Governing the City State - Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate ...

community events and major economic events cannot coexist under one entity, withprofessional and experienced staff well versed in understanding the difference. 181The Review stresses that the collocation of ACTPS staff performing similar functions is notan attempt to impose homogeneity on events, or impose a one size fits all approach. It is notabout wresting artistic or program control from event organisers or sponsors. It is intended topool resources and build a critical mass of skilled events organisers able to play a facilitatingand assisting role in events management and logistics, rather than an imposing or directingrole. The collocation also gives rise to opportunities for greater alignment and coordinationof the events program through the year, and creates a structure that allows a flexible responseby the ACTPS in the planning and delivery of the annual calendar of events.The Review suggests responsibility for events at Territory Venues including Stromlo ForestPark, Manuka Oval and Canberra Stadium remain with TAMS, but that TAMS work closelywith the special events unit to ensure alignment of effort and cohesion of effort in pursuit ofthe Government’s Priorities. In a similar vein, there is scope for greater coordination andalignment of events and promotion of other events in Canberra including carnival horseracing and significant harness and greyhound racing meetings.In light of the importance of EPIC to the annual program of events in Canberra, responsibilityfor scheduling and running events there should be transferred to the Special Events Unit.Asset management and maintenance at the EPIC site in Mitchell should remain theresponsibility of TAMS.The continuing need for and role of the EPIC Board should form part of the consideration ofall boards and committees proposed in Chapter 3. The Review is conscious of the interestshown by the Assembly in the EPIC Board, but is nevertheless disposed to recommend it beconsidered for abolition.The Review endorses Loxton’s observations that the issue of officials’ responsibility forcoordination of planning and alignment of efforts is separate to Ministerial engagement orinvolvement: “all Ministers currently involved with events or festivals of interest to theirportfolios should actively continue this involvement, including launching events.” 182The Review notes public Submissions to the Government’s review of the Loxton Report weredivided on the proposal to bring together management of all events and festivals into theSpecial Events Unit of the proposed Chief Minister’s Department. The general sentiment ofviews in support of this consolidation are encapsulated in comments made by Chic Henry,former owner of the Summernats car festival who noted a “definite lack of cooperative effortbetween Departments”, and that “one singular Events Department could be set up withdefined sections made up of the best talent available”. 183181 Submission No.26.182 Loxton, P. & Loxton, T. (2010a) Report on the Review of ACT Government Events and Festivals Sydney, p.6.183 Henry, C (2010) Events Management by the ACT Govt.Administrative Arrangements Changes: 124