Gun Buy Back Scheme - The Australian National Audit Office

three advertising firms was properly agreed by the evaluation
committee. 18
3 173 It is suggested that a properly documented and effective
management trail provides protection for all concerned, including
those who have to take decisions much later in the process but
who, for example, may have had no involvement in earlier
discussions. It also provides greater assurance and confidence in
the final outcome.
Recommendation No.2
3 174 The ANAO recommends that for the purposes of accountability
OGIA reviews relevant policy documents, including quality
procedures, to ensure that:
• all key decisions taken during the process for selection of consultants
are adequately documented to ensure transparency and
accountability;
• the relevant procedures clearly define the responsibility for
documentation at each stage of the selection process;
• the policy on changes to proposals by competing firms is clearly
defined and offers adequate guidance to relevant officers if significant
changes occur; and
• the methodology for assessments is documented and includes the
requirement to rank agencies on merit unless special circumstances,
(which also should be appropriately documented) apply.
OGIA response
3 175 Agreed. While we support the recommendation to rank agencies
on merit, their selection is the MCGC’s responsibility. In making its
decision, the Committee takes into account the relative merits of
the proposals together with the broader considerations of the
Government.
18 The ANAO relied on oral evidence provided by OGIA to the Senate committees and on oral
evidence given to the ANAO by seven of the fifteen members of the evaluation committee.
The Gun Buy-Back Scheme 81