Chapter 6 - Government members' conclusions and
recommendations
6.1
In contrast to
the majority report, the Government Senators have made below a number of
sensible recommendations. Rather than overburdening the system with
administrative detail, some broader responses are appropriate.
Promotion
of the programs
6.2
The ALP's
politicisation of this inquiry has tarnished the good reputation of these
important Australian Government programs, and generated misperceptions about
how the programs operate. The inquiry has been used as a forum to make spurious
political attacks and unsubstantiated allegations. Government Senators consider
that action is required to remedy the politically motivated fall out from this
inquiry.
6.3
Government
Senators consider it essential that RPP and SRP now be promoted, to rebuild
confidence in the programs and to restore the public's faith in the
administrative processes. The real benefits of the program should be promoted.
The public should be given a true picture of how the programs work, the proper
and accountable administrative procedures that are in place, and the
exceptional outcomes which are provided to local communities through the
programs.
6.4
The KPIs should
be promoted publicly. The KPIs demonstrate unequivocally how successful the RP
program is in delivering real outcomes to communities, both in terms of the
direct jobs created and the partnership funding invested in regional
development. These programs are among the most successful government programs
in history, and the unsubstantiated attacks generated during this inquiry which
have marred the public's perceptions of the program cannot be left unattended.
Recommendation 1
6.5
The Government
Senators recommend that the Government promotes the RP and SR programs and educates
the public on how the programs work, to restore the public's confidence in
these programs following the misperceptions generated by this inquiry.
Recommendation 2
6.6
The Government
Senators recommend that the Key Performance Indicators be promoted publicly, to
assist in educating the public about the benefits of the programs and the
outstanding returns delivered to local communities.
6.7
In Tasmania, less
than half of the ACC's notional allocation has been used in the last year, in
large part due to denigration of the program by the ALP throughout this
inquiry. Government Senators consider there is a need to redouble efforts to
restore the confidence of the Tasmanian community in these programs, so that
outcomes can be delivered back to the community.
Streamlined
co-funding
6.8
Where a project
is seeking partner contributions from other levels of government, currently
those funding sources have to be secured before the project will be considered
under RPP. Government members therefore recommend that to increase the
effectiveness of the programs local, state and federal levels of government
simultaneously consider projects that are seeking co-contributions. This would
streamline the process.
Recommendation 3
6.9
Government
Senators recommend that project applications requiring co-funding be considered
simultaneously by the relevant levels of government.
Support
to ACCs and SRACs
6.10
As noted in
Chapter 5, Government Senators strongly support the work of the ACCs and SRACs
and their need for appropriate training and resources. Government Senators
therefore support recommendations 9 and 10 of the majority report, regarding a
review of ACC resources and training, and the introduction of three-year operational
funding contracts for ACCs.
Role
of ACCs
6.11
As discussed in
Chapter 2, Government Senators consider that the role and operations of the
ACCs can be further strengthened and expanded in two areas: ACC media and
marketing and ACC involvement in grant announcements.
6.12
Currently, ACCs
are required to have every media statement cleared by DOTARS, which can cause
unworkable delays. As bodies with an important independent role in RPP, ACC's
should be given more freedom in relation to their media activities. Government
Senators are also concerned at the duplication of cost and effort currently
required to produce ACC marketing material.
Recommendation 4
6.13
Government
Senators recommend that restrictions on ACC media activities be lessened.
Recommendation 5
6.14
Government
Senators recommend that template marketing material be developed for only minor
adjustment by individual ACCs.
6.15
Chapter 2
described the role ACCs should play in grant announcements. It is logical for
these bodies, that work closely with proponents often over an extended period
of time, to be involved in funding announcements. ACCs are also well placed to
assist in organising appropriate grant announcements in their local region.
Recommendation 6
6.16
The Government Senators recommend that ACCs be
advised of grant approvals in advance, and that they be encouraged to assist
with arranging grant announcements and any follow up matters relevant to their
local projects.
Senator David Johnston
Deputy Chair
Senator
Guy Barnett
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