New development: Financial reforms played in two octaves— yet again?

Abstract

Major public service reforms are underway at the national level in Australia. The reforms are being implemented progressively over a three-year period. This is the third in a series of articles looking at the implementation of these reforms and focuses on the second stage, which was supposed to be completed in 2015. The author examines the recent report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit which reviewed the development of the ‘Performance Framework’ through a series of public hearings. He explains why, for good governance, particularly in a difficult economic and budgetary climate (domestically and internationally), public interest considerations must prevail, not just in issues about ‘how’ but also about ‘what’ is being actually achieved. There is considerable scope for shared learning and experience across governments and sectors of the economy in any reforms of the public sector.

Keywords:

• Accountability
• leadership
• outcomes
• parliament
• performance framework
• programme budget statements
• targets

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pat Barrett AO

Pat Barrett is an adjunct professor in the College of Business and Economics, Australian National University (ANU). He was formerly Australia’s Auditor- General.