Quoting from P. S. News Edition Number 554f. Updated Friday 09 June 2017. http://www.psnews.com.au/aps/554/news/state-auditor-general-fails-ps-commission?utm_source=aps554&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news1&utm_campaign=newsletter_aps
State Auditor-General fails PS Commission
An Auditor-General’s investigation into the effectiveness of the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has found the Commission to be ineffective in achieving its prime objectives of strengthening the performance, capability and professionalism of the State Public Service.
According to Victoria’s Auditor-General, Andrew Greaves, the VPSC hampered its own performance by a lack of robust planning and an inadequate understanding of the impacts of its activities.
“Impartiality, professionalism and integrity are important foundations for the public sector,” Mr Greaves said.
“Public sector staff must act with these values in mind.”
He said they needed guidance and support to deliver their work.
“VPSC’s planning activities do not comply with the Act.”
Finds Victorian PSC ‘ineffective’
Mr Greaves said the VPSC was established in 2014 with the objectives of strengthening the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the State’s public sector and to maintain and advocate for public sector professionalism and integrity.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) is responsible for supporting VPSC to meet its legislated obligations.
The audit found that VPSC had not prioritised its activities based on a solid understanding of their costs and outcomes.
“While VPSC is fulfilling its statutory functions, the work it is not performing — thorough planning informed by consultation with stakeholders, as well as activities to measure and understand its impact and better target its work — is also critically important,” Mr Greaves said.
“Without an evidence-based understanding of the costs and outcomes of its work, VPSC cannot effectively target its work to the risks, challenges and opportunities facing the public sector.”
He said VPSC’s governance and oversight arrangements were not operating effectively with its advisory board not operating as required under legislation, so it was unable to make a meaningful contribution to VPSC’s strategic direction.
The audit made four recommendations, three relating to the VPSC and one to the DPC.
The Auditor-General’s 52-page report can be accessed at this PS News link. http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/publications/20170608-Effectiveness-of-VPSC/20170608-Effectiveness-of-VPSC.pdf ;
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