enhanced-commonwealth-performance-framework-discussion-paper

Element Topic
Description
Existing baseline data
This would require a statement of the data that would serve as a
basis for comparison and measurement over time.
Baseline data assists in comparing what happened before and after
a programme, activity or intervention was initiated and in
assessing the effect of a programme or activity. The choice of
baseline data would need to be appropriate to measure changes as
defined by the programme objectives, noting issues associated
with accessibility, timeliness and cost.
Sources of baseline data include existing government datasets,
statistical collections, state and territory governments, national
surveys, and international benchmarks.
In ideal circumstances, baseline data would be identified early in
the life cycle of a programme to assist in establishing timely and
effective monitoring activities.
Expected results—short (immediate), medium (intermediate)
and long (ultimate) term
This would require an explanation of the expected short-, mediumand
long-term results of the programme or activity, that is, what
the programme or activity is reasonably expected to achieve or
contribute to. The expected results need to be both achievable and
measureable.
The short-, medium- and long-term results would be developed to
reflect the nature, intent and maturity of the programme. The
expected results of a new Commonwealth programme would vary
substantially from the expected results of a well-established,
ongoing programme. The expected short-, medium- and long-term
results of an entity should also be related to client expectations or
requirements informed by whether the programme:
• provides services directly to individuals
• provides services indirectly to individuals or organisations
• provides transfers to individuals or other institutions
• establishes policies, regulations or legislation to achieve
public policy goals
• collects taxes and other revenues.
For example:
• Short-term (immediate) results may relate to changes in
knowledge, skills, attitude, motivation and awareness
(both internal and external to entities), or changes in the
quantity, quality and timeliness of the goods or services.
• Medium-term (intermediate) results may relate to changes
in practices, policies and procedures (both internal and
external to entities) or changes in people’s behaviour as a
result of the programme.
Enhanced Commonwealth Performance Framework—Discussion Paper | 30