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Annual Report 2001–02Performance ReviewOutput Group 3 Members Services
DescriptionThe provision of advice, services and support for members is covered by output group 3. That support includes the payment of salaries and allowances and the provision of computing and communication facilities, accommodation and furniture, and office services such as printing. Output group 3 also takes responsibility for the physical security of Parliament House and its precincts to ensure a safe working environment for the Parliament. Services to members are provided by the Finance and Procurement Office, the Members Entitlements and Human Resources Office, the Information Systems and Publishing Office, the Security Controllers Office and the Serjeant-at-Arms Office. The actual expenses for the provision of those services by this output were $14.38 million, while the budget allocated was $13.40 million. A summary of the financial resources for the output group is provided at Table 1. PerformancePerformance for this output was generally good. Positive feedback was received from members and there were few occasions when expected service levels were not maintained.
Improving performanceThe high standard achieved for the provision of accommodation and office services resulted from the continual monitoring of procedures to ensure effective and efficient outcomes together with the commitment by staff to a high standard of service delivery. This standard, and the practice of monitoring with a view to further improvement, will be maintained in the coming year. A new computing platform for the parliamentary network is currently under development. All software, including departmental applications, is in the process of being tested and updated to comply with the new platform. The new platform will provide a significantly improved computing environment for members, allowing members to have better access to information and resources on the parliamentary network, regardless of location. During and after the transition to the new platform, this output will look for better ways to deliver information and services to members online. While there has been significant response to the events of 11 September 2001, performance in the security area will have to improve further to meet the increased threat level. The Joint House Department engaged Ernst & Young to undertake a costing and practicability assessment of the centralisation of security within the parliamentary precincts. The Clerk notified the Security Management Board of his concerns stemming from his assessment of the integrity of the methodology and professionalism of the review. As noted in the Clerks introduction to this report, the review being undertaken by the Parliamentary Service Commissioner, Andrew Podger, includes an examination of the administration of security. Among other things, the review is examining the adequacy of the governance arrangements in security and whether additional measures should be taken to improve them. Mr Podger reported to the Presiding Officers on security in early July 2002.
OutlookSome of the priorities identified in the corporate plan will have an impact on the services this output provides to members in the year ahead. Based on the departments charter of the services provided to members, the output intends to develop further service standards and to ensure members and staff are aware of the standards expected. The department will also devise and implement more effective systems for obtaining regular feedback from members about their needs and expectations of the departments services. Security enhancement will continue to be a major focus in future. The outcomes of the Podger review are likely to have a significant impact on the way security is managed. The implications of heightened security levels following 11 September 2001 will continue to have an effect on the provision of security services to members for some time to come.
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