2.1
The committee selected the annual reports of the following bodies for closer examination:
Agriculture, Water and the Environment (excluding the environment) portfolio
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; and
Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (excluding communications) portfolio
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications;
Australian Transport Safety Bureau; and
Infrastructure Australia.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
2.2
The 2019–20 Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) was tabled in the Senate on 15 October 2020. The report provides an overview of the activities and achievements of the department over the previous year. Due to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications also having oversight of the department, this report will focus solely on the agriculture and water elements of the department.
Secretary's review
2.3
The Secretary, Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, identified the department's key activities and performance results, including:
the establishment of the new department bringing together agriculture, water resources and the environment in a single portfolio;
the response to COVID-19 including biosecurity checks, redeployment of staff to other agencies, and close engagement with stakeholders; and
the management of biosecurity risks to agriculture and the environment, including a 29 per cent reduction in post-biosecurity intervention detection of the brown marmorated stink bug.
Purpose, objectives and performance
2.4
The department identifies its purpose as follows:
Partnering and regulating to enhance Australia’s agriculture, unique environment and heritage, and water resources.
2.5
The department has reported against the objectives published by the former Department of Agriculture in their 2019–20 portfolio budget statements. The three objectives are:
increase, improve and maintain markets;
encourage and manage risk to agricultural productivity; and
support sustainable, high-quality natural resources.
Increase, improve and maintain markets
2.6
The department reported on the work undertaken to prepare for the smooth implementation of the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA–CEPA), which entered into force on 5 July 2020. The agreement is designed to strengthen agricultural ties and enhance export capabilities. The deal will reportedly reduce tariffs on 99 per cent of Australian exports to Indonesia, ensure greater certainty in the market, and further enable Australian businesses to take advantage of new opportunities for growth.
2.7
In addition to maintaining export markets, the department also reported on improvements in market access. Some achievements in this area included access for cherries to the Republic of Korea, approval for in-transit cold treatment for horticultural products destined for India, and a memorandum of understanding with Egypt for improved market access conditions for red meat. The department also commented on an agreement with Japan to recognise food safety systems equivalence for Australian meat and poultry. This makes Australia a preferred supplier of meat and poultry products for Japanese importers.
2.8
The department also reported on other achievements against this objective, including:
the implementation of recommendations given in the independent review of the department’s capability as the regulator of live animal exports. These measures included the suspension of sheep exports to the Middle East from June to September 2019 and a shift in the focus of performance from indicators based on mortality to measures based on animal welfare;
the publication of 184 independent observer reports on live animal export policies and regulations;
the implementation of deregulation initiatives, including the $14 million Dairy Export Assurance Program reforms to help the export dairy industry by reducing red tape and streamlining audit arrangements; and
the continued roll out of initiatives under the Modernising Agricultural Trade program, the engagement of new regional assurance managers, and improvements to the national consistency of Property Identification Codes for Livestock and the National Livestock Identification Scheme.
Encourage and reduce risks to agricultural productivity
2.9
The department reported on several initiatives undertaken during the reporting period to encourage agricultural activity including:
the establishment of an 11-member National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee to prepare a National Agricultural Workforce Strategy aimed at helping the agricultural sector to attract, retain and develop its workforce;
the $75,000 Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program to support bushfire-affected primary producers;
the announcement of a funding boost of $15 million to the Rural Financial Counselling Service to provide an additional 60 rural financial counsellors and support workers;
the implementation of changes to the Regional Investment Corporation’s farm business drought loan program, providing for a 2-year interest-free period; and
the development and implementation of the Future Drought Fund and the Farm Household Allowance.
Support sustainable, high-quality natural resources
2.10
The department reported on their efforts to support and nurture natural resources including:
working with the NSW and Victorian governments to deliver $15 million in funding for Salvage Log Transport Assistance to aid forestry processors in recovering from bushfires;
delivery of the $40 million Forestry Recovery Development Fund to support innovation and product diversity;
work towards the implementation of the $34 million Agriculture Stewardship Package to encourage improved biodiversity practices on farms;
the launch of an inquiry into water markets by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to provide options for improving the transparency, regulation, competitiveness and efficiency of the Basin water market;
the establishment of the office of the Interim Inspector-General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources;
the delivery of the Water for Fodder drought relief program; and
the renewal of the memorandum of understanding with India on cooperation in water resources management for another five years. This is designed to deepen policy and technical cooperation to improve water management and sustainable economic development.
Staffing information
2.11
At the conclusion of the reporting period the department had 6273 ongoing staff and 973 non-ongoing staff engaged across all states and territories, and internationally. Of these, 3834 are women and 356 identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Financial information
2.12
The department recorded a comprehensive loss of $149.65 million in 2019–20. In comparison, the former Department of Agriculture recorded a loss of
$15.4 million in 2018–19 and the former Department of the Environment and Energy recorded a loss of $193.2 million over the same period. Key financial details include:
total expenses—$1.39 billion;
total own-source revenue from contracts with customers, interest, rental income, and other revenue and gains—$442.5 million; and
total revenue from government—$818.5 million.
Committee comment
2.13
The committee considers the department’s annual report to be compliant with reporting requirements.
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
2.14
The 2019–20 Annual Report of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) presented information on the operations and performance of the agency. The report was tabled in the Senate on 14 October 2020.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's review
2.15
The Chair, Ms Helen Kroger, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wez Norris, highlighted several aspects of AFMA's performance in managing Commonwealth fisheries, including:
the maintenance of the annual gross volume of fisheries production at
$400 million despite disruptions due to bushfires and the COVID¬-19 pandemic;
the progress, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), of a climate adaption project to address the risk of climate change on Commonwealth fisheries;
the release of a draft Exploratory Fishing Policy to encourage fishers to explore and develop new fishing resources; and
the apprehension of four foreign fishing vessels. This is down from five in the previous reporting period.
Purpose and performance measurement
2.16
AFMA reports their purpose as:
The ecologically sustainable development of Commonwealth fisheries for the benefit of the Australian community.
2.17
The agency has structured their annual report to reflect the four major elements of AFMA’s corporate goals. These include
management of Commonwealth fisheries consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development;
maximum net economic returns to the Australian community from the management of Commonwealth fisheries;
compliance with Commonwealth fisheries laws and policies and relevant international fishing obligations and standards; and
deliver efficient, cost-effective and accountable management of Commonwealth fisheries resources.
Management of Commonwealth fisheries consistent with principles of ecological sustainable development
2.18
AFMA reported that they manage Commonwealth fisheries against principles of sustainable development and on the basis that ensuring sustainable commercial harvesting leads to better economic and social outcomes. This element is measured against five individual performance criteria, all of which were achieved during the reporting period.
2.19
AFMA uses fishery-specific ecological risk assessments (ERAs) to evaluate an array of species at various levels of risk from fishing. Based on the ERA framework, six fisheries have been reassessed by CSIRO, in conjunction with AFMA, resulting in changes in ‘potential high-risk species’ identified. These changes include the Southern Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery trawl sector no longer having any marine mammals identified as high risk to fishing, and the gillnet sector no longer being considered a high risk for fur seals or Australian sea lions. Another five ERAs are due for completion in 2020–21.
Maximum net economic returns to the Australian community from the management of Commonwealth fisheries
2.20
AFMA reported that Commonwealth fishery harvest strategies for key commercial stocks guide the setting of total allowable catches and other catch limits. Pursuing targets of maximum economic yield, where available, will result in the improvement of net economic returns. This element is measured against three performance measures, of which one was met.
2.21
AFMA reported that four fish stocks are on track to meet their maximum economic yield target, four more were assessed as heading towards the target, and six were assessed as not on target and not heading towards the target. The agency also noted that although there are six stocks assessed as not on target and not heading towards target, this is a measure of whether the economic potential is being maximised rather than an indicator of the sustainability of those stocks. AFMA is reportedly working on updating harvest strategies to ensure key commercial fish species are sustainably managed to maximise net economic returns.
Compliance with Commonwealth fisheries laws and policies and relevant international fishing obligations and standards
2.22
AFMA reported that their international compliance activities ensure that Australia’s fish stocks and the marine environment are not negatively affected by illegal foreign fishing. This element is measured against three performance measures, of which two were met. The lone measure that was not met related to the percentage of treatment targets for all priority domestic risks. Targeting 90 per cent, the actual amount was 78.1 per cent.
2.23
AFMA's National Compliance Operations and Enforcement Policy aims to effectively deter illegal fishing in Commonwealth fisheries and the Australian Fishing Zone. The policy objective is made up of four main components: communication and education, general deterrence, targeted risk, and maintenance. Reported achievements and challenges in these areas during 2019–20 include:
377 boat and fish receiver inspections. This number is down 28 per cent compared to the previous reporting period due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
high levels of compliance, with 92 per cent of inspections requiring no further action, just short of the targeted 95 per cent compliance;
19 detected incidents of non-reporting of threatened, endangered and protected species interactions. Of these, six required further investigation. The 19 matters detected in 2019–20 is a decrease from the 35 matters detected in 2018–19; and
the inoperability of approximately 80 per cent of the Commonwealth fleet during August and September due to service provider issues with the vessel monitoring system (VMS). Outside of this period, VMS compliance rates remained high at 96.2 per cent.
2.24
AFMA also reported the development and adoption of an International Compliance and Engagement Program 2020–22 (ICEP) that outlines AFMA’s approach to effectively deter illegal foreign fishing in Commonwealth fisheries. The ICEP consists of five key areas: communications, enforcement operations, capability development and supplementation, and targeted response threat.
2.25
AFMA reported that their efforts are focussed on high risk areas for incursions by illegal fishers and deterring fishers operating in close proximity to the Australian Fishing Zone from conducting illegal fishing operations. During the reporting period, 22 foreign fishers were detained for illegal fishing in Australian waters, with five Indonesian nationals the subject of criminal prosecution. Those prosecuted received fines totalling over $34,360 and all boats were confiscated.
Deliver efficient, cost-effective and accountable management of Commonwealth fisheries resources
2.26
AFMA reports the purpose of this element as delivering value for money through improved business processes and systems that provide better valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms. This is conducted through the removal of unnecessary regulation and the use of broad engagement systems, including social media.
2.27
AFMA reported the successful completion of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation funded e-fish: An integrated data capture and sharing project. The project was a collaborative approach to understand multiple data types and highlighted the importance of increasing the availability, integration, use and confidence in fisheries data. AFMA reports that they are now considering the recommendations of the report as part of a broader roadmap for enhancing its data and information framework.
2.28
AFMA also reported several stakeholder engagement activities including:
the completion of the First People Acknowledgement Guide to assist staff in understanding the agency’s approach and expectations regarding the recognition of aspects of Indigenous affairs;
public consultation on policy and fisheries management changes;
social media campaigns including ‘What’s my scientific name?’ and the ‘#putfishonyourdish’ Christmas campaign to promote Australian seafood; and
the 2019 Stakeholder Survey which indicated that the main source of news from the agency was via email to 1158 subscribers, followed by the website and then social media.
Staffing information
2.29
At the end of the reporting period, AFMA employed 152 employees:
2.30
135 ongoing and 17 non-ongoing. These numbers do not include three employees on long-term leave. Employees are located as follows:
on commercial fishing vessels as field observers (17).
2.31
Of the authority's 171 staff: 68 are women; 25 have at least one parent from non-English speaking backgrounds (born in Australia and overseas); three identify as having a disability; and seven are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Financial information
2.32
AFMA reported a surplus of $2.4 million for the reporting period, compared with a budgeted loss of $1.6 million. The $4 million difference is due to lower than expected staffing levels as a result of COVID-19 and less travel and staff related costs.
2.33
The authority also reported that a $10.3 million Levy Relief Package was made available to AFMA under the Assistance for Severely Affected Regions (Special Appropriation) (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020. This levy was provided to AFMA to waive any further levies for all Commonwealth fisheries for the remainder of the financial year.
Committee comment
2.34
The committee considers AFMA’s annual report to be compliant with reporting requirements.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
2.35
The 2019–20 Annual Report of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDC) contains a comprehensive account of the department's activities. The report was tabled in the Senate on 9 November 2020. Due to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications also having oversight of the department, this report will focus solely on the infrastructure, transport, and regional development elements of the department.
Secretary's review
2.36
The Secretary, Mr Simon Atkinson, identified the department's key achievements during the reporting period including:
the establishment of the department following the merger of the former departments of Communication and the Arts and Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development;
opened the first underground stage of the WestConnex road project;
approved 163 projects under Round 4 of the Building Better Regions Fund; and
established the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA), responsible for delivering the Australian Government’s 22 water infrastructure projects.
2.37
Mr Atkinson also detailed the department’s role in designing and implementing initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund and $1.3 billion in aviation support.
Purpose and performance measurement
2.38
The department reported five purposes relating to the infrastructure, transport, and regional development areas that they worked towards during the reporting period:
supporting economic growth through transport;
increasing transport access;
supporting regional development, cities and local communities; and
providing good governance in the territories.
2.39
The department has structured their annual report to combine the three transport purposes into a single section covering economic growth, safety, and access. This approach was taken due to significant overlap in the work to achieve these purposes. Further sections were also provided to reflect the final two purposes detailing performance in regional development, cities and local communities, and in governance in the territories.
Transport
2.40
The department measures performance in this area against 15 targets. Of these, four targets were not met including:
a ten-year rolling average of aviation passenger movements of 90.8 million. There were 76 million total aviation passengers during the reporting period. The shortfall can be attributed to travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
1105 road fatalities were recorded in 2019–20 against a target of 1016 or fewer;
the lack of establishment of a baseline for serious injuries incurred due to road crashes; and
a decrease in the 10-year rolling average of transport CO2 emissions. The
10-year average to 2018–19 (the most recent available data) was 94,094 gigagrams of CO2.
2.41
The department reported on some of their achievements and challenges against this purpose, including:
the agreement among transport and infrastructure ministers across jurisdictions on the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. The strategy sets an agenda for integrated plans across all freight modes over the next 20 years;
the provision of $161.2 million under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme for costs incurred by shippers of eligible non-bulk goods moved by sea across the Bass Strait;
$13.1 million of funding for regular air services to 266 remote communities. These services deliver fresh food, educational materials, medicines and other urgent supplies;
slight delays in delivery of some infrastructure projects due to COVID-19 restrictions, including in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
a reduction in transport fatalities, mainly due to fewer transport users due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in road fatalities the drop was not commensurate with the drop in traffic volumes; and
no recorded fatalities from regular public transport flights.
Regional development, cities and local communities
2.42
The department measures performance in this area against seven targets. Of these, six targets were met while data for the seventh was unavailable. The data relates to the measure of improved liveability and increased productivity of Australia’s cities, for which data will not be available until after the 2021 census.
2.43
Achievements and challenges reported on regarding this purpose include:
the administration of various regional grants projects including the Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants, National Stronger Regions Fund, Regional Growth Fund, and Regional Jobs and Investment Packages;
the introduction of pilot Regional Deals tailored to each region’s advantages, assets and challenges. Regional Deals in Barkly and Hinkler were underway during the reporting period, while a deal for Albury-Wodonga was being negotiated;
$2.562 billion in Financial Assistance Grants for local governments to spend according to local priorities;
The implementation of plans for four City Deals in Adelaide, Darwin, Geelong and Hobart; and
the establishment of the NWGA in October 2019. The NWGA will work to shape national water infrastructure policy and help deliver secure and affordable water for rural and regional Australia.
Governance in the territories
2.44
The department measures performance in this area against two targets, both of which were met.
2.45
The department reported some of the challenges faced by Australia’s external territories due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions were put in place to protect the external territories. However, this impacted heavily on tourism as well as aviation and shipping services. Due to the external territories’ reliance on air freight to deliver mail, perishable groceries and time-sensitive goods such as medicines, the department reportedly negotiated with airlines to increase freight capacity and safeguard supply chains to the Indian Ocean Territories and Norfolk Island.
2.46
The report also touched on the ongoing economic transition being undertaken by Christmas Island. Following the wind-down of immigration detention activity and because of uncertainty about phosphate mining, the department announced $4.2 million to support economic diversification on Christmas Island, including tourism infrastructure upgrades in the national park.
Staffing information
2.47
At the conclusion of the reporting period the department had 1,439 ongoing staff and 66 non-ongoing staff engaged across all states and territories, and internationally. Of these, 875 are female.
Financial information
2.48
The department recorded a comprehensive loss of $29.65 million in 2019–20. In comparison, the former Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development recorded a loss of $15.6 million in 2018–19 and the former Department of Communications and the Arts recorded a loss of
$5.2 million over the same period. Key financial details include:
total expenses—$411.18 million;
total own-source revenue from contracts with customers, rental income, and other revenue—$14.2 million; and
total revenue from government—$364.6 million.
Committee comment
2.49
The committee considers the department’s annual report to be compliant with reporting requirements.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
2.50
The 2019–20 Annual Report of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was tabled in the Senate on 15 October 2020. The report provides an overview of the activities and achievements of the agency throughout 2019–20.
Chief Commissioner's review
2.51
The Chief Commissioner, Mr Greg Hood, provided an overview of the bureau's achievements during the reporting period including:
the launch of a number of complex investigations into transport safety incidents including the collision between two freight trains at Jumperkine, Western Australia, the collision with terrain of a C-130 Hercules large air tanker near Cooma, New South Wales, and the derailment of an XPT passenger train at Wallan, Victoria.
the production of a safety analysis of aerial firefighting occurrences in Australia, covering the period July 2000 to March 2020. The report found that estimates of aerial firefighting activity for the 2019–20 bushfire season were around four times higher than other recent bushfire seasons; and
the completion of 47 complex investigations, up from 34 in the previous reporting period.
Purpose and performance measurement
2.52
The ATSB list three core objectives in their report including:
independent ‘no-blame’ investigation of transport accidents and other safety occurrences;
safety data recording, analysis and research; and
fostering safety awareness, knowledge and action.
Independent ‘no-blame’ investigation of transport accidents and other safety occurrences
2.53
This section of the report refers to the ATSB’s performance against the deliverables relating to the ATSB’s role as the independent ‘no-blame’ transport safety investigator. These deliverables include:
completing and publishing up to 35 complex investigations, 100 short investigations, and 100 occurrence briefs;
ensuring preparedness for a major accident by reviewing and testing major accident response and management capabilities through participation in one major exercise per year; and
assisting investigations overseas in accordance with international arrangements and where resources permit, with a report produced annually addressing the transport safety contribution of this support.
2.54
The agency reported the completion of 47 complex investigations, 22 short occurrence investigations, and 17 external investigations across the aviation, marine and rail sectors. At the conclusion of the reporting period there were 62 ongoing complex investigations, 29 ongoing short investigations and nine ongoing external investigations.
2.55
The ATSB reports that they actively participate in practical exercises to test response arrangements in order to maintain preparedness for a quick and effective response to a major accident. This includes the December 2019
two-stage exercise to simulate the establishment of a command centre in response to a marine accident and the preparation of the Major Investigation Preparedness Plan to establish a suite of procedures and information in the event of an accident.
Safety data recording, analysis and research
2.56
The ATSB reports that they have committed to the following analysis and research deliverables to meet their objective for improved transport safety:
improve the data analysis tools used in making assessments about occurrences to investigate;
assess, classify and publish summaries of accidents and incident occurrences received;
assess confidential reports for clarity, completeness and significance for transport safety; and
publish five statistical and trend monitoring publications, including the Aviation Occurrence Statistics Report.
2.57
The ATSB reports that transport safety investigators provided technical analysis across a variety of investigations including: the determination of the existence of pre-existing cracking in the exhaust manifold from the aircraft involved in the collision with water in Jerusalem Bay, NSW; analysis of a hydraulic cut-off switch from the collision with terrain involving an aircraft at Hobart Airport; and the examination of a rescue hoist cable from an Airbus helicopter, which found that improper stowage of the hook assembly was likely contributing to accelerated wear. These investigations resulted in the release of a safety advisory notice reinforcing the importance of thorough inspection and maintenance of exhaust systems, and the publication of a safety advisory notice to all helicopter operators involved in winching operations.
2.58
The agency also reports that their target for assessing, classifying and publishing summaries of accidents and incidents is one day for occurrences being investigated in all modes and ten days for summaries of other incidents in aviation. Of 78 occurrences investigated, 44 had summaries published within one working day, while 35 per cent of aviation occurrences were ready for publication within ten days. The average time for publishing was 25 days.
Fostering safety awareness, knowledge and action
2.59
The ATSB reports that they have committed to the following deliverables to meet their objective for improved transport safety:
proactive influence of safety awareness through communication and education activities; and
assisting with transport safety in the broader international region through direct cooperation and the delivery of approved projects and other support activities.
2.60
The ATSB reported that it has continued to promote the SafetyWatch initiative. The initiative highlights broad safety concerns and encourages heightened attention to priority areas including fatigue, in-flight decision making, data input errors, and non-controlled airspace, among others. The agency raises awareness of these areas through several channels including social media, website news items, and general media.
2.61
The ATSB also reported on their program of regional engagement, with an emphasis on ongoing involvement with Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The key elements of the regional engagement program include provision of investigator training and development, development of transport recorder capability, and technical support for investigators.
Staffing information
2.62
The ATSB reported a total of 100 employees at the conclusion of the reporting period. This total is made up of 92 ongoing employees and eight non-ongoing employees. Of these, 34 are female.
Financial information
2.63
The ATSB reported a total comprehensive loss of $843,000 against an original budget of a $747,000 loss.
2.64
Major reasons for variances between budgeted values and actual values are attributed to the application of Australian Accounting Standards Board Standard 16, the return of an unspent appropriation relating to Malaysia Airlines Flight 570, and a post-budget decrease in funding received in relation to the ATSB’s international projects.
Committee comment
2.65
The committee considers the ATSB’s annual report to be compliant with reporting requirements.
Infrastructure Australia
2.66
The 2019–20 Annual Report of Infrastructure Australia (IA) was tabled in the Senate on 15 October 2020. The report provides an overview of the activities and achievements of the agency over the previous year.
Chair’s Foreword
2.67
Ms Julieanne Alroe, Chair of Infrastructure Australia, provided a review of the agency's notable achievements and challenges over the reporting period including:
the launch of the second Australian Infrastructure Audit identifying 136 challenges facing the nation over the next 15 years and 44 opportunities to improve outcomes;
the identification of 147 infrastructure proposals in the Infrastructure Priority List; and
the launch of the agency’s first Reconciliation Action Plan during National Reconciliation Week in May 2020.
Agency responsibilities
2.68
IA reports that their responsibilities over a five-year cycle are to:
strategically audit the nation’s infrastructure through the Australian Infrastructure Audit;
maintain a credible pipeline of nationally significant infrastructure investments through the Infrastructure Priority List;
develop a clear roadmap for reform through the Australian Infrastructure Plan; and
assess infrastructure business cases that are requesting more than
$100 million of Commonwealth funding.
Australian Infrastructure Audit
2.69
The second Australian Infrastructure Audit was published in August 2019 and aims to assess the nation’s infrastructure needs across energy, transport, telecommunications, water, social infrastructure, and waste. The Audit found that more than $123 billion of construction work had commenced since the previous audit in 2015. However, it also recognised the need for more work to ease pressures of growth and to encourage development.
2.70
IA reported that the Audit uncovered two important themes: outcomes for users and impacts on communities. The Audit found that choice and access to services has increased since the 2015 Audit but that the needs of people in low-density areas, emerging industries and lower socio-economic groups are not being met. It was also found that infrastructure is failing to keep pace with rapid population growth in Australia’s four largest cities, particularly on the urban fringe, and that smaller cities are growing as service hubs for surrounding regions. Additionally, the Audit found that the quality of infrastructure services for people living in remote communities does not meet the standards Australians expect. Infrastructure can be used in developing regions and northern Australia to increase quality of life and productivity through increased connectivity and efficiency.
Infrastructure Priority List
2.71
The February 2020 Infrastructure Priority List presented 147 infrastructure proposals across a range of areas and was developed using data from the Australian Infrastructure Audit. The agency reported that over the course of the year seven infrastructure projects were moved off the list as they progressed to the delivery stage.
2.72
The agency reported that the list identified five new high priority national initiatives including:
town and city water security;
coastal inundation protection strategy;
national waste and recycling management; and
national road maintenance strategy.
2.73
IA also reported an increased focus on regional Australia in the list. Priorities include projects to improve regional road safety, and projects to improve mobile communications coverage, the importance of which was shown during the recent bushfire crisis.
Australian Infrastructure Plan
2.74
IA reports that the Australian Infrastructure Plan must be released within two years of the Australian Infrastructure Audit under the requirements of the Australian Infrastructure Act 2008. The next plan, following the 2019 audit, is due to be released in 2021. The agency expects the plan to address areas including social infrastructure, waste, and the economic impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic prompting accelerated project delivery.
Assessment Framework
2.75
The assessment framework sets out the process used to consider projects for inclusion in the Infrastructure Priority List. The framework is reviewed and updated every two years to guide proponents on how to develop their submissions for consideration.
2.76
The agency reports that they have established an intergovernmental reference group to review the framework with an update due in mid-2021. Included in the update will be an emphasis on outcomes for people living in remote areas.
Staffing information
2.77
At the end of the reporting period, IA employed 33 staff. Of these, 14 are female.
Financial information
2.78
IA recorded a surplus of $103,848 in 2019–20. This was made up of $11,616,727 in revenue and expenditure of $11,512,879.
2.79
Variances from the original budget can be attributed in part to fewer employee benefits due to a higher than expected amount of staff terminating and increased expenditure on contractors and recruitment to replace those employees. Interest earned is under budget due to the budgeted rate being higher than the actual rate. Interest rates decreased after the budget was set.
Committee comment
2.80
The committee considers the annual report to be compliant with reporting requirements.