PGPA Newsletter 110

• Strengthened requirements for advising ministers involved in making CCE grants (and publishing associated grant opportunity guidelines)
• Additional recording requirements for ministers involved in making CCE grants
• Reporting requirements for ministers where ministers approve CCE grants against the recommendation of the CCE
• Requirement for the Minister for Finance to table reports
• Publication requirements for CCE grants made with the minister’s approval.

• A more logical presentation of assessment criteria
• Simplified access to relevant International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee guidance
• Clearer prioritisation of key considerations within Software as a Service arrangements.

• better practice examples of Statements of preparation, and Results and Analysis from entities who were subject to the Auditor-General audits of their 2023–24 annual performance statements (see 'Better practice examples').
   
• additional guidance under What are annual performance statements regarding:
  • the requirements under section 16F(1) of the PGPA Rule
  • changes to performance measures since the Portfolio Budget Statements.

For more information, please contact PGPA@finance.gov.au.

• updated threshold remuneration amount and reporting table for ‘other highly paid staff’ for the 2024–25 reporting period (changes each year)
• inclusion of a ‘senior executives’ reporting table with the relevant total remuneration bands (does not change)
• updated guidance on how to report executive remuneration in the body of the annual report and the data templates in the Digital Annual Reporting Tool.

RMG-139 Commonwealth companies' executive remuneration reporting guide for annual reports

The updates include:

• updated guidance on how to report key management personnel executive remuneration in the body of the annual report and the data template in the Digital Annual Reporting Tool.
• digitally enhanced in line with Finance's digital-first approach to guidance.

For more information please contact DAR@finance.gov.au.

• newly developed guidance on stakeholder engagement, providing principles and information to guide interactions with stakeholders.
• further information on procurement, probity, compensation and the independence requirements of valuers.
• information on the process for acquiring land in a public park.
• key resources, including the ‘Guide to Acquisitions under the LAA’.

In 2022, the Department of Finance (Finance) began designing enhancements to the Whole of Australian Government (WoAG) Property Services Coordinated Procurement Arrangements (Arrangements), in consultation with stakeholders. A procurement process was completed in late 2024, resulting in contracts being executed with three Property Service Providers (PSPs): Cushman & Wakefield, Evolve FM, and JLL.

Transition to the updated Arrangements began in January 2025, with entities moving in tranches. The first group transitioned on 1 May 2025, and the final group on 1 July 2025, following close coordination between Finance, entities, and the PSPs.

The second iteration builds on the benefits of the original Arrangements through ongoing stakeholder collaboration, with key enhancements to the new Deed including:

• Stronger Conflict of Interest (COI) management
• Increased minor works threshold to $50,000 (incl. GST) (from $25,000)
• A Joint Approach to Market (JATM) Service Provider (JSP) to manage all JATMs
• Improved governance mechanisms
• Enhanced cyber security provisions.

Finance looks forward to continuing to work with the participating entities and PSPs following the successful transition.

For enquiries, please contact PSCP@property.finance.gov.au.

The CBMS GovTEAMS channel: CBMS - LSL Shorthand Model.

The APS Accounting and Finance Professional Network GovTEAMS channel: APS A&F - LSL Shorthand Model.

End of Financial Year Documents for 2024–25 Financial Statements – Now Available

The following documents have been published on Finance's Financial reporting for Commonwealth entities page to assist entities in preparing their 2024–25 financial statements.

• Changes to accounting standards relevant to the 2024–25 financial statements
• Standard parameters for use in 2024–25 financial statements.

• embedded risk into the operations of your entity
• tackled a particular issue that has led to an innovative approach
• bounced back from adversity.

• Enterprise-wide: Celebrate outstanding implementation of risk management frameworks, practices, and processes.
• Risk initiative: Highlight how risk management initiatives supported programs, projects, or service delivery.
• Risk in focus – Responding to new and emerging risk: Share initiatives that demonstrate how entities consider managing and planning for one or more new or emerging risks.

See Commonwealth Awards for Excellence in Risk Management 2025 for details.

To submit a nomination refer to the information kit, or for more information contact the team at riskawards@finance.gov.au.

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