Statement of Intent 2007-2010 - Part Two: Forecast service performance

Statement by Responsible Minister

I confirm that information prepared and presented within this Statement of Intent covering the three years from 2007/2008 to 2010/2011 is in accordance with Section 38 of the Public Finance Act 1989 and is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.

Signed

Hon Steve Maharey

Minister of Research, Science and Technology

Statement of Responsibility

I accept responsibility for the information prepared and presented within this Statement of Intent covering the three years from 2007/2008 to 2010/2011, and certify that the information provided for the 2007/2008 financial year is consistent with all existing and proposed appropriations set out in the first Appropriation Bill for 2007/2008 being laid before the House of Representatives under section 4 of the Public Finance Act 1989.

The forecast financial statements of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology for the year ending 30 June 2008 contained in this Statement of Intent have been prepared in accordance with sections 38 and 41 of the Public Finance Act 1989.

The financial and service performance forecasts to be achieved by the Ministry for the year ending 30 June 2008, which are specified in the forecast statement of objectives and forecast statement of service performance, are as agreed with the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, who is responsible for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.

Signed

Dr Helen Anderson
Chief Executive
27 April 2007

Countersigned

Geoff Palmer
Chief Financial Officer
27 April 2007

Forecast service performance

This section describes the work we will do in the coming year and how we will assess the performance of this work.

It provides financial information and quality measures for our proposed activities.

General characteristics for the outputs to be delivered

Generic Output Measures

Generic quality, quantity and timeliness measures for outputs supplied within all the output expenses are given below. More specific measures for individual outputs are listed where appropriate.

Quantity And Timeliness

Outputs will be of a size and scope, and with target dates for delivery, as specified in the annual output plan negotiated between the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Ministry. These can be modified by agreement between the Minister and the Chief Executive during the course of the year.

This measure will be assessed by comparison of the actual work produced and its timeliness with the commitments set out in the output agreement, or as modified by agreement with the Minister during the year.

Coverage

A background service will be provided which includes:

the capacity to react urgently;
regular evaluation of the impacts of international developments and government policy;
regulation for, and expenditure on, desired government outcomes;
timely briefings that can anticipate issues; and
support for the Minister as required in Cabinet Committees, Caucus Committees, Select Committees, in the House, and during international ministerial-level science and technology related visits.

The coverage achieved will depend, however, on the resources required to supply the work specified under each output, as this specified work will have priority. This measure will be assessed by written reports provided to the Minister weekly (and discussed during regular meetings with the Minister) advising of issues and seeking feedback and direction.

Cost

Outputs will be produced within the overall appropriation levels for each output expense. This measure will be assessed by the comparison of actual costs with those set out in the Estimates or as modified in the Supplementary Estimates.

Quality Of Documents

Individual items of work will satisfy quality characteristics required for Cabinet papers and other important documents. These characteristics include:


Purpose:: The objective of the paper is clearly stated, and it answers the questions asked by Ministers and demonstrates a clear understanding of the desired outcome(s) of the Government or the Minister.
Scope and relevance:: The paper identifies the symptoms and causes of the policy ‘problem’ and/or opportunity, and makes explicit the assumptions behind the advice. The analysis is linked to the government’s science and technology strategy and other related government policies and priorities. Implications for other government policy areas are identified.
Logic:: The paper offers logical argument linking information and assumptions to the conclusions.
Accuracy:: All relevant information is included and is accurate, stating the range of uncertainty. The paper is based on the maximum practicable information and identifies known gaps that could significantly affect the conclusions.
Options:: A range of options is presented that provide clearly differentiated choices and these are rigorously evaluated using an appropriate analytical framework. Costs, benefits, consequences and risks of the options are assessed as part of the analysis.
Consultation:: Evidence of thorough and timely consultation with other government departments and other stakeholders is presented, and their views incorporated as appropriate.
Implementation:: Issues of transition, implementation, technical feasibility, practicality and timing are considered, and compliance, administrative implications and costs are identified. Specific recommendations are made to ensure Ministers decide who is responsible and accountable for the process of implementation, and accountable for the policy as implemented. Legislative implications are identified.
Presentation:: The paper is written in plain language, has an accurate and concise summary, meets format requirements of the Cabinet Office Manual, and presents recommendations unambiguously and concisely to Ministers.
Funding:: The paper accurately and comprehensively describes the funding implications for the government of the proposals put forward.
Publicity:: The paper provides advice on how publicity arising from decisions on the paper should be handled, including an assessment of key stakeholders who should be informed and how.

Page updated 30 Aug 2007

Publications