Qld: Govt departments under-performing: reports

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2008
Qld: Govt departments under-performing: reports

BRISBANE, April 17 AAP - A report card on Queensland government agencies has found
they are not communicating effectively with each other and are not giving accurate reports
of their performance.

Premier Anna Bligh today tabled six reports in state parliament from the Service Delivery
and Performance Commission.

Some areas of government, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, did not
get a positive appraisal.

Ms Bligh admitted there was a lot of room for improvement.

"We have not received a universally glowing report card," she said.

"In fact the report identifies a number of areas where there are serous concerns, where
we not only need to do better, but we must do better.

"Issues surrounding annual reports, performance management and the efficient exchange
of information between government agencies has been identified."

One report noted: "There is no guarantee that the performance information being reported
by agencies is valid or reliable."

The Department of Premier and Cabinet was found to be operating at only a "basic" compliance
level in performance management, with its practices "not yet well developed".

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner was slammed for its inability "to demonstrate
the independence and leadership to fulfil its role effectively".

Ms Bligh said an overhaul of the public service watchdog and a number of tribunals,
announced last month, would improve performance.

Under the changes, a new public service commission will be formed by amalgamating the
Service Delivery and Performance Commission with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner.

An amalgamated civil and administrative tribunal will also be created, to reduce duplication
and save around $80 million a year.

Ms Bligh said she would meet with all directors-general over the next two weeks to
discuss the results.

"We are not the only government in the world who is grappling with these issues but
... I want us to be right out there ahead of the pack," she said.

"We are committed to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement of the
services we deliver for the benefit of all Queenslanders."

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