List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

2.83

The committee recommends that the Australian government assess all current and future proposals for outsourcing government services against a ‘public interest test’, which includes flow-on economic and employment impacts. Results of the public interest test, along with a comprehensive business case, must be made publicly-available in a timely fashion.

Recommendation 2

2.84

The committee recommends that the Australian government provide a commitment that services dealing with complex cases and vulnerable people should not generally be considered suitable for outsourcing.

Recommendation 3

2.85

The committee recommends that the Australian government, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, implement arrangements to make outsourcing contracts publicly available, unless there are published national security concerns.

Recommendation 4

2.86

The committee recommends that the Commonwealth public service Average Staffing Level (ASL) cap be lifted immediately.

Recommendation 5

2.87

The committee recommends that the Australian government ensure any further projects that involve automated decision-making are not pursued if automation reduces service quality, impacts upon fairness, or reduces equity of access.

Recommendation 6

2.88

The committee recommends that Commonwealth departments and agencies have regard to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s guidance on best-practice in automation at the earliest stages of any relevant project.

Recommendation 7

3.97

The committee recommends that the Australian government does not proceed with the Request for Tender (RFT) Delivering Visa Services for Australia - Global Digital Platform, and seeks instead to fund and deliver an in-house solution.

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