Finance's Business Groups and Structure
Figure C shows the organisational structure at 30 June 2009. Finance has seven business groups following an internal re-organisation on 1 September 2008 that split the deregulation functions out of the Financial Management Group to form the new Deregulation Group. This did not affect Finance’s outcome or output structure.
- Budget Group comprises five divisions contributing to sustainable government finances by supporting the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, the Cabinet, the Strategic Priorities and Budget Committee of Cabinet, and the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet in the preparation and management of the Budget (together with the Department of the Treasury [the Treasury]). This involves providing policy advice and costings on individual proposals and on whole-of-government expenditure priorities, as well as developing budget expense estimates and non-taxation revenue estimates updates (in cooperation with other agencies). Budget Group also supports and undertakes reviews of programs and functions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Commonwealth resource usage, and to contribute to budget sustainability by highlighting opportunities to reallocate resources to higher priorities.
- Financial Management Group (FMG) comprises four divisions contributing to sustainable government finances by developing and advising on the financial framework applicable to public sector agencies, accounting and financial reporting issues, electoral policy, and superannuation arrangements for current and former Members of Parliament and Australian Government civilian employees. FMG also contributes to initiatives to help economic and financial stabilisation and to encourage good governance and financial management in Pacific Island states and Indonesia. FMG consolidates budget updates, helps prepare budget statements and prepares the Australian Government’s monthly and annual consolidated financial statements. FMG also provides advice in relation to the Australian Government Asset Funds. The Office of Evaluation and Audit (Indigenous Programs) evaluates and audits Australian Government Indigenous-specific programs designed to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Deregulation Group comprises two divisions contributing to sustainable government finances by implementing the government’s deregulation and regulation reform agenda. The group develops deregulation initiatives, provides the secretariat for the Council of Australian Governments Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, and supports the Office of Best Practice Regulation to administer the government’s framework for Regulatory Impact Analysis.
- Asset Management Group (AMG) comprises three divisions contributing to improved and more efficient government operations. The Procurement Division develops and maintains the government's procurement policy framework, including coordinated procurement contracting arrangements and the government advertising framework. It also manages the government’s central advertising system and motor vehicle fleet arrangements. The Property and Construction Division manages the government’s domestic non-Defence property portfolio including delivering major construction projects. The Government Business, Special Claims and Land Policy Division provides shareholder oversight advice in relation to GBEs, provides insurance services and promotes a risk management culture across the Australian Government, administers special claims under sections 33 and 34 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, and land policy in relation to the Lands Acquisition Act 1989. AMG also provides advice on the Commonwealth property management framework.
- The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) comprises three divisions fostering the effective and efficient use of information and communication technologies by the Australian Government. AGIMO provides advice, tools, information and services to help government departments and agencies use ICT to improve their administration and service delivery. AGIMO also works with governments and other bodies at the local, state, national and international level to simplify services to citizens and reduce duplication.
- Corporate and Parliamentary Services Group has two divisions. The Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Division contributes to an efficiently functioning Parliament by providing Senators, Members and their employees with facilities and services, including electorate office facilities, travel and accommodation entitlement support and personnel-related services. The division also provides VIP car hire services, secretariat support for the Australian Political Exchange Council and advice to Parliamentarians on a range of entitlement issues. The Corporate Services Division supports the achievement of Finance’s outcomes by providing strategic advice to the Secretary and Executive Board on corporate governance and departmental administration. The division provides services to the department including portfolio coordination, parliamentary liaison, human resource services, learning and development, communications and public affairs support, knowledge management and information services, legal services and business risk management support. The division also provides home department support to Finance’s portfolio ministers.
- Financial and e-Solutions Group supports the achievement of Finance’s outcomes by providing financial systems, advice and support to the Executive Board and Finance’s business groups to promote efficient and effective business management. The group includes the functions of the Chief Financial Officer who prepares the department’s financial statements and accounting policies, coordinates the department’s business planning and budget processes, and provides procurement compliance advice and governance. Under the direction of the department’s Chief Information Officer, the group provides information technology systems and services to the government as a whole and to Finance’s business groups, and also provides support to the electorate offices of Senators and Members and their staff.
Figure C: Department of Finance and Deregulation - 30 June 2009
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