Government

'A rigorous basis for strategic management through consideration of key elements of risk.' From the: Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA magazine 24sevenApr 2005. [thanks to Charlie Myres]

'Customer Experience - A focus on planned, consistent customer experiences that embody the Centrelink brand and lead to optimum outcomes in terms of customer contentment, costs to Centrelink and Government, and improvements in customer circumstances (reflecting desired policy outcomes).
... this has been an engine room for innovation across our network ... Through Centrelink's focus on corporate performance, the Service Quality to Cost Index will provide Centrelink with an indicator of the implementation and effectiveness of better practice with a direct impact on value for money. We quality assure our culture to build the trust and understanding of our staff. We monitor adherence to the Australian Public Service Values framework, the Centrelink Expectations Statement and our Shared Behaviours ...' From Centrelink Future Directions 2004-2009 [thanks to Nigel Armfield]r

'Mr Dixon said low-paid jobs were "career stepping stones" to higher paid work, therefore low-paid employment should not be undermined through excessive minimum pay awards.' Federal Government's advocate, Harry Dixon, SC explaining the offer of an $11 increase to low-paid workers.' The Age, 14 April, 2005

The Centrelink contact point for statistics, previously known as the Centrelink Knowledge Desk is now known as the Business Intelligence Frontdoor (or 'BIF' for short!)[Thanks to Monica Moss]

'The HACC MDS V2 User Guide, when used in conjunction with the technical specifications on the website, will identify the data transmission requirements. The HACC MDS V2 User Guide requires endorsement by HACC Officials in mid May. Once endorsed, all documentation will be updated to reflect the User Guide requirements on the website. This should provide developers with all the information they require to implement HACC MDS V2.

Please note that HACC MDS V2 National Electronic Form (NEF) application will also be available free of charge in June. This will be enhancing the existing NEF to accommodate V2 reporting requirements and updating to more flexible underlying technology. This will satisfy the National HACC MDS V2 reporting requirements. Please note that various jurisdictions may have their own additional data reporting elements.' Email from HACC Outcomes Section, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, in reply to a question from Simon Groth who thinks 'the message boils down to "Wait and see", but I'm not sure.']

'The Italian premier had some hair follicles transplanted: "They were just delocalised from behind to in front," said the 68-year-old premier.' Reported on ABC online 1 April, 2005 [Thanks to Alan Smith who says 'By delocalised, I presume he meant moved!]

'Recognising that a national framework for comparison of water accounting systems can encourage continuous improvement leading to adoption of best practice...' The National Water Initiative, p.17. [thanks to Joel Byrnes]

'While many stakeholders and their interests are self-evident in the impacts noted for issues, areas and industries, we have conducted a brief overview of all stakeholders to ensure that none that might experience significant positive or negative impacts resulting from increased environmental flows escape attention.' From 'Scoping Study for Social Impact Assessment of Possible Increases in Environmental Flow Allocations to the River Murray System”
Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Commission by Hassall and Associates and Helen Ross, University of Queensland, June 2003 [thanks to Upyaj Aksee]

'It's a kind of ring-fencing between the retail and wholesale divisions of Telstra so that there's much greater transparency. That is what everyone who's talking about breaking Telstra up is really talking about. They're talking about transparency.' Communications Minister Senator Coonan, 13 March, Sunday Program Channel Nine.For a picture of a ring-fence, go to the QR website.

'The creation of a new level of strategic local government, together with more community or neighbourhood focused institutions, would deliver a system that draws on people 's lived experience, sense of identity and willingness to engage ... The five-year plan introduced the idea of supermayors providing strategic leadership....' From an article 'Thinktank proposes new supercouncils' in the Guardian, March 9 2005 [thanks to Richard Potts]

'Planning and rational expectations of future plantation expansion lend weight to the incorporation of plantation sector needs into infrastructure, regional development, social, rural and environmental policy settings.' From 'Plantations for Australia:The 2020 Vision – An industry /government initiative for plantation forestry in Australia' [thanks to Katherine Butler]'

'The attorney general Michael Atkinson says rumours abound at Parliament House relating to the identity of the MP allegedly connected with paedophile activity in Adelaide's south parklands...and at least two homosexual deaths.' ABC News. From Luke Williams who poses the 'philosophical question: What is the difference between a homosexual and heterosexual death!'

'This same inclination to use language in order to deceive has infected the public service. At a public meeting in April 2002, I had the opportunity to debate aspects of refugee policy with one Philippa Godwin, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration. Philippa Godwin is clearly a woman of great intelligence. I asked her a question about a fence which surrounds the Baxter Detention Centre. The fence is described on a plan of Baxter as a "courtesy fence". I suggested that it was in fact an electric fence. "No," she insisted "It is not an electric fence. It is an energized fence."' A 9,000 volt energized fence.

Doublespeak uses language to smuggle uncomfortable ideas into comfortable minds. The Nazi regime were masters at it. The Howard Government is an enthusiastic apprentice.' From a speech by Julian Burnside given on 1 March. See NewMatilda.com

'The Physical Activity Grants program supports increased involvement in physical activity by groups currently under represented in physical activity participation.' Victorian Government [thanks to Matt Harris]

'The establishment of a total project strategy across the contract to incorporate projects into a series of integrated Projects.' Reasons given by Pittwater Council to justify an additional levy on its rates [thanks to Michael Southern]

'Noosa Council - innovative and effective leadership that facilitates preferred community outcomes.
Vision:
Noosa Shire is an inclusive community renowned for its creativity, innovation, vision and entrepreneurship where sustainability underpins excellence.

The key principles that underpin the vision are:
*Social cohesion and community well-being;
*A strong sustainable economy;
*Environmental excellence and sustainability;
*Artistic and cultural diversity and excellence;
*A commitment to maintaining a sustainable population;
*Quality, innovative and reliable infrastructure; and
*Maintaining the "Noosa Style". Noosa Queensland [thanks to John Turner]

'The CSIRO Strategic Plan for 2003-2007 outlines our organisation’s goals, strategic objectives, targets and performance metrics for the next four year period. Focussing on delivery and execution, it is the second in a series of strategic plans that are guiding our vision for the future... Our goals will be achieved by our unremitting excellence in research, focussing on key national challenges and embracing global opportunities. We will deliver outcomes of true value and impact, unleashing our creative abilities. We are building a research enterprise with truly global connections and stature .' CSIRO [thanks to Norman Abjorensen]

'Public Sector Corporate Governance has seen a rapid shift in legislative review and reform over the last few years; tightening regulatory frameworks have heightened public scrutiny and questioned the long-term feasibility of governance models. Issues of legislative reform, best practice corporate governance and the re-engineering of accountability and transparency frameworks for improved service delivery, confront all departments, regardless of their individual strategies.' A conference on Accountability, Transparency and Performance in the Public Sector [thanks to Paul Elton]

'Stocked Impoundment Permits (SIPs) are for sale at various outlets.' Fishing licences sold by the Queensland government. [thanks to Nick Stevens]

'Another spokesman for the Department, Mr Andrew Gavin, did confirm that a "removal operation" had taken place on 13 December last year ... and was able to clarify that a removal operation is different from a deportation, which is what happens when Australia deports criminals, but refused to discuss any particulars or the details of the operation. ' An Australian Department of Immigration description of what Sonia Chirgwin saw on a Thai International Flight. 'The face of the man in the middle was partly covered by shiny black bands of gaffer tape that had been wound tightly around his head. His hair was sticking out in all directions and he was in chains. The gaffer tape covered the lower half of his face to his chin and pulled so tightly that the flesh around his cheeks was distorted. His nose was cramped leaving only a small amount of breathing room.'
From an article by James Gallaway and Jack Smit in NewMatilda.com, Jan 2005

'1. Key points
- Participation Reports should usually be submitted within 2 (& no later than 5) working days;
- complete Participation Reports in EA3000 CWC for WfD & EA2000APM for CWP cases;
- since 6 December 2004 Centrelink can make appointments into available IBTH sessions for participants who have been PR'd;
- therefore, CWCs are no longer required to make 'dummy' appointments for any PRs;
- when booking an appointment Centrelink will only see the 1st available IBTH session unless this is unsuitable & then other immediately available options will be shown.' Some of the numerous key points in a Centrelink document. [Anonymous]

'In order to better prepare ourselves for coming systems changes, office refurbishment, as well as providing a more supportive & Customer service delivery conducive working environment, the CSBC have realigned some work structures & flows in order to improve how we do business.' Australian Electoral Commission staff email, January 2005

'Her aim was to "have information systems that minimise the likelihood of adverse safety events"' . The director-general of health New South Wales, Robyn Kruk, when asked to comment on whether patient's lives had been placed in danger because of the department's IT failures. Sydney Morning Herald, Jan 2005 [thanks to Margaret O'Connell]

'A Taxation Office team is called the AICE PPPI. This stands for - ABN Integrity and Cash Economy Practices and Procedures.The A presumably stands for ABN which stands for Australian Business Number. The PPPI bit stands for Practices & Procedures, PAYGI Compliance. The PAYGI stands for Pay As You Go (Instalments). All of which means that this group should actually be the ABNICEPPPAYGIC team.' [From an anonymous tax office employee who wishes they'd called the team ERIC]

'Entitlement to the tax offset is dealt with in proposed section 61-355 which provides that a person will be entitled to the offset if:
-the person had a child event in relation to a child...
-the person did not have a child event in respect of another child and at that time also satisfied the following conditions...' Australian Taxation Laws Amendment (Baby Bonus) Bill 2002 [thanks to Kevin Bodel]

'(2) in this section - "relevant person", for a person, means a person who would be a relevant person for the person if the person were granted a commercial wildlife licence under this chapter.' Nature Conservation Regulation 1994 - 182 Additional restriction for licence for reptiles [Thanks to Dr Judy Powell]

'We are committed to the ongoing professionalisation of our profession, believing this to be the best way of providing a strong policing service.' New South Wales Police Commissioner [Thanks to Luke Silcock]

'The purpose of the State Sustainability Strategy is to illustrate how the State government will respond to the sustainability agenda by adopting the sustainability framework and highlighting actions across government that give meaning to the framework. By focusing the Strategy on agency activity, the State government is demonstrating its important leadership role in supporting the transition to a sustainable future.The Western Australia State Sustainability Strategy [Thanks to Pat O'Connell]

An email that doesn't quite clear things up:
"Hi all -
I refer to a recent email on the above from [name 1] and a follow up response from [name 2] in relation to the seeking of details of the regional manager organisational arrangements for 05/06. From discussions with [name 3], [name 4], etc I understand that you have recently met on this issue and general agreement was reached on the roles and responsibilities of the various regional management team members. I also understand that similar info has also been provided to HR in terms of formalising the regional management rearrangements.

I am currently seeking to obtain copies of the info discussed at the SDB meeting and that provided to HR to assess its worth in this exercise, however, in talking further with the Managers Bus Serv's this morning, it is apparent that the level of discussion to date has been re the roles and responsibilities at the regional manager level rather than at levels below these positions which defines the complete regional org structure and which in turn is used to create the new WBSE's.

As a consequence, the MBS's have taken on board the action to raise this issue with each of yourselves with a view to developing the necessary info relevant to your region. Given the general higher level agreement (with some minor exceptions..?) previously reached by yourselves, it is expected that such an exercise will result in a fair degree of consistency across the regions. Once this information is provided and aligned with deliverables and activities, FAM will create the new WBSE's, circulate them to the regions for review and the undertaking of the mapping exercise to align the old codes with the new.

I am forwarding this email in an attempt to clarify the need and the objectives of the request and to flag with yourselves that the MBS's will be raising this issue with you prior to the next SDB meeting where any further discusions and considerations can occur. I and relevant FAM staff are quite willing to discuss any queries you may have on this issue either prior to or at the SDB meeting.' From the Queensland public service

'A spokeswoman said: "This is the first problem with the system since it was connected. There will be a full 'lessons learnt' exercise.' British Home Office announcing investigation into problems with police computer system. The Independant Online Edition, Dec 2004 [Thanks to Ann Cross]

'...but perhaps one of the mistakes of the past is to go for shorter-term announceables, rather than long-term improvements.' Senator Amanda Vanstone, The Age, Dec 2004 [thanks to Graham Ring]

'Community engagement refers to the many ways in which governments connect with citizens in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services. Engagement covers a wide variety of government-community connections, ranging from information sharing to community consultation and, in some instances, active participation in government policy development and decision-making processes.' Engaging Queenslanders - Get Involved. Queensland Govt. Australia

Communication Tips – Messages
-Tell the truth.
Communication must be open and honest. Tell it as it is. Stick to the facts and use high value information that will be ‘pulled through’ networks.
- Use Face-to-Face for important communication.
- Information only has action potential if considered relevant by the audience.
Communication Tips – Written Documents
1. Surveys conducted of body text indicate that ‘every’ reader would prefer the text to be printed in black – it aids concentration and comprehension.
Communications Principles document, Internal Communications unit of the Communications and Stakeholder Relations division of the Victorian Department of Sustainability & Environment [Thanks to David Still]

'...the vehicle was surveilled to an intersection where the product was seized.'
Queensland police officer, heard on ABC radio news, 19 November, 2004. The 'product' was ecstacy. [thanks to Michael Ranger]

'...be surprised and motivated by the strategic focus for a range of non-monetary recognition opportunities for the public and private sectors to enhance morale and productivity.'
Recognition & Reward workshop for Queenland government employees [thanks again to Upyaj Aksee]

In her Ministerial Statement of May 2004, the Minister for Community Services identified three key objectives to guide reform of children's and family services in Victoria. These were to:

• create one integrated system for children1 and families based on shared responsibility and mutual accountabilitly
• focus that system on promoting children's wellbeing and safety in the broader context of children's developmental needs
• produce measurably better outcomes for children and improved system outcomes
  

1. Footnote to children above: Througout the paper references to 'child' and 'children' encompass children and young people, unless otherwise stated.
Victorian Government report

'Delivering transformational tools and methods of analysis to decision makers through productive partnerships and research excellence.'
CSIRO's Division of Mathematical and Information Sciences bookmark [thanks to Michael Clarebrough]

'A joint training centre would be built to link Australian and US forces and provide real-time battlefield assessments. Prof Babbage said the public had not yet been told the significance and benefit of the training to Australian forces.
"What I can see happening is rather more than what has been revealed," Prof Babbage told the newspaper.
"There will be things that will be learned together, they will try completely new things." '
Sydney Morning Herald, November 2004

'A truly customer-centric organisation will have a strategy that conspicuously reflects a commitment to addressing what our customers are telling us, ie it is about getting what we say and commit to doing aligned with what we actually do and ensuring that this incorporates customer requirements.'
Chief Customer Service Officer, Centrelink (Powerpoint presentation)

'51. In making the findings in this application for review, the Tribunal has applied the law as it is prescribed in the Social Security Act and the Social Security (Administration) Act. The Departmental policy as set out in the "Guide to the Social Security Law" is not law.'
From an Administrative Appeals Tribunal Decision, November 2004 [Contributor: Joyce Stevens]

'This strategic framework for the information economy sets out a vision for the information economy for 2004 to 2006, four broad objectives, four strategic priorities and 16 supporting strategies for the information economy. Australia's vision for the information economy is where government, business and society are all connected, can participate with confidence, are open to innovation and can collaborate to maximise the economic and social benefits.'

'Strengthen collaboration and capabilities in SMEs, not-for-profit organisations, and key industry sectors to facilitate their participation in the information economy.'
Federal Government policy document: ' Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004-2006 - Opportunities and Challenges for the Information Age.'The Age 28/09/04

'International cultural partnerships and agreements provide a platform to achieve this objective as well as opportunities to complement wider State Government business, trade and investment strategies.'
Arts View, Volume 4, Number 1 2004 (Arts Victoria)

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