pARt 6 MAnAGeMent AnD AccountABilitY - Family Court of Australia

Figure 6.3Services provided free of charge to the Federal Magistrates CourtCorporate Support 4%Corporate Overheads 5%VariableFixedInformation TechnologyServices 6%Client Services 16%Judges & Support 20%Judges Registrars & Support 1%Depreciation 4%Property 32%Family Consultants 5%Registrars 4%Case Coordinators 1%Court Officers 2%Shared ResourcesPART 6MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITYPurchasing, consultants and contractsThe Procurement and Risk Management section assists staff undertaking procurement and managesa number of corporate contracts. The section also manages, or has significant involvement in, allcomplex procurement undertaken by the Court to ensure compliance with legislative obligations andthe Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines. The Chief Executive Instructions, the CommonwealthProcurement Guidelines and the Court’s Procurement Framework are all posted on the intranet asreference material for Family Court staff.The core policies and principles of the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines were, as far aspracticable, adhered to throughout 2009–10. The Court’s annual procurement plan was published asrequired. An appropriate market approach was made for all procurements covered by the guidelines.Access by the Auditor-GeneralAll contracts let in 2009–10 had provision for the Auditor-General to access contractors’ premises.Exempt contractsDuring 2009–10, no contracts or standing offers were exempt from publication in the Purchasing andDisposal Gazette in terms of the Freedom of Information Act.External consultantsThe Court engages external consultants to support Court activities where specialised expertise is notavailable in house or where an independent assessment or evaluation is required. Table 6.1 showsconsultant services contracts of $10 000 or more let during 2009–10.During 2009–10, total actual expenditure on consultancy contracts was $474 155 (GST inclusive),comprising:130 Family Court of Australia — Annual Report 2009–2010