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Public sector contract management is mixed and requires closer attention

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has released its report on the contract management frameworks operated by Commonwealth entities, which examined whether they are fit for purpose to ensure project delivery and value for money.

The Australian National Audit Office audits examined by the committee revealed areas of good practice in this regard, underpinned by effective governance. They also exposed deficiencies, including insufficient record-keeping and poor documentation of value for money in contract variations.

The inquiry also highlighted the need for entities to maintain an appropriate arm’s length relationship with suppliers and to establish and monitor effective and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).

Committee Chair, Linda Burney MP, said, "It became clear from this inquiry that value for money cannot be achieved for the taxpayer if a well-managed procurement process is not followed up with effective contract management."

The following requirements are among the committee’s six recommendations:

  1. That the Department of Finance’s annual self-assessment survey for contract management capability becomes mandatory, contains clearer indicators of this capability and that corrective action is taken when shortfalls are revealed.
  2. That the Department of Finance consults with relevant agencies to ensure that guidance and training address weaknesses in contract management, as outlined by the Committee.
  3. That updates be provided on the management of the My Health Record and the Adult Migrant English Program contracts, and on their upcoming tendering processes.

"The Department of Finance has a pivotal role to play in addressing shortfalls in contract management across the Commonwealth. The Department needs to be more than just a policy steward that provides advice and resources," Ms Burney said.

The report can be downloaded from the inquiry website.

 

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National Youth Parliament 2026 – House of Reps seeks a supplier

THE Department of the House of Representatives is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced service provider to develop and deliver a National Youth Parliament to be held in Canberra in 2026.

Participants in the National Youth Parliament will have the unique opportunity to learn about aspects of being a Member of Parliament, including the process by which bills are drafted, considered, and pass Parliament to become law.

The provider will manage the event and deliver a program for 150 senior students, one per federal electorate, which complies with all child safety requirements and will achieve best practice educational outcomes.

An open tender is available via AusTender for interested suppliers.

 

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Committee reports on the operation of Australia's Magnitsky-style thematic sanctions

THE Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has published its report into the operation of amendments made by the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou MP said, "Sanctions can and do play a vital role in tackling human rights abuses, curbing serious corruption, and addressing other issues of international concern.

"Recent legislative developments have strengthened Australia’s sanctions framework. But as this review makes clear, there are opportunities for us to have an even greater global impact through our use of autonomous sanctions."

This report makes five recommendations aimed at strengthening Australia’s autonomous sanctions framework, including:

  • sanctions decisions be accompanied by detailed reasoning;
  • reasons for sanctions decisions be included in the Consolidated List of sanctioned individuals and entities;
  • the Parliament receive an annual report on sanctions decisions taken during the previous year;
  • the regulations for imposing autonomous sanctions be updated to include listing criteria for all thematic areas;
  • a humanitarian exemption be legislated to ensure humanitarian assistance is not adversely affected by the imposition of sanctions.

The report is now available on the JSCFADT website.

 

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Alcohol and Other Drug Issues paper published

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has published an issues paper concerning the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia.

After launching an inquiry into this topic on August 22 last year, the committee received more than 200 written submissions and heard from witnesses across seven days of public hearings in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. This significant level of public engagement underscored the critical importance of efforts aimed at addressing and curtailing AOD-related harms across the country.

"Alcohol and other drug use is not just a health issue – it is a complex social challenge that cuts across multiple measures of wellbeing for communities throughout Australia," Committee Chair, Mike Freelander MP, said.

Highlighting the often complex and wide-ranging consequences of substance use, Dr Freelander noted that "the impacts extend far beyond individual health, touching on critical social issues such as family violence, child protection, community services, and the criminal justice system".

The issues paper explores several key themes underpinning the evidence presented during the inquiry, such as the national coordination of the AOD sector, service demand and provision, prevention and harm reduction strategies, workforce development and tailored support for high-risk population groups.

Recognising the depth and complexity of the inquiry subject matter, the committee acknowledged that multiple aspects of the terms of reference could not be fully explored within the available time frame. The committee has recommended that the inquiry be continued in the next Parliament.

The report is now available on the Committee's website.

 

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Inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts has today released a report, Am I Ever Gonna See You Live Again?, following its inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.

Over the course of the inquiry, the committee held 18 public hearings in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, and received many submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including all levels of government, artists, broadcasters, promoters, venues, festivals, service providers and peak industry bodies.

Committee Chair Brian Mitchell, the Federal MP for Lyons in Tasmania, said the inquiry’s recommendations, if taken up by government, would help ensure a strong and sustainable future for live music in Australia.

"It was clear to us that many people across the country are doing a lot of work on live music," Mr Mitchell said.

"There was broad agreement about the myriad challenges and a lot of good ideas about how to grasp the opportunities of a fast-changing technological landscape.

"Our committee hasn’t sought to reinvent the wheel, but rather bring all that work and evidence together in a report and a set of recommendations that are practical and achievable."

The report is being tabled in the parliament out of session and can be found on the Committee’s webpage on the Commonwealth Parliament’s website.

 

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