Output 1: APS policy, legislation and information

Quality
Timely, accurate and useful advice and reports to the Minister and Agency Heads/ Managers and support for the implementation of APS policy and legislation.

The Commission provided advice and support to the Minister in relation to matters concerning the operation of the legislation and management of the APS. The Minister assessed the Commission's briefs against performance standards and rated them in relation to timeliness, presentation and quality of advice using a 1 to 5 scale (a rating of 5 is excellent). In 2002-03, the Minister gave three briefs a 2 rating, two briefs a 4 rating and the remaining 93, a 3 rating.

The Commission continued to provide advice during the year to Agency Heads/managers on the operations of the Public Service Act 1999 and supporting legislation and documentation.

Timely advice was provided in a number of forms, including consulting with individual agencies, presentations at various fora, issuing booklets and circulars, giving advice through the helpline service and lodging information on the Commission's web site. Attendance at Corporate Management Network (COMNET) meetings, and other networks, indicates ongoing support.

76% of respondents to the client survey were satisfied with performance against this output and only 7% indicated dissatisfaction.

Quantity
Ongoing advice to the Minister and Agency Heads/Managers and support for the implementation of APS policy and legislation.

The Commission forwarded 98 formal submissions to the Minister on policy and administrative matters, and actioned 48 items of ministerial correspondence/representations. The Commission also:

• developed two amendments to the Public Service Regulations 1999
• developed one amendment to the Commissioner's Directions
• published 16 booklets
• coordinated 5 meetings of COMNET
• issued 15 circulars
• responded to 2677 inquiries to the Helpline
• provided advice direct to SES staff through one edition of the newsletter SES News
• participated in three Parliamentary inquiries.

Price
$3,330,000 (budget estimate)

The actual price was $3,401,000.

Quality
Timely, accurate and useful reports to Government and Parliament on the performance of the APS

All reports provided in a timely fashion with high standards of accuracy and positive responses from users.

73% of Commission clients thought that the 2001-02 State of the Service Report provided a relevant review (only 6% indicated dissatisfaction).

Quantity
One State of the Service Report, Workplace Diversity Report, Statistical Bulletin and Research Report into Graduate Trends produced.

One State of the Service Report, Workplace Diversity Report and Statistical Bulletin.

Price
$892,000 (budget estimate)

The actual price of $884,000 (compared to $459,000 in 2001-02) reflects the planned strategy to devote greater resources to improving the Commission's quality assurance role.

Quality
Reliable and comprehensive information on the composition of the APS in a useful and accessible format.

Reliable and comprehensive data presented in a useful and accessible format.

Quantity
One database with employment records for all APS employees from 1966.

Data base maintained with some enhancement.

Price
$1,264,000 (budget estimate)

The actual price was $1,254,000 (some resources for APSED staffing, which were dedicated to preparing the State of the Service Report, have been allocated to that output).

Quality
Timely, accurate and useful information is provided to overseas delegations and counterpart organisations which meet their visit objectives.

The Commission continued its involvement in international activities through hosting international visits, exchanging information with counterparts overseas and participating in international fora. Feedback from the visits was consistently high.

Quantity
30 overseas delegation visits.

The Commission hosted 38 visiting delegations.

Price
$187,000 (budget estimate)

The actual price was $189,284.