Output 3: Employment-related services and functions

Information management

The management of the Commission’s information services is guided by its Information Technology Advisory Committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Public Service Commissioner. The Committee met twice during 2002—2003.

A new IT Strategic Plan for the Commission was completed in July 2002 and has been adopted. In accordance with the plan, the Commission is seeking to consolidate all information technology services with the prime contractor, Ipex ITG, for ease of management but also to ensure greater security and integrity of the Commission’s systems. Plans are in hand to upgrade server software and adopt the Microsoft Active Directory. The Commission is implementing a Virtual Private Network to permit access for staff working away from their offices and is investigating the potential use of mobile devices when the technology matures.

IT outsourcing

The majority of the Commission’s information technology infrastructure and support is provided by Ipex ITG under its contracted service provision to Group 8, of which the Commission is a member agency. Group 8 includes as participants the Australian Broadcasting Authority, Australian Communications Authority, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry–Australia (AFFA), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Department of the Environment and Heritage.

The contract with Ipex is managed through a common Contract Management Office established by the Group 8 agencies and overseen by a management committee comprising senior agency representatives.

Secure internet services were included in the contract with Ipex as an optional service. These services are considered to be specialist services that require certification from the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) in the Department of Defence. Because Ipex had not been able to provide these services the Commission contracted with 90 East Pty Ltd, a DSD-accredited provider for the provision of secure internet services. Ipex has now sub-contracted 90 East to provide these services to its clients and the Commission will source these services under the Group 8 contract. A small cost saving is anticipated as a result.

The Commission still receives support for several specialist systems from other outsourced providers. These systems include the APS Employment Database and the SAP financial system. The Public Service Gazette is now being supported by Ipex, though the redevelopment of the database is being carried out by in-house staff.

The Commission has continued to work with Ipex towards better levels of service during 2002—03.

IT user satisfaction survey

The Commission undertook a fourth user satisfaction survey for IT services in December 2002. The survey showed that satisfaction levels had remained largely unchanged from when the third survey had been conducted in November the previous year. This meant that satisfaction had risen after the initial fall in approvals but had generally remained steady.

Contract management

Ipex has continued to develop its internal management capacity and its service delivery has improved.

Online service delivery

The Commission has developed a solid online service delivery capacity. A significant proportion of its procurement transactions are undertaken electronically, all publications are available electronically and information on our training activities is available on our website. Courses and training activities can be booked and paid for online via the Commission’s E-sced registration system.