information is available for all ACT Government public artworks. The cooperation and support of the Australian Government and private sector entities to list their works on this database should be explored;
4. reviewing and updating the ACT Government Public Art Guidelines (2015), in consultation with stakeholders, providing further guidance on:
5. different commissioning models that may be used;
6. acceptance and management of public art loans; and
7. cultural and local Indigenous community protocols in procuring and decommissioning artwork.
8. examining ways to protect public art from deliberate defacing by members of the public;
9. considering the implementation of legal sanctions for damage (accidental or deliberate) to public art;
10. working with other government agencies, in particular the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate, to identify strategies to protect public artworks from damage by ACT Government contractors and businesses, engaged by this Directorate, operating across the ACT;
11. establishing a comprehensive record of maintenance documentation for all public artwork; and
12. developing a Maintenance and Repairs Plan.

Government response – Agreed

artsACT will include these elements in future operational plans.

1. Preliminary risk management planning towards developing and implementing an overarching risk management plan has been completed in association with ACT Health. Complete
2. A new accountability indicator was developed in 2018-19 to commence reporting in 2019-20. Complete
3. artsACT update the Public Art Database whenever new information on artworks is available. The inclusion of Australian Government and private sector artworks on the database will continue to be explored. In progress.
4. the Public Art Guidelines will be updated as part of the development of the Public Art Strategy. In progress
5. artsACT continues to work with TCCS to identify strategies for protecting public artworks from damage by contractors and others. In progress.
6. As for (e).
7. As for (e).
8. Work on a Maintenance and Repair Plan for public art managed by artsACT has been completed. This report includes a comprehensive record of maintenance documentation for all public artworks. Complete.
9. As for (h) Complete.

Recommendation 5

artsACT and the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate should develop and implement public art asset acceptance protocols.

Government response – Agreed

Asset acceptance protocols for public art will be developed by artsACT and TCCS. Measures to improve the asset acceptance process for public art and to optimise input from artsACT as the future asset owners will include:

• updating the draft Municipal Infrastructure Design to clarify management responsibility for public art;
• updating the Design Acceptance Documents (Ref 06 Design Document) to include public artworks; and
• preparing and promoting an Advisory Note on updates to the asset acceptance protocols for developers/industry on the revised Municipal Infrastructure Design Standards.

Changes to the draft Municipal Infrastructure Design Standards relevant to Public Art and the Design Acceptance Documents are underway.

Work has commenced on an Advisory Note to asset acceptance protocols for developers/industry on the revised Municipal Infrastructure Design Standards.

In progress

Recommendation 1

CMTEDD should update the Performance and Accountability Framework in a timely manner (around eighteen months). At a minimum this should include:

1. identifying and documenting the replacement for the Canberra Plan and removing references to the Canberra Plan;
2. reflecting amendments to the Financial Management Act 1996 in relation to Section 30E, regarding timeframes for Ministerial half-yearly reports and Financial Management (Statement of Performance Scrutiny) Guidelines;
3. linking the Guide to the Performance Management Framework (2012), Strengthening Performance and Accountability: A Framework for the ACT Government (2011) and Organisational Performance Measurement and Reporting Guide (2013) on the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate webpages and making the relationship between the documents explicit;
4. reviewing and consolidating guidance documents to remove duplication and inconsistencies (Guide to the Performance Management Framework (2012), Strengthening Performance and Accountability: A Framework for the ACT Government (2011) and Organisational Performance Measurement and Reporting Guide (2013).

A review of the Performance and Accountability Framework has been completed. The updated framework is now available on CMTEDD’s website.

Complete

Recommendation 2

Strategic indicators should be improved by:

1. the Territory Banking Account (TBA), CMTEDD, Community Services Directorate (CSD), Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD), Health Directorate, Housing ACT, Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACSD), Lifetime Care and Support, Superannuation Provision Account, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and Canberra Institute of Technology removing or amending strategic indicators so they fully meet the criterion of Representative. Territory entities whose strategic indicators cannot meet the strategic criterion of Representative because they relate to whole of government functions should explain how indicators support achievement of government priorities through commentary;
2. CMTEDD, Housing ACT, Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) and EPSDD amending strategic indicators so they meet the Clarity criterion;
3. EPSDD, Cultural Facilities Corporation, Territory Banking Account, CMTEDD, TCCS, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and ACT Legal Aid Commission amending strategic indicators so they meet the Quantifiable criterion. Territory entities whose strategic indicators cannot meet the strategic criterion of Quantifiable through supporting quantitative data should use qualitative data that can be assessed and is explained through commentary; and
4. CMTEDD developing strategic indicators for all of its strategic objectives to meet the criteria of Representative, Responsive, Quantifiable, Clarity and Comparable.

Government response – Agreed-in-principle

Existing indicators will be reviewed in line with updated guidance material once it has been released. Amended indicators will be phased in from the 2019-20 Budget.

CMTEDD reviewed its existing Strategic Indicators as part of the 2019-20 Budget development process.

Complete

Recommendation 3

Accountability indicators should be improved by:

1. CMTEDD, JACSD, Superannuation Provision Account, TCCS, ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority and the Public Trustee and Guardian amending accountability indicators so they fully meet the criterion of Representative;
2. the ACT Local Hospital Network, CMTEDD, CSD, Education Directorate, EPSDD, Health Directorate, TCCS, Compulsory Third Party Insurance, Gambling and Racing Commission, ACT Insurance Authority and the Public Trustee and Guardian amending accountability indicators so they meet the criterion of Clarity; and
3. ACTION, CMTEDD, JACSD, ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority, ACT Insurance Authority, Public Cemeteries and the Public Trustee and Guardian considering the extent to which accountability indicators meet the criterion of External Focus and amending indicators to meet the criterion as necessary.

Government response – Agreed-in-principle

Existing indicators will be reviewed in line with updated guidance material once it has been released. Amended indicators will be phased in from the 2019-20 Budget.

CMTEDD reviewed its existing Accountability Indicators as part of the 2019-20 Budget development process.

Complete

Recommendation 4

All Territory entities should document their procedure for the review, selection and approval of strategic and accountability indicators (the TCCS and ACTION documented procedures could be used as a guide). The procedures should include:

• specifying a time (e.g. three years or when circumstances change) for reviewing and assessing all accountability indicators against performance indicators used by government agencies for similar services in other jurisdictions; and
• engaging with other Territory entities to identify better practices used in the Territory.

Government response – Agreed

The updated guidance material will include a requirement that entities document their procedures for the review, selection and approval of relevant indicators.

Entities will be required to specify a timeframe for the review and assessment of indicators, and appropriate procedures for engagement with other entities on identification of better practices.

A performance and accountability framework was released in April 2019. The new framework outlines the government’s performance hierarchy and review cycle.

As part of the preparation for the 2020-21 Budget, guidance material will be released to directorates specifying a timeframe for the review and assessment of indicators to incorporate, where applicable, the upcoming ACT Government Wellbeing Framework.

In progress

Recommendation 5

When Recommendation 1 a) to e) are complete, all Territory Entities should use the revised criteria as the basis for assessing the suitability of their Strategic and Accountability indicators.

Government response – Agreed

The updated guidance material will provide clear direction for entities in reviewing, selecting and approving relevant indicators.

The updated guidance material provides clear direction for entities in reviewing, selecting and approving relevant indicators. Entities are required to make full use of the assessment criteria defined within the updated guidance material.

Complete

Recommendation 4 - Management of Access to the ACT Government Network (User Access Reviews)

The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (Shared Services ICT) should:

1. automatically disable the access to users who have not accessed the ACT Government network for over 90 days.

Government response

1. Agreed-in-principle

Shared Services is developing an automated mechanism to disable users inactive for 90 days. This will be deployed in conjunction with a risked based analysis of Directorate business processes to identify specific user cases where longer inactivity periods may be justified. This solution will be implemented by July 2018.

An automated account inactivity process has been implemented. Shared Services and directorates are responsible for any account exemptions. The automated process removes any accounts that have not been used over the 90-day threshold period.

Complete

Recommendation 6 - Management of patches to applications

The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (Shared Services) should:

1. develop a defined patch management strategy that sets out the planned approach for patching of applications; and
2. routinely scan key financial applications to identify security vulnerabilities for patching in accordance with a defined patch management strategy.

Government response – Agreed-in-principle

ACT Government will investigate the development of a good practice patching model as a policy that directorates can adopt for their business systems by 30 June 2019.

Shared Services undertakes monthly security patching for all Microsoft application software as well as deploying emergency patches for zero-day exploits identified between monthly cycles.

Shared Services conducts monthly security patching for 12 key non-Microsoft software applications in the same manner with emergency patching for zero-day exploits identified by the vendor.

Some business systems or applications may not work on newer operating systems. This prevents patching of those systems (i.e. legacy systems). Risks to legacy system business continuity often override an infrastructure patching requirement, resulting in the implementation of other controls to protect the vulnerable system (firewalls, intruder prevention systems etc.).

ICT Security has procured a new vulnerability assessment tool which will be utilised for the scanning of key application infrastructure on a regular basis. The software is currently going through development and test processes with a full rollout scheduled for October 2019.

ICT Security has also templated a patch management schedule which can be completed by business owners and recorded in their System Security Plans.

In Progress

Recommendation 7 – Whitelisting of applications

CMTEDD (Shared Services) should develop and implement an application whitelisting strategy for server or desktop computer systems operating on the ACT Government network.

Government response - Agreed

ACT Government has installed Sophos anti-virus on all Windows 2008 and newer servers which treats the risk of malware and virus launching on application and database servers. ACT Government have implemented application whitelisting in the new Windows 10 endpoint SOE that blocks non-approved applications, malware and viruses from running. 500 devices are already running the Windows10 operating system and the upgrade is on track to deploy Windows10 to all other endpoints by June 2019.

The Windows 10 Standard Operating Environment (SOE) project under the Desktop Modernisation Program (DMP) has included application whitelisting as a deliverable. The whitelisting will cover both the SOE itself, and the list of available software that is to be deployed across government computer assets. The expected completion date of the rollout is December 2019.

In progress

Recommendation 1

Procurement ACT, in the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, should review and revise its procurement and probity information to provide more detailed guidance on, and clarity with respect to, the engagement of probity advice in a procurement process, including requirements for:

1. a Probity Plan to specify the activities to be undertaken and services provided by a probity adviser; and
2. the nature and timing of assurance to be provided by a probity adviser during a procurement process, including assurance through written reports.

Government Response - Agreed

The government accepts this recommendation. As the ACT Government Solicitor is responsible for providing probity services to the Territory, Procurement ACT will consult with the ACT Government Solicitor to review the current procurement and probity information and to develop the detailed guidance on, and clarity with respect to the engagement of probity advice in a procurement process, including requirements for:

1. a Probity Plan to specify the activities to be undertaken and services provided by a probity adviser; and
2. the nature and timing of assurance to be provided by a probity adviser during a procurement process, including assurance through written reports.

Procurement ACT is reviewing its probity advisory material and related procurement processes with a view to strengthening probity guidance.

In progress