How the Department is Becoming Open and Accountable

Strengthened governance and quality assurance frameworks

A new DIMA Plan created in the last year is providing the department with clear strategic priorities and a service blueprint to integrate policy, programmes and delivery.

The creation of the Governance and Assurance Branch is part of a major effort by the department to strengthen leadership, management and accountability which will include the promotion of a strong risk management and quality assurance culture.

A model to help guide the development of consistent quality assurance processes is currently being implemented nationally. The department has also significantly strengthened its internal audit programme. Audit results are reported to the Departmental Audit and Evaluation Committee, which has an independent chairman.

Clear lines of responsibility and accountability, and improved decision-making

The department has been restructured to remove overlap and uncertainty and create more direct lines of responsibility and accountability. Three new deputy secretaries were appointed with clear programme responsibility and accountability and new divisions and branches were put in place to create a higher level of accountability and to ensure critical issues were addressed rapidly.

See Also:
Report from the Secretary
DIMA 12 Months After Palmer: on the move to improve
How the department is ensuring it deals with clients fairly and reasonably
How the department is ensuring its staff are well-trained and supported