2012–13

2012–13

2012–13

Contact us

For all inquiries regarding this report please contact:

Assistant Secretary, Ministerial Liaison, Communications and Governance, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (ABN 18 108 001 191).

Address: Andrew Fisher Building One National Circuit Barton ACT 2600 Australia Mail: PO Box 6500

Canberra ACT 2600 Australia

Internet: www.dpmc.gov.au Email: [email protected] Telephone: (02) 6271 5111

+61 2 6271 5111 (international) Fax: (02) 6271 5414

+61 2 6271 5414 (international)

Translation services

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection provides the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) national interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for English speakers who need to communicate with them. Phone 131 450 or visit www.immi.gov.au for more information.

ISSN 0157-8340

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2013

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About this report

This is the Secretary’s report to the Prime Minister for the financial year ended 30 June 2013.

This Annual Report relates to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s (PM&C) performance for 2012–13 against the measures outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statements and the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements for the same period. The report forms a primary mechanism of accountability to the Parliament of Australia in relation to services provided. It also communicates information to the community and stakeholders.

The report has been prepared in line with the Requirements for annual reports for departments, executive agencies and FMA Act bodies (the Annual Report Requirements), as approved by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit on 24 June 2013. The compliance index (on page 173) will direct you to where information required by the Annual Report Requirements can be found in this report.

This report is available in print from 32 libraries around Australia and the online version can be accessed on the PM&C website. The report comprises five parts:

• Part 1 introduces readers to PM&C with a description of the portfolio and a review from the Secretary that includes key highlights and a summary of our performance during 2012–13.

• Part 2 reports on how the Department performed during the period against our outcome and in relation to our departmental and administered programs.

• Part 3 details management and accountability processes, including corporate governance, external scrutiny, purchasing arrangements, management of human resources, work health and safety, and ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance processes.

• Part 4 contains the audited financial statements for 2012–13 and explanatory information.

• Part 5 comprises the glossaries and indexes that provide useful additional information.

Our role

Operating at the heart of the Australian Government, the primary role of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is to provide high-quality policy and implementation advice and support to the

Prime Minister, the Cabinet, our Portfolio Ministers, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Parliamentary Secretary, and the Government as a whole. PM&C also seeks to drive principles-based, strategic and coordinated policy solutions to Australia’s national challenges and to support the implementation of the Government’s priorities.

Our performance

Our key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are used to assess and monitor our performance and provide an important record of the Department’s role in supporting the Government’s policy objectives; how public money was spent and whether planned achievements were on track. PM&C has met each deliverable and KPI for 2012–13, as we have done over the past three years. The following indicators help to measure performance across the Department:

• 2,285 briefs were provided to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and our Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary

• 547 of these briefs were provided for use by the Cabinet or Cabinet committees

• 194,024 items of correspondence were processed

• 122 question time briefs were delivered to the Prime Minister and Portfolio Ministers

• 293 Senate Estimates questions on notice were managed

• 50 parliamentary questions on notice were managed.

Our staff

As at 30 June 2013 we had a total of 587 employees, including part-time and non-ongoing employees, employed in the ongoing functions of the Department (based on headcount). Some key statistics on our workforce include:

• 62.3 per cent are women • 91.4 per cent are full time

• 77.0 per cent are under the age of 45 • 93.5 per cent are based in Canberra

• 94.1 per cent are ongoing • 0.8 per cent identify as Indigenous

There were a further 211 staff who were inoperative or employed in associated functions, most notably the Group of Twenty (G20) Taskforce.

Contents

Contact us ii

Letter of transmittal iii

About this report iv

Summary v

Part 1: Overview for 2012–13 1

The portfolio 1

The Department 2

From the Secretary 5

Part 2: Performance report 10

Domestic policy 11

National security and international policy 24

Governance 32

Group of 20 Meeting 2014 47

Part 3: Management and accountability 50

Corporate governance 51

External scrutiny 53

Management of human resources, work health and safety 54

Purchasing 64

Consultants 64

Advertising and market research 65

Grant programs 65

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance 66

Key results in 2012–13 70 Statement by the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer 78

Independent Auditor’s report 76

Financial statements 79

Index to the notes 92

Part 5: Glossary and indexes 172

Compliance index 173

Index of figures 176

List of abbreviations 177

Glossary of key terms 180

Alphabetical index 182

The portfolio ... 1

The Department ...2

From the Secretary...5

The portfolio

The Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio has a unique and privileged role at the forefront of public and government administration.

As at 30 June 2013 the portfolio comprised one department of state, one Commonwealth company and seven prescribed agencies.

Department of state

• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Commonwealth company

• National Australia Day Council Limited

Prescribed agencies

• Australian National Audit Office

• Australian Public Service Commission

• National Mental Health Commission

• Office of National Assessments

• Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman

• Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security

• Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General

Our Ministers

As at 30 June 2013 the portfolio had the following Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries:

• The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister

• Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity (this Ministerial position ceased on 1 July 2013)

• The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Asian Century Policy (this Ministerial position ceased on 1 July 2013)

• The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Minister for the Public Service and Integrity

• The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Social Inclusion and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform (these Ministerial positions ceased on 1 July 2013)

• The Hon Jason Clare MP, Cabinet Secretary (not held by Mr Clare from 1 July 2013)

• The Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac

• The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (not held by Dr Leigh from 1 July 2013).

The Department

Departmental structure

There were no significant changes to the structure of the Department from the 2011–12 reporting period.

As at 30 June 2013 the Department had three groups: Domestic Policy, National Security and International Policy and Governance. Detail on each Group’s role is provided below. The Department’s structure is at Figure 1.1.

Domestic Policy Group

The Domestic Policy Group supported the development of economic, environmental, productivity and social policies. It coordinated the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) arrangements, provided advice and support for the Budget process and policy advice in relation to the Group of Twenty (G20). The Group also ensured that forward-looking strategic policy was prioritised in the face of the day-to-day demands of government.

National Security and International Policy Group

The National Security and International Policy Group provided advice on Australia’s foreign policy, trade and treaty matters, defence, intelligence, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, information sharing, cyber policy, border security and crisis management and the coordination of the national security budget. The Group assists the National Security Adviser in providing a high level of leadership, direction and coordination to the National Security Community.

Governance Group

The Governance Group provided advice on legal policy, parliamentary and government matters, honours policy, and support services to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Cabinet committees and our Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary. This Group delivered the Department’s enabling and support functions and monitored the delivery of key Government programs, policies and initiatives. During the 2012–13 reporting period, for the purpose of administrative efficiency, the Group took responsibility for the G20 Operations Division.

gure 1.1 Departmental structure as at 30 June 2013 Secretary Dr Ian Watt AO Associate Secretary (Domestic Policy)Associate Secretary (National Security Adviser) Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSMDr Margot McCarthy xecutive Coordinator (Domestic Policy)Deputy Secretary (Economic and Strategic)Deputy Secretary (Social Policy)Deputy Secretary (Governance)Deputy National Security Adviser Ms Jackie WilsonDr Heather SmithMs Rebecca CrossMs Renée Leon PSMMr Allan McKinnon Executive Coordinator Strategic PolicyExecutive Coordinator Domestic Policy Dr Rachel BaconMr Andrew Hockley Industry, Infrastructure and Environment DivisionOffice of Work and FamilyG20 PolicyG20 OperationsInternational Division FAS Ms Marie TaylorFAS Mr Paul Ronalds FAS Mr Chris LangmanFAS Ms Bernadette Welch PSMFAS Ms Kathy Klugman Strategy and Delivery DivisionSocial Policy DivisionCorporate Services DivisionDefence, Intelligence and Information Sharing Division FAS Mr Dominic EnglishFAS Ms Helen McDevittFAS Ms Michelle CrosbyFAS Mr Richard Sadleir Economic DivisionGovernment DivisionCyber Policy and Homeland Security Division FAS Mr David HazlehurstFAS Ms Philippa LynchFAS Ms Sachi Wimmer Cabinet Division FAS Ms Pip Spence PSM Ministerial Support Division FAS Mr Jamie Fox Cabinet Implementation Unit AS Ms Bridget BrillFAS First Assistant Secretary AS Assistant Secretary

Outcome and program structure

The Department worked to achieve our one outcome: Coordination of government activities; policy development; advice and program delivery to support and inform the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Cabinet Secretary.

This outcome was supported by two programs: Prime Minister and Cabinet and Official and ceremonial support. The first program consisted of four program components identified in Figure 1.2 (as broadly reflected in the Department’s structure). This program structure is consistent with the outcome and program framework and performance targets in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2012–13. There were no subsequent changes to the performance targets in the reporting period.

Figure 1.2 PM&C’s outcome and program framework

Program 1.1

Prime Minister and Cabinet

Program component 1.1.1 Domestic policy

Program component 1.1.2 National security and international policy

Program component 1.1.3 Support services for Government operations

Program component 1.1.4 Group of 20 Meeting 2014

Program 1.2

Official and ceremonial support Outcome 1

Coordination of government activities;

policy development; advice and program delivery to support and inform the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the Cabinet Secretary

From the Secretary

The year 2012–13 was a year of challenge and achievement for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), as it was for the public sector as a whole. We supported a complex and busy Government agenda through another year of minority government, playing a policy and implementation leadership and coordination role in relation to major national reforms in areas as diverse as disability, international affairs and education.

It was also a year in which PM&C progressed some important internal work arising from last year’s Capability Review and a year in which we led the early development of a strategy to enhance and embed greater Asia-relevant capabilities across the Australian Public Service (APS).

Performance

We met each of our 2012–13 key performance indicators. We supported the Prime Minister and Government in relation to the Cabinet processes, Ministerial and machinery of government changes, legal and constitutional questions and the legislation program.

As always, the overwhelming bulk of our work over the course of the year was dedicated to the pursuit of Prime Ministerial and Governmental priorities. A highlight was the finalisation of a major, national social-policy reform – the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), now called DisabilityCare Australia (DCA). We played a leadership and coordination role in the development of the scheme both through joint leadership with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs of the NDIS Taskforce and our support of the Prime Minister at the COAG.

Also in the domestic sphere, we participated, with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, in the development of national schools funding reforms and the National Plan for School Improvement.

Both these reforms involved a significant investment of PM&C personnel and resources over long periods.

Other highlights of the year involved shorter, sharper immersion in one-off or emerging Government priorities.

For example, to tight deadlines, we collaborated with APS and State and Territory colleagues to determine the parameters of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and helped establish the Royal Commission.

The year also saw the establishment, in collaboration with other Commonwealth agencies, of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the new central clearing house for cyber events of national importance.

And in collaboration with the Department of Health and Ageing we developed a $4.1 billion policy to provide basic dental treatment to children and low-income adults.

In the international arena, we supported in Australia’s successful bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council and the Government’s preparations for the end of Australia’s military and civilian mission in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province.

The year 2012–13 also saw the release by the Prime Minister of a White Paper on Australia’s engagement with the Asian region – Australia in the Asian Century. The White Paper was the culmination of a significant amount of work by the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper Taskforce, hosted by PM&C. The White Paper continues to have significant, direct implications for the Department as we lead the effort to embed Asia-relevant knowledge and skills into the core skill set of APS officers.

The Prime Minister’s international focus during the year was very much on the region and Australia’s regional partnerships. We supported that focus through our policy advice and our coordination and support of

On 1 December 2013 Australia will assume the presidency of the G20, the premier forum for economic policy cooperation among the major economies of the world. Ahead of Australia’s hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit in 2014, we have spent the past year building operational and policy capacity to ensure a smooth and successful presidency.

On 1 December 2012 Australia became a member of the G20 ‘troika’ – comprising the past, current and future chairs of the G20. As troika member and future host, we have worked closely with 2013 G20 president Russia to help prepare outcomes for a productive agenda in 2014.

PM&C has always worked for the Government of the day and worked to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of the day. In late June 2013 staff from PM&C worked to effect the transition from Prime Minister Gillard to Prime Minister Rudd. In short timeframes we provided essential advice, met the needs of the outgoing Prime Minister, the incoming Prime Minister and established and formalised the new Ministry, as we have done for each and every Ministry since the establishment of the Department in 1911.

PM&C people

PM&C’s priority is to continue to be the first and best source of advice and support to the Prime Minister of the day. To that end, as Secretary, I seek to recruit the best (on merit), retain the best (with satisfying and challenging work), and collaborate actively right across the APS and beyond.

As the central agency of the APS, we take seriously our role as a steward of the conventions and knowledge of the public service. At the same time we take seriously our duty to lead through innovation and excellence.

Over the past year our senior leadership has been considering the results of the Department’s recent Capability Review and ways in which we can respond to its recommendations relating to collaboration and inclusiveness.

We work hard to cultivate a positive and challenging work culture, and to inculcate in our ranks something we refer to as the PM&C ‘Craft’. Essentially, this is a way of working to support, with the best possible advice and the best possible service, the Prime Minister of the day, the Cabinet, our Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries and the Government. This involves a commitment to collaboration, across the Department, across the APS and across the community.

I am a strong believer that the public service ought to reflect the diversity of the citizenry it serves. As Head of the APS, and Chair of the APS Diversity Council, I drive an agenda of workplace diversity across the service, as well as within the Department.

Recent work in this area includes the finalisation of the third PM&C Reconciliation Action Plan and progress in relation to women in leadership positions. As one of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Male Champions of Change, I am proud to lead a Department in which more than half of our most senior leadership positions are occupied by women.

As Head of the APS my determination is to see more women in leadership positions right across the service. I will tolerate no complacency within my own workplace either, which is why, in the past year, I have supported the establishment of the PM&C Women’s Network, to advise me on structural and cultural barriers to the advancement of women within the Department.

Finally, at PM&C excellence should be, and is, rewarded. To recognise exceptional individual and team performance and celebrate examples of the PM&C ‘Craft’ in action I have, in the past 12 months, instituted a twice-yearly presentation of Secretary’s Awards for Excellence. Those recognised have made a great contribution to PM&C, to the Australian Government and to Australia.

The Year Ahead

2013–14 will be another busy year for PM&C.

As always, we will work hard to ensure that we remain the first choice for dependable and strategic advice and support to the Prime Minister.

Our early focus, in the wake of the 2013 Federal Election, will be on serving the incoming Prime Minister and, where necessary, adjusting our existing processes and priorities to support the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Government.

This may include facilitating machinery of government changes, as well as supporting the development and implementation of new government policy in collaboration with other departments and agencies.

Another primary focus of the year will be our G20 presidency: finalising the agenda, hosting meetings of ministers and officials and preparing for the G20 Leaders Summit to be held in Brisbane in November 2014.

The Brisbane G20 Leaders Summit will be the most significant meeting of world leaders Australia has hosted.

Dozens of heads of state and heads of government, 4,000 delegates and 3,000 domestic and international media professionals will come to Brisbane, with significant supporting events in other locations.

PM&C’s G20 Taskforce is a large special-purpose operational team. The Taskforce coordinates Australia’s G20 policies, manages logistics and co-ordinates security for the suite of G20 meetings and will continue discussions both inside and outside the G20 to ensure that the forum has a ‘whole of G20’ agenda, containing actions to create jobs, lift growth, strengthen resilience and enhance the G20’s reputation.

In 2013–14 we will continue to lead the work being carried out to enhance Asia-specific capabilities at all levels and across all agencies of the APS, as the centre of global economic output shifts to the Asian region. This will not be the work of a single year, but the focus of many years to come. Increasingly, Asia-specific capabilities won’t be regarded as ‘specialist’ skills, but part of the general suite of skills expected of all public servants, from those in front-line service-delivery jobs through to senior decision-makers.

The coming year will be one of fiscal restraint across the APS, and we will not be immune. A more stringent fiscal situation is a powerful signal to innovate and find ways to be more effective and efficient. As always, we will be judged by the manner in which we respond creatively and proactively to a challenge.

I J Watt Secretary

Photo 1.1

The Secretary and the National Security Adviser, Dr Margot McCarthy, with the former Prime Minister,

Public Service Medal recipients and Secretary’s Excellence Awards

The Public Service Medal recognises outstanding service by employees of the Australian Government and State, Territory and local government employees. In the past year, two PM&C staff received the award:

Ms Pip Spence, First Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Division, for her outstanding public service and her

contribution to the Australian community through the telecommunications regulations reform associated with the implementation of the National Broadband Network; and Ms Renée Leon, Deputy Secretary, Governance, for outstanding public service to public administration and law in leadership roles in the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth.

The Secretary’s Excellence Awards are designed to recognise individuals or teams that have achieved above and beyond their normal duties and have made an outstanding contribution to the Department. In 2012–13 those recognised for their achievements were:

• the team that helped produce 2012 The Year Ahead: Our Plans for Australia, the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper Taskforce, the staff involved in providing support for the Prime Minister’s visit to China and the NDIS Taskforce – for Excellence in Team Performance

• Emma Rees, Susan Fitzgerald, Nicole Middleton, Sam Gounder and Lee Gordon – for Excellence in Leadership and Collaboration

• Simon Rees – for Excellence in Improving Our Organisation

• David Denney and David Pullen – for Excellence in Innovation

• Theresa Manning and Alison Jenkins – for Excellence in Supporting and Promoting Diversity in the Workplace.

Photo 1.2

Public Service Medal Recipients Ms Renée Leon and Ms Pip Spence.

Photo 1.3

Recipients of the Secretary’s Excellence Awards, June 2013.

PM&C staff

Domestic policy ...11

National security and international policy ...24

Governance ...32

Group of 20 Meeting 2014 ... 47

Our program deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) are published in the Portfolio Budget Statements which are released annually to accompany the Budget. They are used to assess and monitor our performance. In 2012–13 we achieved all of our deliverables and met our KPIs. An assessment of how each Group has progressed toward achieving the relevant outcome is provided in the performance narrative under each Group heading.

Domestic policy

Domestic policy covers a wide range of issues - economic, environmental and social - that have a profound effect on the lives of all Australians.

Six divisions comprise the Domestic Policy Group. These are:

• Social Policy Division

• Industry, Infrastructure and Environment Division

• Office of Work and Family

• Economic Division

• Strategy and Delivery Division

• G20 Policy Division (see the Group of 20 (G20) Meeting 2014 performance report at page 47).

While it operates independently of the Department, the Council of Australian Governments Reform Council (CRC) is also an important component of our domestic policy program. Directed by the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the CRC provides objective, credible assessments and reporting on the performance of State and Territory Governments in key areas of national reform.

Highlights 2012–13

This year, the Domestic Policy Group advised the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and worked with other departments and, in some cases, State and Territory Governments to progress critical, high-profile policy initiatives, including:

• developing the proposed Schools Funding Reforms and the National Plan for School Improvement in response to the 2011 Review of Funding for Schooling

• negotiating launches and full scheme agreements with State and Territory Governments for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)/DisabilityCare Australia (DCA)

• supporting the implementation of the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper

• working with the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) to develop the Government’s Dental Reform Package

• leading negotiations across Government to extend a National Partnership Agreement (NPA) to oversee disaster recovery and reconstruction work following the floods caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in January 2013

• supporting the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to support a robust, vibrant, independent and innovative not-for-profit sector

• assisting development of significant intergovernmental agreements (IGA) including the National Education

Highlights 2012–13 (continued)

• working with the Department of Finance and Deregulation to establish the whole of government Efficiency Working Group supporting the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Forum held in Canberra on 6 December 2012 (which discussed progress on key regulation and competition reforms agreed by COAG)

• supporting three meetings of COAG in which significant social, economic and environmental reform agendas were agreed and progressed

• advising the Prime Minister on implementation of the Government’s response to the Fair Work Act Review, ongoing implementation of consumer credit reforms, and a register of foreign owned agricultural land

• advising and coordinating support to help deliver the 2012–13 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook and 2013–14 Budget

• establishing the National Panel for Economic Reform (NPER), including initial meetings on improving education and training systems and supporting productive workforces.

Figure 2.1 KPIs for the Domestic Policy Group

Domestic policy (Program component 1.1.1) Met

High level of satisfaction of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Cabinet committee chairs, Portfolio Ministers and the Parliamentary Secretaries with the quality and timeliness of advice, briefing, activities and/or support.

P

High level of satisfaction of the Prime Minister and of other agencies with the Department’s contribution to COAG. Successful coordination and support for COAG meetings and ensuring a well-coordinated delivery of the broad COAG agenda.

P

Satisfaction of other central agencies, portfolio departments and other key stakeholders, with the

cooperation and collaboration of the Department.

P

Number of individuals assisted towards volunteering: 250,000

P

High level of satisfaction with the quality of support provided by the departmental secretariat to bodies supported by the Department, including the Australian Social Inclusion Board and the Not-for-Profit Sector Reform Council.

P

Grants are administered in compliance with reporting mechanisms, objectives and other provisions of the

grant funding deeds.

P

Compliance with all relevant legislation.

P

Social Policy Division

The Social Policy Division advises on significant social policy issues that affect the Australian community, including early childhood and school education, health and ageing programs, arts, sport, employment and immigration. Our advice is developed and informed by consultations with Commonwealth, State and Territory departments as well as with industry and community stakeholders.

We work in an environment of challenging policy reform, requiring detailed policy analysis and implementation oversight. In 2012–13 key reform areas that we advised on included dental and mental health reform, early childhood and school education, and the development of Australia’s first national cultural policy in almost

Dental health reform

We worked closely with DoHA to develop the Government’s $4.1 billion Dental Reform Package which contains three initiatives: Grow Up Smiling, a child dental benefits schedule; an NPA for Adult Public Dental Services; and a Flexible Grants Program. Under the NPA, the Government will provide $1.3 billion to the State and Territory Governments from 1 July 2014 to expand public dental services for adults, assisting up to 1.4 million low income adults. In addition, we worked with DoHA to develop the Government’s support package for public dental waiting lists, which will benefit 400,000 people.

Mental health reform

Working with DoHA and the State and Territory Governments, we supported COAG’s agreement to the Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform 2012–2022 (the Mental Health Roadmap). This commitment will assist in improving the lives of people with mental illness, their families, carers and communities. Complementing the release of the Mental Health Roadmap, we were closely involved in the establishment of the new COAG Working Group on Mental Health Reform that will implement the Mental Health Roadmap in practical terms.

Sport

We led the Department’s input to finalise Commonwealth commitments for Australia’s hosting of the 2015 Asian Football Confederation Cup, and joint hosting with New Zealand of the 2015 International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup.

Cultural policy

We worked closely with the Office for the Arts in the Department of Regional Australia, Local Governments, Arts and Sport (DRALGAS) to develop Creative Australia, the first national cultural policy in almost 20 years.

Multiculturalism

In partnering with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to implement the Government’s multicultural policy, The People of Australia, we supported the Government’s Response to the Access and Equity Inquiry. This has been complemented by ongoing work on a number of issues driven by multicultural and community groups, contributing to the celebration and promotion of diversity and supporting a broad range of culturally and linguistically diverse communities and organisations.

Employment

In collaboration with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) we monitored the delivery of the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package, a centrepiece of the 2011–12 Budget, designed to build a more educated and skilled workforce and provide opportunities for Australians to experience the benefits of work. In addition, we supported the review of Employment Services that will determine the delivery of services when current contracts for Job Services Australia and the Disability Management Service expire in June 2015.

Schools and Early Childhood

We supported the negotiation and development of the new NPA on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, which provides $660 million over 18 months to support the State and Territory Governments in providing universal access to early childhood education.

National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education

On 9 December 2012, COAG agreed that a Senior Officials’ Working Group on Early Childhood Education should be established and that PM&C should take the lead in negotiating an NPA on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education. Education is a fundamental component of COAG’s commitment to early childhood development.

The resulting Agreement (which came into effect on 18 June 2013) provides $660 million to the State and Territory Governments to support access for all children to an early childhood education program in the year before they start school.

Close collaboration with DEEWR and co-chairing arrangements with Victoria exemplified a best practice approach to achieving key policy outcomes.

This arrangement also established many strong and lasting working relationships and gave team members a more nuanced understanding of the complex working environment that officials must negotiate in order to reach satisfactory and worthwhile agreements.

Photo 2.1

The early childhood team with the new NPA on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education.

Industry, Infrastructure and Environment Division

The Industry, Infrastructure and Environment Division advises on matters relating to industry, innovation, energy, resources, small business, tourism, climate change, the environment, water, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, customs, skills, research, tertiary education, infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications and the digital economy.

Industry, skills and innovation

We provided advice to the Prime Minister on A Plan for Australian Jobs – the Australian Government’s Industry and Innovation Statement, developed by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE). In consultation with DIICCSRTE we advised on the establishment of a priority public good funding stream within the Cooperative Research Centres program, to deliver primary research outcomes with wider social and environmental benefits. We liaised closely with DIICCSRTE and provided advice on support packages for firms subject to disproportional structural adjustment pressures.

Working with DIICCSRTE, we supported the implementation of the NPA on Skills Reform designed to provide a more efficient, accessible, equitable and transparent vocational education and training sector with higher quality training that is responsive to the needs of students, industry and employers. We also continued to provide advice on higher education policy, including implementation of demand driven funding for undergraduate university places.

We have also been involved in negotiations to progress the National Occupational Licencing Scheme, which will help deliver a consistent licencing scheme across Australia in selected trades.

Infrastructure, communications, climate change and energy

In collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and DRALGAS, we advised on regional, transport and infrastructure issues, including finalisation of the next phase of the Nation Building Program, and the release of reports into High Speed Rail and on Wilton and Richmond as possible sites for a second major airport for Sydney.

We organised and supported the Prime Minister’s Forum on the Digital Economy held in December 2012, attended by leaders across the digital economy. Advice on emerging technology trends, such as the adoption of cloud computing, and policies required to support the growth of the digital economy were provided to the

Significant intergovernmental agreements

In 2012–13 we worked closely with Commonwealth and State agencies to develop and finalise IGAs in a range of policy areas. We were involved in two important environment policy initiatives – the IGA and NPA for Water Reform in the Murray-Darling Basin, and the Tasmanian Forests IGA and NPA.

Working closely with the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) and Treasury, we ensured that the Murray-Darling Basin agreements supported the objectives of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by improving river and wetland health, putting water use on a more sustainable footing and providing farmers and communities with more confidence to plan for a future with less water, while also upholding the principles of the overarching Commonwealth-State relations framework. The agreements will be implemented over the next seven years to help governments and local communities manage the changes required for a healthy Basin.

The Prime Minister and the Premier signed the Tasmanian Forests agreements in May 2013, following the passage of legislation through the Tasmanian Parliament on 30 April 2013 to guarantee wood supplies for industry and to protect additional areas of native forests. The Tasmanian Forests agreements outline the roles and responsibilities of governments and funding commitments to support the forest industry and its workers and communities, to manage new protected areas and to assist the Tasmanian economy to diversify and create more jobs.

We worked with other departments to implement the Clean Energy Future Package, develop the 2012 Energy White Paper, advise on developments in gas markets and coordinate the Commonwealth’s contribution to energy market reforms endorsed by COAG in December 2012. We provided input into the Prime Minister’s priority of energy market reform and advice on reforms considered by COAG.

Agriculture, customs and environment

We supported the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to develop the National Food Plan and align the Plan with the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper. We also advised on drought assistance and delivery of income support to farmers in financial difficulty.

We collaborated with agencies on measures to support industry and environmental sustainability. This included advice on finalisation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and arrangements with Basin States. We worked with DSEWPaC to implement measures for greater environmental protection of water resources impacted by coal seam gas and large coal mining developments and advised on finalisation of the 2013 Tasmanian Forests IGA. Improving Australia’s environmental regulatory arrangements is a priority for the Government and we have supported efforts to enhance efficiency and increase certainty for business, while maintaining high environmental standards.

Office of Work and Family

The Office of Work and Family advises on a range of issues including families, seniors, disability, gambling, housing, women, children, disaster recovery, Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians and service delivery reform. We also supported the Prime Minister and the Minister for Social Inclusion on social inclusion priorities, volunteering, social investment, philanthropy and not-for-profit reform.

Families, Indigenous policy and social support

In 2012–13 we continued our support of the NDIS Taskforce as it worked towards the rollout of DisabilityCare Australia – a new way of providing community linking and individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families, and carers. We also supported the establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Taskforce.

This year we contributed to positive outcomes for Indigenous Australians, including significant progress on the Closing the Gap goals. We provided advice and support on the Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, issues of native title, and engaged closely with the newly established National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

We worked with other departments to implement major reforms in the delivery of social services to Australians.

This included work with the Department of Human Services toward a new, online government services portal, MyGov. We helped develop provisional benchmarks for both the National Affordable Housing Agreement and the National Disability Agreement. We assisted in the development of a foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children, and provided advice and support to the Prime Minister on the importance of women’s participation in society and the economy.

During 2012–13 Australia again faced a number of natural disasters that affected communities across the country.

Working closely with the Prime Minister, the Queensland Government, and other Commonwealth Government agencies, we helped implement a revised NPA to facilitate Queensland’s recovery from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Taskforce

In 2012–13 we were closely involved in bringing DisabilityCare Australia (DCA) into being. Working as part of a joint Taskforce with our colleagues from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and eight other Commonwealth departments, we helped create a scheme to transform disability support services in Australia.

Whether developing legislation for Parliament, establishing the DCA Board and Advisory Council, or proposing funding models to ensure the full deployment of the scheme by 2019, we supported a number of the Taskforce’s major outcomes. In addition, we played a key role in:

• the preparation of the National Disability Insurance Act 2013 and its establishment of the DCA and the DCA Board and Advisory Council – the role of the Board will be to determine the strategic direction of the DCA and ensure the scheme’s financial sustainability

• the IGA signed between the Commonwealth and all eight State and Territory Governments that established the parameters for the initial phase of the DCA, and the separate agreements that deploy the full scheme in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory – these agreements are the result of our efforts to foster good working relationships between Commonwealth and State and Territory officials

• identifying Commonwealth-State funding contributions for the trial and eventual launch of the full scheme

• ensuring the timely transition of existing Commonwealth disability support programs into the DCA

• developing legislation to provide certainty on the income tax, income support means-testing and Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment of DCA funded support services.

Photo 2.2

The former Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, with the NDIS Joint Taskforce at a morning tea thanking them for their work in delivering this reform.

Not-for-profit sector

We continued to support the Prime Minister with the not-for-profit agenda, including work across government to support the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. From 3 December 2012, the Commission has sought to foster a sustainable and innovative not-for-profit sector while also promoting increased accountability and transparency and a reduction of unnecessary regulatory obligations on Australian charities. In cooperation with the sector, we developed a Code of Best Practice for Engagement with the not-for-profit sector to support stronger consultation practices and ensure that the unique value and perspective of the sector is reflected in Government policy. In addition, we continued to coordinate and administer the Volunteer Management Program, which places volunteers in the not-for-profit sector. In 2012–13 we increased this KPI by 20 per cent (50,000 people) by placing 300,000 volunteers. We also hosted the first bi-annual forum with peak volunteering bodies to strengthen engagement with the volunteering sector, and supported the relaunch of GoVolunteer, a website that matches people interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities.

Social inclusion

With our support, the Australian Social Inclusion Board continued to provide evidence-based advice to Government on improving the quality of services and maximising the resources available to those most in need of help. The Board advised Government on a number of issues, including employment services; older women and homelessness; service delivery reform; and financial capability.

The second edition of the Board’s report on social inclusion indicators – How Australia is Faring – was released in August 2012.

Economic Division

The Economic Division provides advice on a range of economic issues affecting Australia, including the Budget, the financial sector, productivity, competition and consumer policy, regulatory reform, the international economy, foreign investment and Commonwealth-State relations.

Economic policy

We provided analysis and advice on the economic outlook and conditions of the Australian and international economy, lifting Australia’s productivity performance, lifting competition, and reducing the impact of regulation on business, governments and the not-for-profit sector.

We also provided support to the Productivity Committee of Cabinet, the delivery of the NPA to Deliver a Seamless National Economy and the Business Advisory Forum (BAF).

Fiscal

We worked with Treasury and the Department of Finance and Deregulation (Finance) to ensure effective coordination and support for senior Ministers’ consideration of expenditure policy proposals, both during the Budget process and throughout the year. We also supported the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet and advised the Prime Minister on the fiscal outlook and associated fiscal strategy.

We worked extensively within PM&C to ensure divisions had the information necessary to assess expenditure proposals, we provided guidance on expenditure accounting and presentation of financial information, and contributed to the assessment of new policy proposals against other competing Government priorities.

Tax, financial and workplace relations

Working with Treasury and DEEWR, we advised the Prime Minister on a range of taxation, financial and workplace relations policy issues. This included advice to support implementation of the Government’s response to the Fair Work Act Review, reforms to the corporate bond market and various taxation and superannuation matters considered in the 2013–14 Budget.

We also analysed developments in domestic and international financial markets.

National Panel for Economic Reform

We supported the establishment of the National Panel for Economic Reform (NPER), including drafting terms of reference and establishing processes for the NPER’s meetings, secretariat support, policy development and coordination for two meetings of the NPER. We also prepared for a third meeting that was to be held in early July 2013, but was postponed.

At its meetings the NPER considered the skills and education system, and innovative and productive workplaces.

Commonwealth-State relations

The Prime Minister is the Chair of COAG and the Secretary of PM&C is the Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting.

We provided secretariat support to three meetings of the COAG, one meeting of the BAF and 11 Senior Officials meetings.

We also chaired ten meetings of a multi-jurisdictional working group considering expiring NPAs and ways to streamline the development of new agreements.

We assisted the development of significant IGAs, including the National Education Reform Agreement and nine implementation plans under the NPA on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory.

In addition, we coordinated COAG responses to ten CRC reports, and participated in the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Services Provision.

COAG Reform Council

The CRC was established by COAG to assist it to drive its reform agenda. Independent of individual governments, the CRC reports directly to COAG on reforms of national significance that require cooperative action by Australian governments.

During 2012–13 the CRC presented 11 reports to COAG, including reports on the six National Agreements, four reports on NPAs with reward payments and an overall report on progress with the reform agenda.

In addition to the CRC’s central role in reporting to governments, it also gives priority to engaging relevant stakeholders and the broader community in the process of accountability and performance reporting on the national reform agenda. To assist with this, the CRC has sought independent reviews of its National Agreement reports for plain English and readability – with all reports scoring in the ‘very good’ range or above. The CRC complements this work with active public engagement through the media and social media, as well as regular keynote addresses to stakeholder groups and events.

Business engagement

In 2012–13 PM&C supported the Government’s engagement with business through a variety of different forums, including the Business Advisory Forum (BAF), the National Panel for Economic Reform (NPER), the Australian Business 20 (B20) Leadership Group and the Prime Minister’s Forum on the Digital Economy.

Economic Division worked with staff across PM&C and in other Government departments, and with the NPER Working Group, to provide policy and operational support for the BAF and NPER meetings. Industry, Infrastructure and Environment Division performed similar functions for the Digital Economy Forum and the G20 Taskforce for the B20 Leadership Group.

The BAF gave senior business leaders the opportunity to engage directly with the Prime Minister, Premiers, Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association ahead of COAG meetings on issues related to competition and regulatory reform. At its 6 December 2012 meeting, the BAF signed a National Compact on Regulatory and Competition Reform.

The NPER was established in 2012–13 to bring together government, business, the union movement and the community sector to agree on long term productivity reforms and champion these reforms to achieve community consensus. At its meetings, NPER discussed ways in which the skills and education system can support Australia’s future workforce needs and how to achieve more productive and innovative workplaces.

Two measures in the 2013–14 Budget were informed by the early work of the NPER.

The Prime Minister’s Forum on the Digital Economy brought together leaders of 40 innovative companies to discuss how Australia can maintain its edge and capture the opportunities the digital economy presents for the nation.

In February 2013 the Australian Business 20 Leadership Group, which comprises 27 prominent Australian business people, was established. The Group will lead the organisation of the B20 when Australia hosts the G20 in 2014. The B20 brings together business leaders from across the world to provide advice to G20 leaders.

It recognises that the private sector, as the main driver of economic activity, has a key role to play in achieving strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth.

Photo 2.3

The former Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, discusses the challenges and opportunities of the growing digital economy with participants at the Prime Minister’s Forum on the Digital Economy (Sydney, 4 October 2012).

Strategy and Delivery Division

The Strategy and Delivery Division develops strategic policy advice for the Government, identifies long-term strategic issues and undertakes projects on complex public policy challenges in collaboration with divisions within PM&C and other Australian Government agencies.

Australia in the Asian Century (White Paper) Implementation Taskforce

Following the commissioning of the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper (the White Paper) in 2011 and the subsequent formation of the Australia in the Asian Century Taskforce, the White Paper was completed and launched on 28 October 2012. As the first step in developing Australia’s long term policy of engagement with Asia, the White Paper sets out the strategic blueprint that Australia will use to build its engagement and take advantage of growing opportunities in Asia.

In 2012–13 we established and supported the governance arrangements to oversee implementation of the White Paper, working with a wide range of agencies. To support the implementation of the White Paper we helped develop an Australian Public Service (APS) Asian Century Capability Strategy and conducted analysis on Health and Aged Care opportunities in Asia and Regional Value Chains.

Working across the APS

In 2012–13 we worked to establish a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse within tight timeframes, drawing on expertise from across the APS. We played a pivotal role in convening the right people at short notice, and leading the development of practical advice to the Government.

We also made significant contributions to long-term strategic issues, such as responding to the recommendations of the Review of Funding for Schooling, developing an update to the National Digital Economy Strategy, working on refugee status determination and developing the Government’s first National Security Strategy. These projects involved research and analysis, conceptual thinking and significant stakeholder engagement to develop solid theoretical frameworks and concrete actions.

Environment scanning

During the year, we continued to strengthen and diversify our environment scanning capacity to better anticipate long-term trends and opportunities facing the Government. We contributed to the Australasian Joint Agencies Scanning Network, and facilitated internal discussions around emerging issues to inform the Government’s policy thinking. We also convened regular meetings of a Strategic Policy Network for the APS, and hosted regular guest speakers for the Department.

We continued to build good stakeholder relationships with other agencies, the research sector, and industry, including through a number of secondment programs.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

In November 2012 the Prime Minister recommended to the Governor-General that a Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse be established. An interim Taskforce with officials from PM&C, the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) and FaHCSIA was formed within PM&C. Taking account of stakeholder feedback, the Taskforce worked to:

• establish a preferred model for the Royal Commission

• develop the Royal Commission’s terms of reference

• advise on changing legislation to allow the Royal Commission to hear evidence in private

• identify possible Royal Commissioners

• prepare documentation for the Prime Minister requesting the issue of Letters Patent by the Governor-General (the legal instrument required to formalise the arrangements).

On 11 January 2013, the Governor-General issued Letters Patent appointing a six-member Royal Commission.

The Honourable Justice Peter McClellan AM was appointed Chair of the Commission. He is supported by five other Commissioners – Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM, Justice Jennifer Coate, Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM, Professor Helen Milroy and Mr Andrew Murray.

Following the issuing of the Letters Patent, the Taskforce was dissolved. As the current lead agency, AGD continues to work with PM&C and FaHCSIA, as well as the Office of the Royal Commission, which has been established to support the work of the Commissioners.

The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report by 30 June 2014 and is scheduled to submit its final report to the Governor-General by 31 December 2015.

Photo 2.4

The Commissioners: (left to right) Mr Bob Atkinson AO APM, Professor Helen Milroy, Justice Peter McClellan AM (Chair), Justice Jennifer Coate, Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM and Mr Andrew Murray.

The Better Schools Plan

In September 2012 the Prime Minister set out the Australian Government’s plan for the future of school education policy and funding. The plan included a new school funding model accompanied by specific school education policy directions, with the overarching aim of propelling Australia’s education system into the top five countries by 2025. The plan was a response to the 2011 independent Review of Funding for Schooling, which found that the current funding arrangements for schooling were unnecessarily complex, lacked coherence and transparency and involved a duplication of funding effort in some areas. It also found that there was an imbalance between the funding responsibilities of the Australian Government and the State and Territory Governments across the schooling sectors. The Review of Funding for Schooling recommended that a significant increase in funding was required across all schooling sectors, based on individual student need and accompanied by continued and renewed efforts to strengthen and reform Australia’s schooling system.

A joint PM&C and DEEWR Taskforce was established and located in PM&C to support the Prime Minister and the Minister for School Education in leading negotiations with education jurisdictions on the Better Schools Plan, which incorporates the National Education Reform Agreement (NERA) (the intergovernmental agreement with States setting out the new arrangements) and the National Plan for School Improvement (NPSI) (the document setting out the evidence-based reforms jurisdictions will need to implement in return for their funding).

The Schools’ Reform Taskforce is a good example of PM&C ‘Craft’ in practice. The Taskforce drew together the expert knowledge of line departments and the unique skill sets of central agency staff, particularly in relation to Commonwealth-State relations, to drive work on a matter of high priority for the Prime Minister and the Australian Government. During 2013 we worked closely with State and Territory Governments and the Catholic and Independent schooling sectors to reach agreements on school education policy and funding reforms. The negotiations addressed the key components of the Australian Government’s Better Schools Plan, including: drafting and finalising the NERA, the NPSI and the Australian Education Act 2013; negotiating the new schools’ funding model and funding distribution arrangements; agreeing to new accountability and reporting requirements; and finalising arrangements for non-participating jurisdictions.

At 30 June 2013 with the passage of the Australian Education Act 2013 and the participation of the NSW, ACT, South Australian and Tasmanian Governments, more than 60 per cent of Australian students, including all those attending Catholic and Independent schools, were covered by the Better Schools Plan. As at 30 June 2013 discussions were ongoing with other State and Territory Governments.

Photo 2.5

The former Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, with the joint Schools’ Reform Taskforce at a

National security and international policy

The National Security and International Policy Group advanced the Government’s policy objectives through provision of advice, coordination and leadership on:

• foreign trade, overseas aid and international law priorities

• defence, homeland and border security priorities and intelligence coordination and cooperation

• national security policy and planning

• the development of a secure coordinated and effective national security information management and whole of government cyber policy.

The Group comprises three divisions:

• Cyber Policy and Homeland Security Division

• Defence, Intelligence and Information Sharing Division

• International Division.

Highlights 2012–13

In 2012–13 the National Security and International Policy Group provided advice to the Prime Minister on national security and international policy initiatives, including:

• supporting the Prime Minister’s leadership of Australia’s whole of government engagement with Afghanistan, including planning for the completion of Australia’s military and civilian deployment in Uruzgan province by the end of 2013

• enhancing ties with key regional partners by supporting the Prime Minister’s visits to India

(15 to 17 October 2012) and China (5 to 10 April 2013) – these visits resulted in strengthened bilateral architecture with both countries including agreement to annual leaders meetings and to upgraded Ministerial contact

• strengthening engagement with Indonesia by supporting the annual leaders meeting in Darwin in July and the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Bali Democracy Forum in November as well as participation in the memorial service marking the tenth anniversary of the October 2002 Bali bombings

• helping secure Australia’s seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in 2013–14 through support of the Prime Minister in bilateral meetings and at regional and multilateral summits, particularly the UN General Assembly Leaders Week in New York in September 2012

• helping secure key Australian economic and political regional goals through policy advice and support for the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Vladivostok in September 2012, the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) on 4–7 November 2012 in Vientiane and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Phnom Penh on 19–21 November 2012

• advancing Australia’s trade liberalisation agenda by providing whole of government coordination and supporting the Prime Minister’s advocacy on bilateral free trade agreements with China, India, Japan and South Korea

• deepening ties in the Pacific by supporting the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga in August 2012, visits to New Zealand in February 2013 and Papua New Guinea in May 2013

• leading the preparation and launch of Australia’s first National Security Strategy

Highlights 2012–13 (continued)

• leading establishment of the central initiative of the National Security Strategy – the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) which facilitates a cohesive and effective whole of government response to cyber incidents

• delivering the annual Coordinated National Security Budget in partnership with Finance, Treasury and the National Security Community

• supporting the Secretaries Committee on National Security that considered all items considered by the National Security Committee of Cabinet

• formalising New Zealand’s membership of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) to create the Australia – New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC); and streamlining and improving the ANZCTC’s business processes

• hosting a multi-agency taskforce to support the work of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers and developing an implementation strategy for the recommendations of the Panel’s Report

• revising the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of Ministers and senior officials in responding to a crisis.

Figure 2.2 KPIs for the National Security and International Policy Group

National security and international policy (Program component 1.1.2) Met

High level of satisfaction of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Cabinet committee chairs and the

Parliamentary Secretary with the quality and timeliness of advice, briefing, activities and/or support.

P

Successful national leadership and coordination of the National Security Community and the national

intelligence community, including on cyber policy and information sharing.

P

Advancement of the Government’s international priorities that promote Australia’s security, prosperity,

international profile and influence.

P

Provision of whole of government responses to major national security related crises or emergencies.

P

Successful development and whole of government integration of foreign and international security strategies

as required by the Government.

P

High level satisfaction with the quality of support provided by the departmental secretariat to bodies supported by the Department, including the National Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor.

P

Satisfaction of other central agencies, portfolio departments and other key stakeholders, with the

cooperation and collaboration of the Department.

P

Compliance with all relevant legislation.

P

Cyber Policy and Homeland Security Division

The Cyber Policy and Homeland Security Division advises on policy and strategy in the areas of border security, counter-terrorism, cyber policy, crisis coordination and law enforcement.

Border protection

We led the coordination and provision of advice to the Prime Minister on countering people smuggling and irregular maritime arrivals. In particular, we coordinated and provided support to the multi-agency Border Protection Taskforce, chaired by PM&C. We also hosted a multi-agency taskforce to support the work of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers and developed the implementation strategy for the recommendations of the Panel’s Report.

We advised on the Prime Minister’s engagement with foreign leaders on irregular migration and people smuggling issues. We also contributed to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service reform agenda.

Counter-terrorism

In 2012 New Zealand joined Australia’s counter-terrorism coordination efforts and the national committee was renamed the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZTC). We coordinated the activities of the ANZCTC, managing committee business, including meetings in December 2012 and June 2013.

We provided advice to the Prime Minister on COAG’s counter-terrorism legislation review and two international terrorism incidents.

We supported the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), Mr Bret Walker SC, to develop his annual report to the Prime Minister on 20 December 2012. The report focused on the powers available under the counter-terrorism legislative regime. We also assisted the INSLM in conducting public hearings in accordance with the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010.

Cyber policy

The 2013 National Security Strategy emphasised the need for better integration of cyber policy and operations.

To achieve this, we worked with other agencies to develop the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which will be Australia’s premier cyber security capability, and the Cyber Security Operations Board (CSOB), to oversee Australia’s operational cyber security capabilities.

We led the interdepartmental Cyber Policy Group and International Engagement Group, which together ensured effective cooperation and coordination of cyber policy across government. Internationally, we promoted Australia’s positions on key cyber issues, such as internet governance, including at the Budapest Conference on Cyberspace. In consultation with relevant government agencies and Telstra, we coordinated the second annual Cyber Security Challenge, an event that raises interest in cyber security careers amongst university students and education providers.

Crisis management

We revised the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework, which provides guidance to Ministers and senior officials during the response to any crisis that occurs within Australia or that affects our interests overseas.