Radical overhaul of machinery of government to commence from July 1

21/6/01
The Western Australian public sector enters a new era from July 1, when radical changes to the structure of government begin to take effect.
Premier Geoff Gallop said a far-reaching package of reforms endorsed by State Cabinet on Monday would ultimately lead to improved service delivery through a more efficient and responsive public sector structure.
Dr Gallop said the 55 recommendations of the Machinery of Government Taskforce represented the biggest single change in the history of the State's biggest organisation.
"The Machinery of Government Taskforce report represents the most comprehensive and far-reaching blueprint for reforming our public sector ever undertaken," he said.
"It is no exaggeration to describe the changes we are embarking on as revolutionary in their size and scope.
"This is not an attack on the public sector - it is an attack on waste, duplication and inefficiency. We are determined to put in place a better structure of government in order to deliver better services to the people."
The main findings and recommendations of the report include:
Fewer Departments
The number of Government departments will be reduced from 46 to 23 by merging some and reclassifying others. Cabinet has accepted some changes to the structure outlined by the Premier in Parliament on May 3 and has endorsed new arrangements for departments within the environment portfolio. While some departmental changes will require legislation, up to seven new departments will be created from July 1. These are the Departments of Consumer and Employment Protection; Local Government and Regional Development; Planning and Infrastructure; Housing and Works; Industry and Technology; Minerals and Petroleum Resources; and Treasury and Finance.
Too Many Statutory Authorities
The taskforce found that the number of statutory authorities in WA has grown from 131 eight years ago to 165 today. To check this growth, the Government will impose stringent controls on the establishment of new statutory authorities and will review the functions of all existing bodies with a view to, where appropriate, incorporating those functions into departments.
No Record of Government Entities
The taskforce reported that it was impossible to determine precisely how many State departments, commissions, ministries, boards, trusts, authorities, offices, committees and other entities existed in WA, although it was able to identify 768. In order to improve accountability, a public register will be established to list all statutory agencies, boards and committees as well as descriptions of their functions, constitutions and funding.
Better Strategic Co-ordination and Direction
A new Strategic Management Council consisting of the 23 departmental Directors General and chaired by the Premier will be created to develop and communicate strategic policy and planning priorities for the State. The SMC will also continue the process of improving the public sector and assist in co-ordinating and integrating service delivery across portfolios.
Pooling Corporate Services
Departments will be encouraged to share corporate support services, including financial services, human resources, information services and procurement in a bid to reduce duplication and costs through increased economies of scale.
One-Stop Shop for Investigation of Administrative Complaints
The taskforce endorsed Labor's policy to establish an independent administrative appeals body to review administrative decisions. The collocation of the following accountability agencies will also be examined: the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, the Information Commissioner, the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Director of Equal Opportunity in the Public Sector. These agencies will also consider the feasibility of a single entry point for the public and the sharing of support structures and will work together to introduce a shared approach to management and the professional development of investigative staff.
A Common Structure and 'Badging'
All departments will share the same basic structure and will be headed by a Director General. A common identity, or 'badge', will be developed for all departments to minimise the cost of separate logos. Departments will be directed to use existing stocks of stationery, such as letterheads, and signage until the common badge is developed. This will minimise wastage across government by reducing the need for existing stockpiles to be pulped.
The Premier said it was the Government's intention to begin implementing the recommendations immediately and to have all of the new arrangements in place by December 2002.
"While the Department of Premier and Cabinet will oversee the reform process, it will be the responsibility of relevant Ministers in conjunction with their portfolio Directors General to pursue these changes as quickly as possible," he said.
"Over the years numerous reviews, reports and recommendations have looked at the machinery of government but none have resulted in significant structural changes.
"Unlike previous Governments, we are not daunted by the size and complexity of the task at hand. We promised a better structure of government and we will deliver on our mandate."
Dr Gallop said the portfolio changes would require a minor Cabinet reshuffle which he expected to announce next week.
He said the Machinery of Government Taskforce would cease on July 1, having completed the most comprehensive review of the State's public sector in only three months.
"I want to thank the members of the taskforce, Mal Wauchope, Dr Ruth Shean, John Langoulant and its chairman, Stuart Hicks, for the work they have done in developing this blueprint for change," he said.
The taskforce's report is available online at http://www.mpc.wa.gov.au
Media contact: Kieran Murphy (08) 9222 9475