Duties of Accountable Authorities (RMG 200)

This guide supports you, the accountable authority (Secretaries, Chief Executives and governing board), to fulfil the important role of governing your entity and contributing to the priorities and objectives of the government.

The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) covers 3 key areas that provide a strong foundation for a modern, streamlined and adaptable Commonwealth public sector:

Accountability, Governance & Practice, and Transparency

This guide outlines your duties and legal obligations under the PGPA Act, the actions you need to take, and the governance and accountability mechanisms you need to establish and maintain.

Your duties as an accountable authority

Sections 15 to 19 of the PGPA Act prescribe the following duties imposed on you as an accountable authority:

Duty to govern your entity (section 15), Duty to establish and maintain systems relating to risk and control (section 16), Duty to encourage cooperation with others (section 17), Duty in relation to requirements imposed on others (section 18), Duty to keep your responsibly minister and the Finance Minister informed (section 19).

General duties

You are an official under the PGPA Act and subject to the general duties of officials as well as the duties as an accountable authority of a Commonwealth entity.

Duty of care and diligence (section 25), Duty to act honestly, in good faith and for a proper purpose (section 26), Duty in relation to use of position (section 27), Duty in relation to use of information (section 28), Duty to disclose interests (section 29).

Governing your entity

Duty to govern your entity

You are responsible for leading, governing and setting the strategic direction for your entity

Duty to establish and maintain systems relating to risk and control

The PGPA Act provides you with the flexibility to establish systems of risk oversight and management and internal control that are appropriate for your entity

Duties in relation to you and others

Cooperation can involve anyone who has a stake in the outcomes of the government policy, or can help develop and/or implement the policy in the most effective, economical and efficient manner

Duty to keep your responsible Minister and the Finance Minister informed

Assist your minister in discharging their duties of accountability to the Parliament and the public

Improving performance reporting and accountability

The PGPA Act sets out requirements for performance planning and reporting to promote accountability to ministers, the Parliament and the public for the use of public resources

Other legal requirements

In addition to your duties and responsibilities under the PGPA Act and related legislative instruments, you also have duties and legal obligations under other Commonwealth legislation