Embedding the APS Values: Case studies and other supporting material

Please note: These documents are for reference purposes only and are no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. They may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.

globe Useful references

Case study 14:
Centrelink:
Moot Senate Estimates

Background

Centrelink has one government-directed outcome-the effective delivery of Commonwealth services to eligible customers.

Centrelink supports this outcome in a number of ways including:

delivering effective solutions for the Australians Working Together initiatives, building towards capabilities to deliver enhanced service offers
delivering the Australian Government's Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society
providing an integrated cost-effective delivery of major Australian Government programs and services to all Australians
providing feedback on whole-of-government policy
responding quickly to urgent situations, such as natural disasters and major industry changes.

In delivering these and other outputs Centrelink is accountable directly and through its client agencies to the government, the parliament and the Australian public. It also clearly has a range of responsibilities in implementing the government's policies and programs.

Description

Centrelink uses a simulation activity, Moot Senate Estimates, to ensure its SES and EL2 managers understand their role in relation to parliamentary accountability. The activity provides practical experience to the participants on parliamentary activities and requirements. The exercise involves:

establishing a hearing room just like those in Parliament House
allocating the roles of senators, the minister, the CEO, etc. to the SES and managers
conducting the simulation hearing.

Participants rely on Hansard reports and Senate Estimates briefs prepared for the executive to make the exercise as realistic as possible. During the exercise, the CEO is present and coaches participants in their respective roles.

The simulation exercise helps staff understand the accountability framework in which they operate, including the requirement to account for the effective, efficient and ethical use of resources.

Key APS Values

The APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public. (s. 10(1)(e) of the PS Act)

The APS is responsive to the Government in providing frank, honest, comprehensive, accurate and timely advice and in implementing the Government's policies and programs. (s. 10(1)(f) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

VICKI BEARD
PHONE 02 6212 0215
vicki.beard@centrelink.gov.au