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Chapter Three© <strong>2012</strong>, Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> AustraliaThe Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth<strong>of</strong> Australia, is <strong>the</strong> owner or licensee <strong>of</strong> allintellectual property rights in <strong>the</strong> material publishedin this document. The material contained in thisdocument constitutes Commonwealth copyrightand is intended for general use and information.Apart from any use as permitted under <strong>the</strong>Copyright Act 1968 and those explicitly grantedbelow, all o<strong>the</strong>r rights are reserved.Unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise noted, all material in thisdocument – except <strong>the</strong> insignias for AustralianHonours and Awards and any material protectedby a trade mark – is licensed under a CreativeCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CCBY 3.0 licence.This work must be attributed as: Commonwealth<strong>of</strong> Australia, Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>—<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–12.Using <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Coat <strong>of</strong> ArmsThe terms <strong>of</strong> use for <strong>the</strong> Coat <strong>of</strong> Arms areavailable on <strong>the</strong> following website:http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/coat-arms/.Inquiries regarding <strong>the</strong> licence and any use <strong>of</strong> thiswork, or to obtain information about <strong>the</strong> content<strong>of</strong> this report, please contact:Karen BakerDirector Corporate ServicesOffice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretaryto <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong>Government HouseCanberra ACT 2600Telephone: (02) 6283 3510Facsimile: (02) 6281 3760Email: karen.baker@gg.gov.auInformation about <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and <strong>the</strong> operations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> isavailable at <strong>the</strong> following internet addresses:Internet home page: www.gg.gov.auInternet annual report:www.gg.gov.au/reports/ar<strong>2011</strong>-12/index.htmProduced by <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretaryto <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong>Printed by New Millennium Print (02) 6280 8826Edited by Libraries Alive! (02) 6257 9177Designed by Spectrum Graphics sg.com.auiiOFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARYTO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL6 October <strong>2012</strong>The Hon Julia Gillard MPPrime MinisterParliament HouseCANBERRA ACT 2600Dear Prime MinisterI present <strong>the</strong> annual report <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong> for <strong>the</strong>financial year ending 30 June <strong>2012</strong>, in accordance with subsection 19(1) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong> Act 1974.Subsection 19(2) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Act requires you to cause a copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report to be laid before each House <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Parliament within fifteen sitting days after <strong>the</strong> day on which you receive <strong>the</strong> report.I certify that I am satisfied that <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> has preparedfraud risk assessments and a fraud control plan, and has in place appropriate fraud prevention, detection,investigation, reporting and data collection procedures and processes that meet its specific needs and hastaken all reasonable measures to minimise <strong>the</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> fraud in <strong>the</strong> agency and to investigate and recover<strong>the</strong> proceeds <strong>of</strong> fraud against <strong>the</strong> Office, if this were to occur.Yours sincerelyStephen Brady CVOOfficial Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>i


ContentsChapter 1: Overview 1Official Secretary’s review 2Office overview 3Chapter 2: <strong>Report</strong> on performance 7Outcome performance 8Financial performance 12Program 1—Support for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and Official Functions 13Program Component 1—Support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> 17Program Component 2—Administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours and Awards System 39Chapter 3: Management and accountability 47Corporate governance 48Management <strong>of</strong> human resources 51Management <strong>of</strong> assets and financial processes 55Changes to disability reporting in annual reports 56Freedom <strong>of</strong> Information 57Ecologically sustainable development and environmental protection 59Appendices61Appendix A: The Council for <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia, <strong>the</strong> Australian Bravery Decorations Council, and <strong>the</strong>National Emergency Medal Committee 62Appendix B: Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Awards 64Appendix C: Australian Bravery Decorations 68Appendix D: O<strong>the</strong>r Awards 70Appendix E: Staffing overview 71Appendix F: Work health and safety key statistics 73Appendix G: Trends in consultancies 74Appendix H: Agency Resource Statement 75Appendix I: List <strong>of</strong> requirements 77Financial statements 83Indexes 151Glossary, abbreviations and acronyms 152Alphabetical index 154iiOFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


FiguresFigure 1 Organisational structure at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> 5Figure 2 Strategic planning framework 49Figure 3 Mechanism <strong>of</strong> incidents reporting 73TablesTable 1 Performance indicators for Program 1 15Table 2 Performance trend information 16Table 3 Financial performance for Program 1 17Table 4 Financial performance for Component 1 17Table 5 Activities and correspondence in <strong>2011</strong>–12 20Table 6 Financial performance for Component 2 40Table B1 The Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Awards (<strong>General</strong> Division) Australia Day <strong>2012</strong> andThe Queen’s Birthday <strong>2012</strong> 64Table B2 The Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Awards (<strong>General</strong> Division), The Queen’s Birthday 1975 toThe Queen’s Birthday <strong>2012</strong> 66Table C1 Australian Bravery Awards <strong>2011</strong>–12 68Table C2 Bravery Awards conferred from 1975 to 30 June <strong>2012</strong> 69Table D1 O<strong>the</strong>r awards approved during <strong>2011</strong>–12 and total o<strong>the</strong>r awards approved 70Table E1 Salary range by classification at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> 71Table E2 Staffing pr<strong>of</strong>ile at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> 71Table E3 Equal employment opportunity pr<strong>of</strong>ile at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> 72Table E4 Staffing pr<strong>of</strong>ile at 30 June <strong>2011</strong> 72Table F1 WHS inspections 73Table F2 WHS training and initiatives 73Table F3 Notifiable incidents 73Table G1 Trends in consultanies 74Table H1 Agency Resource Statement <strong>2011</strong>–12 75Table H2 Expenses and resources for Outcome 1 76<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>iii


The Conspicuous Service Cross(CSC)


Chapter OneOfficial Secretary’s reviewYear in reviewBuilding on <strong>the</strong> momentum established during <strong>the</strong> firstthree years <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s term, <strong>the</strong> Office<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>delivered a range <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional services to supporta dynamic vice-regal program in <strong>2011</strong>–12. The Office’swork relating to <strong>the</strong> Australian honours and awardssystem was broadened with <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong>two new medals: <strong>the</strong> National Police Service Medaland <strong>the</strong> National Emergency Medal. Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong>Office successfully managed its corporate agenda,including external budgetary pressures and acomprehensive set <strong>of</strong> governance requirements.The year featured visits to Australia by HerMajesty The Queen and several Heads <strong>of</strong> State,Australia’s hosting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Heads<strong>of</strong> Government Meeting, and a particular focusin <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s program on remote,marginalised or disadvantaged members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australian community. Ms Bryce undertook a busyschedule <strong>of</strong> meetings, visits and ceremonial duties t<strong>of</strong>ur<strong>the</strong>r deepen her engagement with <strong>the</strong> Australiancommunity. Her patronage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Year<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Farmer <strong>2012</strong> emphasised <strong>the</strong> importance<strong>of</strong> rural and regional communities to Australia’seconomy and society.Continuing high volumes <strong>of</strong> correspondence, visitorsand activity on <strong>the</strong> Office’s website indicated sustainedpublic interest in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s role andactivities, and in <strong>the</strong> Australian honours system. TheOffice enhanced efficiency and transparency measuressurrounding <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia, including publishingon <strong>the</strong> Office website aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bonsey Review,and information relating to a number <strong>of</strong> policies,procedures and practices agreed by <strong>the</strong> Council.More generally, <strong>the</strong> Office maintained a helpful andresponsive approach to requests for information aboutits operations, enhancing <strong>the</strong> Information PublicationScheme section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> website throughout <strong>the</strong> year.Overseas, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s program includedan intensive regional program <strong>of</strong> visits to Pacific islandstates; a visit to Australian troops in Afghanistan, for<strong>the</strong> third time; a visit to East Timor, also for <strong>the</strong> thirdtime; <strong>the</strong> first Australian State Visit to <strong>the</strong> Philippines;and attendance at events associated with <strong>the</strong> Queen’sDiamond Jubilee in London.Against <strong>the</strong> backdrop <strong>of</strong> an active austerityprogram to constrain expenditure, <strong>the</strong> Officeprovided comprehensive and high quality supportand services including logistics, liaison and briefingto <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> as she performed herconstitutional, Commander-in-Chief, ceremonial andcommunity duties. The staffing structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Officeremained essentially unchanged. Staff reductionsthrough natural attrition enabled <strong>the</strong> streamlining <strong>of</strong>some functions. Task forces were convened for specialevents and projects and administrative staff weredeployed flexibly at times <strong>of</strong> high workload.After extensive consultation and planning, <strong>the</strong> Officecommissioned two major property conservationprojects at Admiralty House. O<strong>the</strong>r property andgarden maintenance works were undertaken inaccordance with priority needs. Judicious savingswere realised in supplier costs.The Honours and Awards Branch assumedsecretariat responsibility for <strong>the</strong> newly establishedNational Emergency Medal Committee, undertakingsignificant preparatory work for its inauguralmeeting. The Branch supported <strong>the</strong> Council for<strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia and <strong>the</strong> Australian BraveryDecorations Council through changes <strong>of</strong> Chairand a high volume <strong>of</strong> nominations researched inpreparation for <strong>the</strong>ir meetings.Outlook for <strong>2012</strong>–13With <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> entering her fifth yearin <strong>of</strong>fice, <strong>the</strong> Office will focus on consolidating <strong>the</strong>achievements <strong>of</strong> her term, particularly in communityoutreach. Budgetary pressures will necessitatecontinued sharp focus on working smartly anddelivering maximum value for money across allaspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s work. Activities associatedwith <strong>of</strong>ficial representation will be closely managedto ensure <strong>the</strong>y are meaningful, efficient and effective.Property and garden works will be carefully plannedin accordance with <strong>the</strong> Office’s risk managementframework, and good governance will continue toinform <strong>the</strong> Office’s corporate agenda.The Honours and Awards Branch will consolidateprevious work in implementing <strong>the</strong> NationalEmergency Medal, and will publish more informationabout <strong>the</strong> Australian honours system on <strong>the</strong> Office’swebsite, particularly in relation to Australian BraveryDecorations and associated nomination processes.2 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


OverviewOffice overviewThe Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> was established by<strong>the</strong> Constitution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> Australiain 1901. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> represents TheQueen in Australia: exercising <strong>the</strong> executive power<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth; upholding and executingits laws and Constitution; and performing a broadrange <strong>of</strong> constitutional, statutory, ceremonial andcommunity responsibilities. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> isalso Commander-in-Chief <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian DefenceForce. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> acts on <strong>the</strong> advice <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> elected Government in all relevant matters.The Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, which was established in 1984by amendment to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> Act 1974,supports <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in <strong>the</strong> fulfilment <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se responsibilities, according to section 13 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Act, which is administered by <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister.Prior to 1984, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s <strong>of</strong>fice wasadministered by <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PrimeMinister and Cabinet.The Office comprises three branches and acommunications and media unit which reportto <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary in his capacity as ChiefExecutive Officer. Figure 1 shows <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Office at 30 June <strong>2012</strong>.The Executive and Protocol Branch provides directsupport to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> by planning,organising and managing her forward program <strong>of</strong>national and international engagements; advising oncontextual matters and o<strong>the</strong>r issues; and draftingbriefings, speeches and messages. The Branchresponds to a large volume <strong>of</strong> communicationsfrom <strong>the</strong> public, and handles visits to GovernmentHouse by thousands <strong>of</strong> school children eachyear. It also manages household operations andrepresentational activities at Government Houseand Admiralty House.The Australian Honours and Awards Branch receivesand/or researches nominations and recommendationsfor honours and awards for Australians who providedistinguished service to <strong>the</strong> community and <strong>the</strong>nation. The Branch supports two Councils andone Committee which make recommendations to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> on honours matters. It alsoundertakes reception, records management andanniversary correspondence roles.The Corporate Services Branch provides corporateservices, governance advice and financial, humanresources, and information technology support for<strong>the</strong> Office. The Branch also manages <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficialresidences, grounds and assets and coordinatesphysical security.This report is structured according to <strong>the</strong> Office’soutcome and program, in line with <strong>the</strong> accrualbudgeting and reporting requirements for AustralianGovernment agencies, and provides informationrequired under Government guidelines for <strong>the</strong>preparation <strong>of</strong> annual reports. The Office’s outcomeand outputs are as follows:OutcomeProgram 1Component 1Component 2The performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s role is facilitated through <strong>the</strong>organisation and management <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial duties, management and maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial household and property and administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours andAwards systemSupport for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and Official FunctionsSupport <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours and Awards SystemThis Outcome, Program and Program Components are consistent with those reported in <strong>the</strong> Office’s<strong>2011</strong>–12 Portfolio Budget Statements. The cost <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Corporate Services Branch is allocated acrossboth program components in line with <strong>the</strong> proportional costs <strong>of</strong> supporting those functions.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>3


OverviewFigure 1organisational chartOfficial Secretary to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Stephen BradyDeputy Official Secretary to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Mark FraserStrategicCommunications AdviserNiree CreedDirector Executiveand Protocol BranchPamela O’GradyDirector Honoursand Awards BranchSharon PrendergastDirector CorporateServices BranchKaren BakerChief Finance OfficerChandy PaulMedia & Comms AdviserSenior ExecutiveAssistant to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Caroline CooperExecutive Assistantto <strong>the</strong> OS/DOSBronwyn MorrisOperations ManagerPaul SingerProgram AssistantAides de CampEvents ManagerNathan McKenzieEvents AdviserInvitation OfficerManagerHousehold OperationsLynette MaceSnr Household AttendantHousehold AttendantsSenior Chef2nd ChefSpeechwriterDi BuckleyAssistant DirectorOrder <strong>of</strong> AustraliaElizabeth MitchellSenior Case OfficersCase OfficersTrainee Case OfficersAssistant DirectorBravery Decorations,National EmergencyMedal Awards,Decorations &AdministrationDebbie BowdenSnr Administration OfficerAdministration OfficersSnr Medals OfficerCase OfficerFinance & Medals OfficerWarrants OfficerReception/Registry OfficersManagerHuman ResourcesKerry CoxHR AdviserHR OfficerManager ITClement TyhuisIT Systems AdministratorIT SupportManagerProperty and ServicesPeyton ButlerCaretakerMaintenance OfficersTransport/Property OfficersGardening TeamHead GardenerOverseersGardenersSnr Financial AccountantFinance OfficerFinance AssistantAdmiralty House TeamProperty CoordinatorProperty OfficerProperty AssistantsProjects ManagerHarriet SpringCorporate CoordinatorLeanne Campbell<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>5


Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order<strong>of</strong> Australia(OAM)


Chapter Two<strong>Report</strong> OnPerformance


Chapter TwoOutcome performanceThe Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> reports on performance inrelation to a single outcome, namely:The performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s role isfacilitated through <strong>the</strong> organisation and management<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial duties, management and maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial household and property and administration <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Australian Honours and Awards system.Comments are regularly sought from <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> on <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> her programand <strong>the</strong> support and services provided in itsexecution. Views are also obtained from a range<strong>of</strong> agencies, organisations, guests and o<strong>the</strong>rstakeholders. Work units and teams from across<strong>the</strong> Office regularly reviewed projects and eventsto determine if improvements could be made.Such feedback is vital to ensuring that <strong>the</strong> work<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office is focused, responsive and <strong>of</strong> aconsistently high standard.The program for <strong>2011</strong>–12 was rich and cohesive.It incorporated activities in all Australian capitalcities as well as regional centres and rural andremote areas. Floods in nor<strong>the</strong>rn New SouthWales during <strong>the</strong> summer prompted visits toMoree, Yarraman and Wee Waa in February <strong>2012</strong>and to Wagga Wagga <strong>the</strong> following month tosupport those affected. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’spatronage <strong>of</strong> Australian Year <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Farmer <strong>2012</strong>informed elements <strong>of</strong> her program and speechesthroughout <strong>the</strong> year.At <strong>the</strong> request <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> undertook a range <strong>of</strong>representational duties abroad. Visits to NewZealand and a large group <strong>of</strong> Pacific Islandcountries in <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> <strong>2012</strong> underlinedAustralia’s role and standing in <strong>the</strong> region. Statevisits to <strong>the</strong> Philippines, United Arab Emirates andCyprus enhanced bilateral relations with <strong>the</strong>seimportant partners. O<strong>the</strong>r overseas travel includedHer Majesty The Queen meets guests at a lunch hosted in her honour by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> on 23 October <strong>2011</strong>. From leftto right, Mr Kurt Fearnley OAM, Mrs Sheridan Fearnley, and Mr Bart Cummings AM8 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Chapter TwoD e sp atchANZAC Day <strong>2012</strong>, AfghanistanA wreath placed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Dawn Service included a cardinscribed by her with <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 32 ADF servicemen killed in Afghanistan10 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> paysher respects during <strong>the</strong>Dawn Service, ANZAC Day <strong>2012</strong>,at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan(Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Department <strong>of</strong> Defence)The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is welcomed to Kabul by AfghanPresident Hamid KarzaiOn ANZAC Day <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> joined several hundred Australiantroops serving in Afghanistan for a movingdawn service at <strong>the</strong> Multinational Base Tarin Kowt.As <strong>the</strong> sky lightened to reveal <strong>the</strong> stark hills <strong>of</strong>Uruzgan Province, Ms Bryce addressed <strong>the</strong> troopsas ‘our modern ANZACs’ and shared <strong>the</strong>ir poignantremembrance <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 32 Australian soldierswho had died in Afghanistan since Australia joined<strong>the</strong> Mentoring Task Force.A memorial was constructed from sandbags, asimple cross and an upturned helmet holding aflame <strong>of</strong> remembrance. As <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fallensoldiers were read, one by one, <strong>the</strong>ir colleaguescame forward to place poppies and salute<strong>the</strong>ir memory.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> had arrived at Tarin Kowt<strong>the</strong> previous evening, after meeting Afghan PresidentHamid Karzai in Kabul.The 24 hour visit, Ms Bryce’s third to Afghanistan,provided opportunities for her to have formalbriefings and personal conversations with <strong>the</strong>troops over meals. During her visit, she recordedan interview with ‘The Voice <strong>of</strong> Uruzgan’, a radioprogram broadcast to <strong>the</strong> wider province from<strong>the</strong> base. She also went outside <strong>the</strong> base to meetstudents and teachers at Malilai Girls’ School, whichhas been developed with assistance from <strong>the</strong>Australian Government.Returning to Dubai, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visitedAustralian service men and women at <strong>the</strong> AlMinhad Air Base, and thanked <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir work inlogistics, communication, mechanics and o<strong>the</strong>r areasin support <strong>of</strong> ADF colleagues in Afghanistan.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>11


Chapter TwoFinancial performanceOperating resultThis section provides a summary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’sfinancial performance for <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–12 financial year.Departmental and administered results are shownin <strong>the</strong> audited financial statements on pages 83-148<strong>of</strong> this report.Sound financial management by <strong>the</strong> Office resultedin a break-even operating outcome adjusted fordepreciation and amortisation.Works under <strong>the</strong> vice-regal Heritage PropertyMaster Plan (<strong>the</strong> Master Plan) were reviewed during<strong>the</strong> year and some planned works were deferred orcancelled. Under <strong>the</strong> Master Plan, funding is providedby Government via a departmental non-operatingequity injection for ongoing upkeep <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> twovice-regal residences. Priority was given to workswhich made best use <strong>of</strong> existing infrastructure,repair <strong>of</strong> areas in dilapidated condition, and caseswhere serious structural or safety issues hadbeen identified.The Office received an unqualified audit reportfrom <strong>the</strong> Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)for <strong>2011</strong>–12.<strong>Report</strong> against <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–12Portfolio Additional EstimatesStatementsAn Agency Resource Statement is included as TableH1 in Appendix H <strong>of</strong> this report. During <strong>2011</strong>–12<strong>the</strong> appropriations available to <strong>the</strong> Office totalled$24,791,000. This figure comprised $16,064,000 fordepartmental outputs including $449,000 towards<strong>the</strong> Departmental Capital Budget and $467,000 for<strong>the</strong> new National Emergency Medal and NationalPolice Service Medal; $1,897,000 for administeredexpenses; a special appropriation <strong>of</strong> $394,000 for<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s salary; $98,000 in o<strong>the</strong>rdepartmental revenues; and $6,338,000 in equityinjections towards <strong>the</strong> Master Plan. The latter sumincluded unspent equity injections from previousyears brought forward.In addition, <strong>the</strong> Office received $37,500 in resourcesfree <strong>of</strong> charge from <strong>the</strong> ANAO.The total expenses and resources for Outcome 1,including departmental expense appropriations,revenue from o<strong>the</strong>r sources and administered expenseappropriations, are set out in Appendix H, Table H2.The variations between <strong>the</strong> budget appropriationsand <strong>the</strong> operating results for <strong>the</strong> year areexplained below.On <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Women’s T20 international cricket competition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> hosts girls involved in <strong>the</strong> in2CRICKETprogram at Admiralty House on 19 January <strong>2012</strong>12 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Chapter TwoMr Chandy Paul (second from left) with members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s finance teamPr<strong>of</strong>ileChandy Paul,Chief Financial OfficerChandy Paul has been <strong>the</strong> Office’s ChiefFinancial Officer since September <strong>2011</strong>.He and his team are committed todelivering a high standard <strong>of</strong> service as <strong>the</strong>y meetwhole <strong>of</strong> government finance requirements.Chandy enjoys <strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>of</strong> being CFO in asmall agency. ‘We have a wide spectrum <strong>of</strong> activity’,he says.‘As an FMA agency, we are bound by <strong>the</strong> samerules and obligations as large agencies, frommonthly reporting to <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Financeand Deregulation to <strong>the</strong> stock taking <strong>of</strong> assetsand counting <strong>of</strong> petty cash’, says Chandy.Since joining <strong>the</strong> Office, Chandy has implementedseveral efficiency measures to automate andstreamline labour-intensive manual processes.Chandy says this has helped <strong>the</strong> team to be moreflexible and responsive in achieving outcomesand meeting deadlines. Processing efficiencieshave been welcomed by all concerned, given <strong>the</strong>high volume <strong>of</strong> business across <strong>the</strong> Office, fromroutine transactions for both vice-regal propertiesto <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> medals for <strong>the</strong> Australianhonours system.Apart from <strong>the</strong> busy operational agenda, Chandyand his team play a proactive role in <strong>the</strong> closemanagement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s budget and in <strong>the</strong>monitoring <strong>of</strong> equity expenditure under <strong>the</strong> MasterPlan for <strong>the</strong> ongoing maintenance <strong>of</strong> GovernmentHouse and Admiralty House.14 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Chapter TwoTable 2: Performance Trend InformationSix <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s performance indicators are measured against an objective performance benchmark. Threeindicators have been in place for four financial years, one for two financial years and two are new indicatorsin <strong>2011</strong>–12.Key Performance Indicator Target 2008–09Performance2009–10Performance2010–11Performance<strong>2011</strong>–12Performance90% <strong>of</strong> nominations forawards are researched andpresented to <strong>the</strong> Councilfor <strong>the</strong> Order Of Australiawithin 18 months95% <strong>of</strong> researchednominations for braveryawards are presented to<strong>the</strong> Australian BraveryDecorations Council within6 months95% <strong>of</strong> recommendationsfor long service andoccupational awards areprocessed within 2 months95% <strong>of</strong> recommendationsfor distinguished,conspicuous, gallantry andmeritorious awards areprocessed and gazettedwithin 6 monthsFollowing a declaration<strong>of</strong> a nationally-significantemergency, 95% <strong>of</strong>researched nominations for<strong>the</strong> National EmergencyMedal – Significant Service,are presented to <strong>the</strong>National Emergency MedalCommittee within 6 monthsFollowing a declaration<strong>of</strong> a nationally-significantemergency, 90% <strong>of</strong>nominations received for <strong>the</strong>National Emergency Medal– Sustained Service, areprocessed within 2 months90% 100% 93% 92% 90%95% 100% 97% 97% 97%95% 97% 98% 98% 97%95% N/A N/A 99% 99%95% N/A N/A N/A Indicatorintroducedin January<strong>2012</strong>. Unableto report for<strong>2011</strong>–1290% N/A N/A N/A Indicatorintroducedin January<strong>2012</strong>. Unableto report for<strong>2011</strong>–1216 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceTable 3: Financial Performance for Program 1Budget Estimate<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Actual<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Departmental appropriation - Cost <strong>of</strong> Components 1 and 2 11,485 11,436Administered Appropriation 2,271 1,982Expenses not requiring appropriation 414 369Total 14,170 13,788<strong>Report</strong> on performance in <strong>2011</strong>–12Program Component 1—Support<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Resources applied to this component are directed to:• providing policy and executive support to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>; planning, implementing andmanaging Their Excellencies’ forward program<strong>of</strong> engagements; and liaising with representatives<strong>of</strong> governments and related authorities, andcommunity groups• providing household support for TheirExcellencies and hospitality services forrepresentational functions• providing administrative services, includinggovernance advice, to <strong>the</strong> Office and managing<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s <strong>of</strong>ficial residences,including maintenance <strong>of</strong> property, equipmentand grounds.Table 4: Financial Performance for Component 1Budget Estimate<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Actual<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Departmental appropriation - Cost <strong>of</strong> Component 1 6,317 6,290Administered Appropriation - <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s salary 394 394Administered Appropriation - Depreciation 866 718Expenses not requiring appropriation 227 203Total 7,804 7,606<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>17


Chapter TwoOfficial activitiesThe Office provided comprehensive support to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> throughout a year in whichengagement with numerous disadvantaged groupscomplemented a busy program <strong>of</strong> vice-regalcommitments. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s programenabled her to meet with people and organisationsfrom a broad cross-section <strong>of</strong> Australian society inurban locations as well as in country areas. Aroundone-quarter <strong>of</strong> events attended by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in Australia were in regional or remoteareas. Ms Bryce represented Australia at severalhistoric military anniversaries and State eventsoverseas. She welcomed Her Majesty The Queento Government House during her sixteenth visitto Australia, and she met with and hosted severalheads <strong>of</strong> state and senior dignitaries who visitedAustralia during <strong>the</strong> year. Highlights and statisticaldetail <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> activities involved are addressed inKey Results.Work units, individual staff members and projectteams within <strong>the</strong> Office received positive andconstructive feedback from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>on <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> support provided, in terms <strong>of</strong>briefings, advice and administration and management<strong>of</strong> household operations. The ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Officeto balance <strong>the</strong> program was appreciated, withrecognition that this maximised opportunities for<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> to connect with members<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community and enabled her to support,encourage and promote Australian values. The rangeand depth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s interaction with relevantagencies and o<strong>the</strong>r groups facilitated <strong>the</strong> performance<strong>of</strong> many aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s dutiesand enhanced public knowledge <strong>of</strong> her role incontemporary Australia.Favourable comment on events involving<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> was received fromrepresentatives <strong>of</strong> governments, agencies, nationalorganisations and local groups as well as guests,visitors to <strong>the</strong> properties and members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>public. Visits to Government House by schoolgroups hit a record high, with <strong>the</strong> 50,000th studentduring Ms Bryce’s term visiting in May <strong>2012</strong>. Activityon <strong>the</strong> Office’s website increased to new recordlevels, with peaks after <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australia Day <strong>2012</strong> and The Queen’s Birthday <strong>2012</strong>honours lists.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> as Patron <strong>of</strong>ficially launches <strong>the</strong> Australian Year <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Farmer <strong>2012</strong> near <strong>the</strong> site <strong>of</strong> Australia’s first farm at<strong>the</strong> Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney on 12 October <strong>2011</strong>18 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performancePr<strong>of</strong>ileMargaret Higgs,FloristMargaret began part-time work with <strong>the</strong>Office eight years ago after working as acommercial florist specialising in ikebana.At Government House, she draws inspirationfrom Canberra’s changing seasons and gardens tocreate floral arrangements that suit <strong>the</strong> ambience<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 121 year old house and <strong>the</strong> events that takeplace in it.‘I always have in <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> my mind what’sin flower and what should be out <strong>the</strong>re in <strong>the</strong>garden—it’s great to have a garden to pick from’,says Margaret. From spring blossoms to gorgeousbig hydrangeas in <strong>the</strong> summer, and bright autumnleaves, Margaret uses flowers, foliage and barkfrom <strong>the</strong> gardens to enhance <strong>the</strong> floral works seenand enjoyed by thousands <strong>of</strong> people who visit <strong>the</strong>property every year.Native flowers are always featured in <strong>the</strong> StateEntrance to <strong>the</strong> house, and <strong>the</strong> sideboards andoccasional tables <strong>of</strong>ten hold large bowls <strong>of</strong> lemonsor o<strong>the</strong>r seasonal fruit. By maximising <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong>garden produce, and adapting floral arrangementsfor use in multiple settings, Margaret has reduced<strong>the</strong> Office’s expenditure on flowers by 60 per centover <strong>the</strong> term <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>.Colour plays a role in <strong>the</strong> flowers Margaretchooses for events associated with visits by foreigndignitaries. ‘<strong>General</strong>ly for a visit by a Head <strong>of</strong> State,we create arrangements in <strong>the</strong> colours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>visitor’s national flag. When Her Majesty The Queenstayed at Yarralumla in October <strong>2011</strong>, however, <strong>the</strong>centrepieces for <strong>the</strong> dining table were in purple andwhite, with sprays <strong>of</strong> blue gum leaves.’<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>19


Chapter TwoProperty managementThe Office maintains two <strong>of</strong>ficial residences:Government House in Canberra and AdmiraltyHouse in Sydney. Both are important historicproperties that are heritage-listed national assetsmaintained for <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> all Australians.To maintain <strong>the</strong> integrity and standards <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial residences, <strong>the</strong> Office consults <strong>the</strong> OfficialEstablishments Trust, which provides advice onconserving <strong>the</strong> heritage values <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> propertiesand makes recommendations on <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> heritageconsultants. The Office also consults <strong>the</strong> NationalCapital Authority before undertaking works atGovernment House that fall within <strong>the</strong> Authority’slegislative responsibilities. Where works have, orare likely to have, an impact on heritage issues, <strong>the</strong>Office seeks approval from <strong>the</strong> Minister responsiblefor heritage matters, as required by <strong>the</strong> EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999(EPBC Act).Key resultsOfficial activities overviewThe <strong>of</strong>ficial activities which form part <strong>of</strong>Component 1 include representational events suchas investitures, receptions, lunches and dinnershosted by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>. In addition to<strong>the</strong>se functions, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> attended411 externally hosted events, reflecting a substantialceremonial workload and intensive communityengagement. The Office’s website (www.gg.gov.au)provided regular updates on <strong>the</strong> broad range <strong>of</strong>activities undertaken by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>.Table 5: Activities and correspondence in <strong>2011</strong>–12NumberAttendeesOfficial activitiesGovernment House 80 4,810Admiralty House 34 2,310Outside venues 2 325Total 116 7,445School tours 389 20,473O<strong>the</strong>r events attended 411Briefings prepared 696Anniversary requests handled a 10,196Items <strong>of</strong> correspondence handled b 7,791abRequests for messages <strong>of</strong> congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong> for Australians celebrating specialbirthdays or wedding anniversaries<strong>General</strong> correspondence, excluding matters relating to <strong>the</strong> Australian honours and awards system20 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceConstitutional activitiesThe Office supports <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s constitutional duties byundertaking research and planning, liaising witho<strong>the</strong>r agencies and organisations, providing adviceand coordinating briefing material.During <strong>2011</strong>–12 <strong>the</strong> Office supported <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> (or Administrator) in presidingat 21 meetings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Executive Council,at which 582 agenda items were considered. RoyalAssent was given to 218 pieces <strong>of</strong> legislation.Following <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s announcement<strong>of</strong> changes in <strong>the</strong> Government’s Ministry inDecember <strong>2011</strong> and March <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> conducted three separateceremonies at Government House and AdmiraltyHouse at which a total <strong>of</strong> 31 newly appointedministers and parliamentary secretaries weresworn in. On 4 July <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> attended a ceremony at ParliamentHouse, Canberra, and administered <strong>the</strong> Oath orAffirmation <strong>of</strong> Allegiance to 36 Senators electedto serve in <strong>the</strong> Senate from 1 July <strong>2011</strong>.After receiving a letter from Mr Harry Jenkins MPtendering his resignation as Speaker <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> House<strong>of</strong> Representatives on 24 November <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> sent a message to <strong>the</strong> House <strong>of</strong>Representatives inviting it to elect a new Speaker.On 31 October <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>attended a ceremony at Parliament House, Darwinto swear in Her Honour <strong>the</strong> Honourable SallyThomas AM as <strong>the</strong> Administrator <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rnTerritory. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> swore in <strong>the</strong>Administrator <strong>of</strong> Norfolk Island, Mr Neil Pope,on 21 March <strong>2012</strong>, at a ceremony at GovernmentHouse, Canberra.The Office worked closely with <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs and Trade in arranging credentialsceremonies to enable newly appointed heads<strong>of</strong> diplomatic missions to present <strong>the</strong>ir letters<strong>of</strong> credence to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> as soonas possible after <strong>the</strong>ir arrival in Australia. In<strong>2011</strong>–12, 33 credentials ceremonies were held atGovernment House on nine occasions. The firstresident Ambassador <strong>of</strong> Qatar, His ExcellencyMr Yousef Ali Y. Al-Khater, became <strong>the</strong> 100th head<strong>of</strong> mission to present credentials to Ms Bryce on18 April <strong>2012</strong>. On 26 October <strong>2011</strong> in Perth, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received <strong>the</strong> credentials <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Tokyo-based High Commissioner for <strong>the</strong> Republic<strong>of</strong> Rwanda, who was attending <strong>the</strong> CommonwealthHeads <strong>of</strong> Government Meeting (CHOGM) withPresident Paul Kagame <strong>of</strong> Rwanda. Altoge<strong>the</strong>r,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received credentials from23 Ambassadors and High Commissioners residentin Canberra and 10 who were accredited on a nonresidentbasis.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> gives Royal Assent to legislation<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>21


Chapter TwoThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> meets students and families at Bankstown Girls’ High School after a presentation ceremony on14 December <strong>2011</strong>The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> speaks with a new citizen after <strong>the</strong> National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra onAustralia Day <strong>2012</strong>22 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceCommander-in-ChiefUnder Section 68 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Constitution, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is <strong>the</strong> Commander-in-Chief<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Defence Force, including <strong>the</strong>permanent force and reservists. In this role, through<strong>the</strong> Federal Executive Council, she appoints <strong>the</strong>Chief and Vice Chief <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Defence Force and <strong>the</strong>Chiefs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three armed services, and commissions<strong>of</strong>ficers in <strong>the</strong> Royal Australian Navy, <strong>the</strong> AustralianArmy and <strong>the</strong> Royal Australian Air Force.As Commander-in-Chief, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>has an important ceremonial role to play, attendingmilitary parades, graduation ceremonies andcommemorative occasions such as ANZAC Dayand Remembrance Day, and presenting Coloursand o<strong>the</strong>r insignia to units <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian DefenceForce. During <strong>2011</strong>–12 <strong>the</strong> Office liaised closelywith <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Defence to coordinate<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s involvement in such events,including <strong>the</strong> following:• a Ceremonial Sunset at Admiralty House inrecognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> centenary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> granting <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> ‘Royal’ assent to <strong>the</strong> Royal Australian Navy,on 9 July <strong>2011</strong>• presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unit Citation for Gallantryto D Company, 6 Royal Australian Regiment, at aparade marking <strong>the</strong> 45 th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Battle<strong>of</strong> Long Tan at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane, on18 August <strong>2011</strong>• presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Queen’s and RegimentalColours to 7 Royal Australian Regiment inAdelaide, on 10 September <strong>2011</strong>• presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’sBanner to <strong>the</strong> Royal Australian Army MedicalCorps at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane, on4 November <strong>2011</strong>• attendance at <strong>the</strong> Anglesea Barracks BicentennialParade in Hobart, on 3 December <strong>2011</strong>• attendance at <strong>the</strong> ANZAC Day service in TarinKowt, Afghanistan, and a visit to Al MinhadAir Base, United Arab Emirates, to meet withcurrently deployed Australian servicemen andwomen, in April <strong>2012</strong>• a visit to <strong>the</strong> International Stabilisation ForceHeadquarters in Dili, Timor-Leste, on 19 May <strong>2012</strong>.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is regularly involved in eventsmarking <strong>the</strong> anniversary <strong>of</strong> significant military occasions,including some whose details have previously not beenwell known. For example, on 14 September <strong>2011</strong>,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> unveiled a plaque at GardenIsland, Sydney, to commemorate <strong>the</strong> disappearance<strong>of</strong> Australia’s first submarine, <strong>the</strong> AE1, in September1914 with a full crew <strong>of</strong> 35 sailors on board. On19 February <strong>2012</strong>, Ms Bryce joined Federal andNor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Government representatives,Australian and American veterans and a large crowd <strong>of</strong>Territorians for a ceremony and o<strong>the</strong>r events marking<strong>the</strong> 70th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bombing <strong>of</strong> Darwin.On 11 November <strong>2011</strong>, after attending <strong>the</strong> annualRemembrance Day ceremony, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> hosted a lunch at Government House tomark <strong>the</strong> 90th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Royal AustralianAir Force, <strong>the</strong> 70th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Siege <strong>of</strong>Tobruk, and <strong>the</strong> 70th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> formation<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Women’s Services. Among many defencepersonnel who attended were eight Rats <strong>of</strong> Tobrukand 24 women veterans.On 8 May <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> hosted areception for veterans <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Battle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CoralSea, whose service 70 years previously representeda milestone in Australia’s military history and itssecurity alliance with <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>23


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is welcomed to country at a water ceremony at <strong>the</strong> Yiramalayspring, Leopold Downs, on 11 August <strong>2011</strong>Avisit to <strong>the</strong> Pilbara and Kimberley regions<strong>of</strong> Western Australia in August <strong>2011</strong>took in eight communities and enabled<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> to engage with a range<strong>of</strong> organisations working on Indigenous you<strong>the</strong>ngagement, education and mentoring, andhealth and employment issues affecting peoplein remote locations.She saw first-hand <strong>the</strong> Gumula MirnuwarniEducation Project at Karratha High School and<strong>the</strong> Pilbara Indigenous Youth DevelopmentProgram in Port Hedland which have improvedaccess to tertiary studies and traineeships forIndigenous Australians, and <strong>the</strong> Karratha ClontarfAcademy and <strong>the</strong> Fitzroy Valley Girls’ SportingAcademy which use sport as an incentive toimprove school attendance rates.At Leopold Downs Station in <strong>the</strong> Fitzroy Valley,Ms Bryce stayed overnight with students at <strong>the</strong>Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School which <strong>of</strong>fers fulltime industry learning and training opportunitiesto Aboriginal students in partnership with WesleyCollege in Melbourne.In Broome, she visited <strong>the</strong> Kimberley Diabetic EyeCare Program, while in Bayulu near Fitzroy Crossing,she met with participants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lililwan Project,a community initiative to address foetal alcoholspectrum disorder.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> also visited major miningventures including <strong>the</strong> Mount Whaleback iron oremine in Newman, <strong>the</strong> North West Shelf gas plant inKarratha and <strong>the</strong> Dampier salt mine.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>25


Chapter TwoCeremonial activitiesIn <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office supported <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in performing a wide range <strong>of</strong> ceremonialfunctions, such as presenting Australian honours andawards, receiving foreign dignitaries, and representingAustralia abroad on State occasions. The Officeplanned and supported seven overseas visits by <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>.InvestituresNine investiture ceremonies for Australian awardrecipients were held in <strong>2011</strong>–12. Four generalsessions held at Government House in October<strong>2011</strong> and May <strong>2012</strong> involved <strong>the</strong> presentation<strong>of</strong> 147 awards to individuals for outstandingachievement and significant contributions to <strong>the</strong>community and <strong>the</strong> nation. The awards included<strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia and decorations forbravery and military service in operational andpeacetime activities.On 18 August <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> 45th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Battle <strong>of</strong> Long Tan, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> presented<strong>the</strong> Unit Citation for Gallantry to veterans <strong>of</strong>D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal AustralianRegiment at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane. At <strong>the</strong>same ceremony, she invested Second LieutenantDavid Sabben MG with <strong>the</strong> Medal for Gallantry forhis action as platoon commander in <strong>the</strong> Battle <strong>of</strong>Long Tan. Additionally, she presented <strong>the</strong> MeritoriousUnit Citation to <strong>the</strong> 1st Mentoring Task Force forsustained outstanding service and contributionto improving security and development throughpartnering with <strong>the</strong> 4th Brigade, AfghanistanNational Army, during a deployment to OperationSLIPPER. Several individual serving members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australian Defence Force were also invested withmilitary service honours.On 2 December <strong>2011</strong>, aboard <strong>the</strong> Researchand Supply Vessel Aurora Australis in Hobart, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> presented <strong>the</strong> AustralianAntarctic Medal to Dr Stephen Nicol for hisleadership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Ocean EcosystemChange program and research into <strong>the</strong> biology,conservation and management <strong>of</strong> Antarctic krill; andto Captain Murray Doyle for sustained outstandingservice in support <strong>of</strong> Australian Antarcticexpeditions as master <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aurora Australis.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> presided over twoinvestiture ceremonies for overseas residents in<strong>2011</strong>–12. In Apia on 30 March <strong>2012</strong>, she presented<strong>the</strong> Group Citation for Bravery to Mr OteleAmituanai, Mr Mikaele Maiava and Mr MichaelMoller, who rescued a woman from drowning inSamoa in June 2009. In London on 4 June <strong>2012</strong>,she invested Mr Richard Bonynge AC CBE as aCompanion in <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia for eminentservice to <strong>the</strong> performing arts as an acclaimedconductor and musical scholar, and Dr GeorgeMichell AM as a Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australiafor service to architectural history and conservationas a scholar, author and mentor, and for <strong>the</strong>promotion <strong>of</strong> Australia–India relations. Additionally,Mr William Dalglish OAM was presented with<strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia for service toveterans and <strong>the</strong>ir families through <strong>the</strong> organisation<strong>of</strong> Australian representation at international ANZACDay events, and Mr David Mearns OAM waspresented with an Honorary Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong>Australia for his service in locating HMAS Sydney IIand Australian Hospital Ship Centaur.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> congratulates recipients <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australian Antarctic Medal following an investiture aboard <strong>the</strong>RSV Aurora Australis in Hobart on 2 December <strong>2011</strong>26 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceMeetings with visiting heads <strong>of</strong>state, heads <strong>of</strong> government ando<strong>the</strong>r dignitariesDuring <strong>the</strong>ir sixteenth visit to Australia, whichincluded <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Heads <strong>of</strong> GovernmentMeeting (CHOGM) held in Perth, Her MajestyThe Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke<strong>of</strong> Edinburgh stayed at Government House from19 to 26 October <strong>2011</strong>. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>hosted a lunch in <strong>the</strong>ir honour on 23 October. Shehosted a reception to launch <strong>the</strong> 50th Anniversary<strong>of</strong> The Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh’s Award in Australiaon 21 October, and a reception for alumni <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Commonwealth Study Conferences on 22 October,both in <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> His Royal Highness TheDuke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh. The Queen and The Duke<strong>of</strong> Edinburgh planted two trees in <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong>Government House to mark <strong>the</strong>ir Royal visit.Four formal lunches were hosted at GovernmentHouse for visiting heads <strong>of</strong> state throughout <strong>the</strong>year. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> hosted a State Lunchin honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seychelles HisExcellency Mr James Alix Michel, on 23 August<strong>2011</strong>; a State Lunch in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, His Excellency <strong>General</strong>Michel Sleiman on 17 April <strong>2012</strong>; and an <strong>of</strong>ficiallunch in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Republic<strong>of</strong> Portugal, His Excellency Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Anibal CavacoSilva on 25 May <strong>2012</strong>. The Administrator, Pr<strong>of</strong>essorMarie Bashir AC CVO hosted a State Lunch inhonour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gabonese Republic,His Excellency Mr Ali Bongo Ondimba, during<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s absence overseas on29 March <strong>2012</strong>.While in Perth for CHOGM on 26 October <strong>2011</strong>,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> hosted a State Dinner inhonour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> Federal Republic <strong>of</strong>Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Jonathan.On 30 October <strong>2011</strong> in Melbourne, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> <strong>of</strong> NewZealand, His Excellency Lieutenant <strong>General</strong> <strong>the</strong>Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO.Directly after <strong>the</strong>ir meeting, <strong>the</strong> two <strong>Governor</strong>s-<strong>General</strong> attended <strong>the</strong> final match between <strong>the</strong>Australian Diamonds and New Zealand SilverFerns women’s netball teams for <strong>the</strong> ConstellationCup <strong>2011</strong>.On 17 November <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>attended a wreath laying ceremony at <strong>the</strong> AustralianWar Memorial, Canberra, with <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America, <strong>the</strong> HonourableBarack Obama.On 28 May <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received<strong>the</strong> King <strong>of</strong> Tonga, His Majesty King Tupou VI, and <strong>the</strong>Queen <strong>of</strong> Tonga, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u,accompanied by HRH Princess Angelika,at Government House.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received <strong>the</strong> PrimeMinister <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Independent State <strong>of</strong> Papua NewGuinea, <strong>the</strong> Honourable Peter O’Neill CMG MP,on 13 October <strong>2011</strong>; <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Republic <strong>of</strong> Trinidad and Tobago, <strong>the</strong> HonourableKamla Persad-Bissessar MP on 26 October <strong>2011</strong>;and <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister <strong>of</strong> Thailand, Her ExcellencyMs Yingluck Shinawatra on 28 May <strong>2012</strong>.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> received <strong>the</strong> President<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> European Commission, His ExcellencyMr Jose Manual Barroso on 5 September <strong>2011</strong>.On 8 September <strong>2011</strong>, she hosted a dinner <strong>of</strong>Government House in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Secretary-<strong>General</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations, His ExcellencyMr Ban Ki Moon.On 20 November <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>hosted a dinner in honour <strong>of</strong> His Royal HighnessCrown Prince Frederik and Her Royal HighnessCrown Princess Mary <strong>of</strong> Denmark at AdmiraltyHouse, Sydney.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> receives <strong>the</strong> Secretary-<strong>General</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> United Nations, His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-Moon, atGovernment House on 8 September <strong>2011</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>27


Chapter TwoOfficial overseas visitsOn 31 July <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>undertook a State Visit to <strong>the</strong> Kingdom <strong>of</strong>Tonga and represented Australia at a militaryparade celebrating <strong>the</strong> birthday <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> King <strong>of</strong> Tonga,His Majesty King George Tupou V.From 26 February to 1 March <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> made a State Visit to NewZealand. With a program that included Auckland,Wellington and Queenstown, and a return toChristchurch one year after <strong>the</strong> earthquake inFebruary <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> visit celebrated <strong>the</strong> multi-facetedtrans-Tasman relationship and reinforced its depth.From 26 March to 3 April <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> undertook a regional visit to <strong>the</strong> SouthPacific, accompanied by <strong>the</strong> Parliamentary Secretaryfor Pacific Island Affairs, <strong>the</strong> Honourable RichardMarles MP. The program included ceremonial,formal and community events in Kiribati, Tuvalu,Samoa, New Caledonia, Nauru, <strong>the</strong> Federated States<strong>of</strong> Micronesia and Solomon Islands. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> met with Heads <strong>of</strong> State in each nation,and in New Caledonia was hosted by <strong>the</strong> FrenchHigh Commissioner. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> alsorepresented Australia at <strong>the</strong> funeral for <strong>the</strong> lateKing <strong>of</strong> Tonga, His Majesty King George Tupou V.From 11 to 14 April <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>made a State Visit to <strong>the</strong> Philippines. A State Dinnerwas hosted in her honour by President BenignoAquino III. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> met PhilippineGovernment representatives and senior women<strong>of</strong>ficials from various sectors, and visited severaldevelopment projects.In late April <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> madea State visit to <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates. Shehad formal meetings with His Highness SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President,Prime Minister and Ruler <strong>of</strong> Dubai; His HighnessSheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, CrownPrince <strong>of</strong> Abu Dhabi; and Her Royal HighnessSheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, <strong>the</strong> Mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Nation. Ms Bryce also visited <strong>the</strong> Al Minhad Air Baseoutside Dubai and met with Australian DefenceForce personnel.On 24 April <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>travelled to Kabul as part <strong>of</strong> a two day visit toAfghanistan. She met with President Hamid Karzaiand visited <strong>the</strong> International Security AssistanceForce Headquarters in Kabul, <strong>the</strong>n continued toUruzgan Province where she stayed overnight at<strong>the</strong> Multinational Base Tarin Kowt. On ANZACDay, she attended <strong>the</strong> dawn service with Australianservicemen and women based in Tarin Kowt, andvisited <strong>the</strong> nearby Malilai Girls’ School.On 19 May <strong>2012</strong> in Dili, Timor-Leste, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> represented Australia at <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial celebrations for <strong>the</strong> tenth anniversary<strong>of</strong> independence, which coincided with <strong>the</strong>inauguration ceremony for <strong>the</strong> newly electedPresident, His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak.From 31 May to 2 June <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>made a State Visit to <strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong> Cyprus,reciprocating that <strong>of</strong> President Demetris Christ<strong>of</strong>iasto Australia in <strong>2011</strong>. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> heldtalks with President Christ<strong>of</strong>ias, Mr Yiannakis Omirou,The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and US Ambassador His Excellency Mr Jeffrey Bleich greet <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America,<strong>the</strong> Honourable Barack Obama, on his arrival in Canberra on 16 November <strong>2011</strong> (Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Howard M<strong>of</strong>fat/AUSPIC)28 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performance<strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> House <strong>of</strong> Representatives, andwomen parliamentarians. She also <strong>of</strong>ficially opened<strong>the</strong> new chancery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian High Commission,Nicosia, and met with members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AustralianFederal Police contingent to <strong>the</strong> United NationsPeacekeeping Force in Cyprus.From Cyprus, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> travelledto <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom to represent Australiaat <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial Diamond Jubilee celebrations forHer Majesty The Queen.Wherever possible, <strong>the</strong> Office includedopportunities for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> to meetAustralian expatriates and alumni <strong>of</strong> Australianeducation institutions during overseas visits.Meetings and site visits were organised through <strong>the</strong>relevant Australian diplomatic missions, to supportAustralian development assistance efforts andbusiness, trade and o<strong>the</strong>r bilateral linkages.Community engagementEngagement with <strong>the</strong> community is an importantpart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s role and a primaryconsideration for <strong>the</strong> Office in planning and deliveringa balanced program. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> meetswith people in cities, regions and remote and ruralcommunities throughout Australia. In her role, MsBryce is uniquely placed to draw connections betweenpeople and organisations to help advance Australia as acontemporary and compassionate society.In a proactive approach to community engagement,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> assists in promoting andsupporting innovative and practical solutions tosome <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> longstanding issues facing Australia’sexpanding metropolitan centres. During <strong>2011</strong>–12,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> undertook an urban outreachprogram to encourage greater social inclusion andcelebrate Australia’s cultural diversity (see despatch).Among <strong>the</strong>mes ranging from sport to history andscience, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> supported initiativesto encourage literacy, acknowledge carers, rejectdomestic violence, fight breast cancer, praise <strong>the</strong> work<strong>of</strong> nurses, recognise <strong>the</strong> contribution <strong>of</strong> farmers andrural communities, and help Indigenous children t<strong>of</strong>ur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>ir educations.An important aspect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’scommunity role is to provide comfort and supportto individuals or communities in distress. On4 September <strong>2011</strong>, Ms Bryce attended a churchservice with members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tongan and Samoancommunities in Logan, following a tragic house fire atSlacks Creek; on 10 January <strong>2012</strong>, she attended <strong>the</strong>Lockyer Valley First Anniversary CommemorativeService following <strong>the</strong> Queensland floods in <strong>2011</strong>;on 7 February <strong>2012</strong>, she met with flood-affectedresidents in Moree, Yarraman and Wee Waa in <strong>the</strong>aftermath <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New South Wales floods; and on17 March <strong>2012</strong>, she visited flood-affected areas <strong>of</strong>Wagga Wagga and attended a community barbecuewith emergency workers, volunteers and residents.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficially opens <strong>the</strong> 150 year old Cape Wickham Lighthouse on King Island on 5 November <strong>2011</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>29


Chapter TwoD e sp atchIn Touch with Urban CommunitiesThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>serves lunch at <strong>the</strong>Parramatta Mission on8 July <strong>2011</strong>The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> speaks with a client <strong>of</strong> St Vincent dePaul during <strong>the</strong> evening soup van service in Melbourne on14 May <strong>2012</strong>30 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> meets members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bhutanese community at <strong>the</strong> SydWestMulticultural Services Centre in Sydney on 8 July <strong>2011</strong>Through <strong>the</strong> normal course <strong>of</strong> her duties,as well as in her interaction with charities,patronage organisations and o<strong>the</strong>rcommunity groups, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is exposedto a broad cross-section <strong>of</strong> Australian society: awardsrecipients, veterans, school children, Indigenousstudents, members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Defence Force,scholarship winners, local government representatives,athletes, volunteers, scientists, carers, farmers —thousands <strong>of</strong> people who share <strong>the</strong>ir stories.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office organised intensive programsin Australia’s two largest cities to enable <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> to spend time with some <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> nation’s least advantaged people.Western Sydney is home to 10 per cent <strong>of</strong>Australia’s total population, and one-third <strong>of</strong> itsresidents are migrants. During a visit <strong>the</strong>re in July<strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> met staff and clients <strong>of</strong>Technical Aid to <strong>the</strong> Disabled (NSW) in Northmead,assisted with service <strong>of</strong> lunch at <strong>the</strong> ParramattaMission, discussed local issues with academics at <strong>the</strong>University <strong>of</strong> Western Sydney, spent time at SydWestMulticultural Services in Blacktown, and met withparticipants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Butucarbin Aboriginal CorporationYouth Leadership Program, who belong to Australia’slargest urban community <strong>of</strong> Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people.In May <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visited17 organisations and services that supportmarginalised or vulnerable people in Melbourne.These included two Citymission programs providingcrisis accommodation and support for children witha disability; Yooralla’s UCAN café in Altona North,which provides employment opportunities foryoung disabled people; and <strong>the</strong> St Vincent de Paulsoup van meal service in North Melbourne andFitzroy. She met with women employed under <strong>the</strong>Women’s Subscription Enterprise run by The BigIssue. During a visit to <strong>the</strong> Asylum Seeker ResourceCentre, she was briefed on <strong>the</strong> centre’s programsand met with clients, staff and volunteers. O<strong>the</strong>rvisits included <strong>the</strong> Salvation Army’s Bridgehavenfamily program and <strong>the</strong> Collingwood AlternativeSchool, which runs a Hands on Learning programfor teenagers at risk.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>31


Chapter TwoPatronagesThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is patron <strong>of</strong> a diverserange <strong>of</strong> organisations that reflect contemporaryAustralian society and contribute to <strong>the</strong> nation’ssocial and cultural wellbeing. Among approximately320 organisations with Ms Bryce’s patronage aregroups and charities operating in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> childrenand families, health, sport, education, science andresearch, history and <strong>the</strong> arts. By maintaining contactwith <strong>of</strong>fice bearers, staff, volunteers and clients <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se organisations, visiting <strong>the</strong>ir operations or hostingevents for <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is able toencourage <strong>the</strong>ir endeavours and assist in raising <strong>the</strong>irnational pr<strong>of</strong>iles.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visited patronageorganisations in metropolitan, rural and regionalcentres, and hosted functions for some markingspecial anniversaries, launching new initiatives andhonouring <strong>the</strong> vital work <strong>of</strong> volunteers and generosity<strong>of</strong> supporters. For example, she launched <strong>the</strong> newwebsite for Cerebral Palsy Australia; visited Yalaristudents in Adelaide; met with student members <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Clontarf Academy in Karratha; joined Surf LifeSaving Australia volunteers to assist with Clean UpAustralia Day activities at Coogee Beach; hosteda reception for Foodbank; and met participants <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> International Women’s Development Agency’sLeadership Forum in Solomon Islands.Regional centre visitsDuring <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visited arange <strong>of</strong> regional centres, including <strong>the</strong> following:• from 7 to 12 August <strong>2011</strong>, she visited <strong>the</strong> Pilbaraand Kimberley regions where she undertook25 events in Newman, Karratha, Dampier,Roebourne, Port Hedland, Broome, FitzroyCrossing and Leopold Downs (see despatch)• on 19 August <strong>2011</strong>, she opened a new trainingand administration complex in Bundaberg andattended a civic reception in her honour• on 3 September <strong>2011</strong>, she unveiled an AustralianNational Flag at <strong>the</strong> Lockyer Valley CulturalCentre in Gatton in recognition <strong>of</strong> NationalFlag Day• on 8 October <strong>2011</strong>, she attended a series <strong>of</strong>events in Forbes and Parkes, including <strong>the</strong> inaugural‘Opera at <strong>the</strong> Dish’ at <strong>the</strong> CSIRO Radio Telescope• on 15 October <strong>2011</strong>, she opened <strong>the</strong> SnowyScheme Museum in Adaminaby and hosted anafternoon tea in recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> InternationalDay <strong>of</strong> Rural Women• from 5 to 6 November <strong>2011</strong>, she visited KingIsland, and <strong>of</strong>ficially opened <strong>the</strong> Cape WickhamLighthouse in its sesquicentenary year• on 6 November <strong>2011</strong>, she visited Ballarat toinaugurate <strong>the</strong> restored Arch <strong>of</strong> Victory andattend an event celebrating <strong>the</strong> centenary <strong>of</strong>Ballarat District Nursing and Healthcare• on 19 November <strong>2011</strong>, she opened <strong>the</strong> newlybuilt Community Centre in Marysville, Victoria,following <strong>the</strong> bushfires <strong>of</strong> 2009.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> greets members <strong>of</strong> Dragons Abreast ACT at <strong>the</strong> Government House jetty on 12 November <strong>2011</strong>32 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceRepresentational functionsOver 7,300 people were guests <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and Mr Bryce, attending 114 events atGovernment House and Admiralty House, andtwo events in Perth during <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’sCHOGM program. These functions included:• a roundtable discussion and lunch for <strong>the</strong>Puuya Foundation• a lunch reception for Australian Police Legateesto mark National Police Remembrance Day• a reception <strong>the</strong>med ‘Empowering Women toLead’ in support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Heads <strong>of</strong>Government Meeting in Perth• a morning tea in support <strong>of</strong> women’s cricketand <strong>the</strong> in2CRICKET program, attended by <strong>the</strong>Australian Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Stars and New ZealandWhite Ferns teams• a dinner for all Senators and Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>House <strong>of</strong> Representatives• a dinner for Australian <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year <strong>2012</strong> finalists• a morning tea for members <strong>of</strong> Dragons AbreastACT and Region• a reception for staff, supporters and clients <strong>of</strong>Karinya House and o<strong>the</strong>r women’s refuges on<strong>the</strong> International Day <strong>of</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong> ViolenceAgainst Women• a reception for participants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inauguralNational Indigenous Youth Parliament• an afternoon tea, reception and lunch tomark International Women’s Day <strong>2012</strong>.School visitsThe school visit program continued to grow stronglyagain in <strong>2011</strong>–12. Over 20,400 students andteachers from 389 schools came to GovernmentHouse during <strong>the</strong> year, representing an increase <strong>of</strong>more than 25 per cent compared with 2010–11.During peak periods, up to five groups per day werewelcomed to <strong>the</strong> property.School groups were typically briefed by one <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s aides-de-camp and amember <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> household staff. When school visitscoincided with events at Government House suchas <strong>the</strong> presentation <strong>of</strong> credentials by Ambassadorsand High Commissioners, students were invitedto watch <strong>the</strong> formal ceremonies. When hercommitments allowed, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> metwith visiting students.In May <strong>2012</strong>, a student from Sydney TechnicalHigh School became <strong>the</strong> 50,000th student to visitGovernment House since Ms Bryce commencedin <strong>of</strong>fice.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> inspects <strong>the</strong> fleece <strong>of</strong> a ram at <strong>the</strong> Cooma Show on 10 March <strong>2012</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>33


Chapter TwoD e sp atchSouth PacificLocal school children greet <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> during her visit to Kiribati on28 March <strong>2012</strong>34 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>inspects a police guard<strong>of</strong> honour in Apia,Samoa on 30 March <strong>2012</strong>The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> joins traditional dancers at a StateLunch in Funafuti, Tuvalu on 29 March <strong>2012</strong>The program for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s visitto eight Pacific island nations in March–April<strong>2012</strong> was designed to enable her to connectwith a broad range <strong>of</strong> people, from Heads <strong>of</strong> Stateto school children. In a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world facingmany economic and social challenges, Australiaprovides critical development assistance, capacitybuilding and partnership through bilateral andregional initiatives.Ms Bryce was accompanied throughout by TheHonourable Richard Marles MP, ParliamentarySecretary for Pacific Island Affairs. The itinerarycomprised Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Samoa, NewCaledonia, Nauru, Federated States <strong>of</strong> Micronesiaand Solomon Islands.Highlights included visits to <strong>the</strong> Kiribati MarineTraining Centre, <strong>the</strong> Australian Pacific TechnicalCollege in Apia, <strong>the</strong> Nauti primary school inFunafuti and <strong>the</strong> Island Food Community <strong>of</strong>Pohnpei. The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> gave two majoraddresses, to <strong>the</strong> Parliament <strong>of</strong> Samoa and aWomen’s Leadership Forum in Honiara. The latterevent followed <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> two financial literacybooklets written for women in Solomon Islands,in a joint project by <strong>the</strong> Australian Governmentand <strong>the</strong> International Women’s DevelopmentAgency, <strong>of</strong> which Ms Bryce is Patron. In Tonga, <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> represented Australia at <strong>the</strong>State Funeral <strong>of</strong> His Majesty King Tupou V. In Nauru,she met with <strong>the</strong> President, <strong>the</strong> Speaker, and seniorwomen. In New Caledonia, she attended a militaryparade and wreath laying ceremony at Place BirHakeim, Noumea.Recurring topics <strong>of</strong> discussion included educationand employment opportunities, domestic violence,environmental and health issues, and gender equality.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> thanked many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australians living and working in <strong>the</strong> Pacific for <strong>the</strong>important work <strong>the</strong>y do, including police <strong>of</strong>ficersand defence personnel deployed to <strong>the</strong> RegionalAssistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), aidworkers, teachers and volunteers, representatives <strong>of</strong>non-government organisations, and business people.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>35


Chapter TwoOfficial properties andcommunity eventsThe Australiana Fund held Open Days atGovernment House and Admiralty House inSeptember <strong>2011</strong>, in conjunction with similar eventsat The Lodge and Kirribilli House. The AustralianaFund also conducted regular garden tours <strong>of</strong>Government House during <strong>the</strong> spring, summer andautumn months.The Smith Family conducted its annual OpenHouse and Garden event at Government Houseon 18 March <strong>2012</strong>, with an estimated attendance<strong>of</strong> 6,500. The Canberra Symphony Orchestra wasscheduled to launch its <strong>2012</strong> season with a PromConcert in <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> Government House on18 February <strong>2012</strong>. Unfortunately <strong>the</strong> concert wascancelled due to inclement wea<strong>the</strong>r.A small number <strong>of</strong> local community groups werepermitted to use <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> GovernmentHouse for fundraising activities.All toge<strong>the</strong>r, more than 12,000 members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>public visited <strong>the</strong> vice-regal properties in <strong>2011</strong>–12.Communication and informationThe Office’s Communications and Media Unitworked with regional, national and internationalmedia to facilitate coverage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s activities at home and abroad. TheAustralian media reported regularly on a widevariety <strong>of</strong> events in Ms Bryce’s program, thusinforming <strong>the</strong> public about aspects <strong>of</strong> her role andher involvement with <strong>the</strong> community.Events and visits which attracted significant coveragein <strong>2011</strong>–12 included <strong>the</strong> visit to Australia by HerMajesty The Queen and His Royal Highness <strong>the</strong>Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh, particularly The Queen’s activitiesat Government House; <strong>the</strong> commemorationand presentation to members <strong>of</strong> 6RAR on <strong>the</strong>45th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Battle <strong>of</strong> Long Tan; <strong>the</strong>visit by Their Royal Highnesses Crown PrinceFrederik and Crown Princess Mary <strong>of</strong> Denmark;<strong>the</strong> 70th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bombing <strong>of</strong> Darwin; adinner hosted by <strong>the</strong> Mawson’s Huts Foundation,<strong>of</strong> which <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is Patron, to mark<strong>the</strong> centenary <strong>of</strong> Sir Douglas Mawson’s journey toAntarctica; <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s visit to Pacificisland countries; an intensive four day program inMelbourne in which <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visited arange <strong>of</strong> charities and local organisations supportingdisadvantaged or marginalised people; <strong>the</strong> plantingat Government House <strong>of</strong> two ‘Canberra Bells’Correa plants (as shown on <strong>the</strong> cover <strong>of</strong> this report),developed to mark Canberra’s centenary in 2013;and <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> ConnectPink, a social networkingwebsite for country women which supports <strong>the</strong>McGrath Foundation.In a year in which <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> visitedmany regional areas and was involved with severalprojects and initiatives relating to rural people andcommunities, <strong>the</strong> Office worked actively with mediarepresentatives in country areas to facilitate coverage<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se activities. Stories that were reported in localmedia included <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s opening <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Royal Easter Show Sydney, <strong>the</strong> Killarney Showand <strong>the</strong> Cooma Show; <strong>the</strong> address to open <strong>the</strong>The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> welcomes His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary <strong>of</strong> Denmark,and <strong>the</strong>ir twins, to Admiralty House on 20 November <strong>2011</strong>36 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceAdaminaby Snowy Scheme Museum; <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Australian Year <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Farmer <strong>2012</strong>; <strong>the</strong> visit to<strong>the</strong> Pilbara/Kimberley region, which included miningprojects and Indigenous programs; involvementin commemorative services marking <strong>the</strong> firstanniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Queensland floods; and <strong>the</strong>opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new community centre in Marysville,one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> small towns devastated by <strong>the</strong> 2009Victorian bushfires.The Office assisted <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> with <strong>the</strong>recording <strong>of</strong> her Australia Day <strong>2012</strong> and ANZACDay <strong>2012</strong> addresses. It organised <strong>the</strong> production<strong>of</strong> 22 video messages by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>for organisations <strong>of</strong> which she is Patron and formajor events including <strong>the</strong> Salvation Army RedShield Appeal and <strong>the</strong> annual breakfast held inAustralia for <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Officeproduced its first vodcast, an opening message by<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> for a film and online videoabout <strong>the</strong> Jessie Street National Women’s Library.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> delivered 148 speechesduring <strong>the</strong> year.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s speeches are publishedon <strong>the</strong> Office’s website, along with details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>program and events she attends and hosts. Over100 written messages from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>were sent to community organisations for majorevents or milestones during <strong>the</strong> year.Media coverage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office was alsoconsiderable, with particular focus on <strong>the</strong> AustraliaDay and Queen’s Birthday Honours lists and <strong>the</strong>subsequent investitures <strong>of</strong> recipients at GovernmentHouse. On <strong>the</strong> Queen’s Birthday public holiday, SkyNews broadcast for several hours from AdmiraltyHouse in Sydney, recording interviews withrecipients and <strong>the</strong> Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Honours andAwards Branch. The Office responded helpfully toenquiries from media representatives and members<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public.Strong public interest in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’srole and activities and <strong>the</strong> operations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Officewere reflected in record high usage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’swebsite (www.gg.gov.au). Over 24 million hits wererecorded in <strong>2011</strong>–12, reflecting an increase <strong>of</strong>33 per cent over <strong>the</strong> previous year, and continuing<strong>the</strong> exponential increase in website hits and userengagement since Ms Bryce was sworn in as<strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in September 2008.The website recorded 19.1 million file downloadsfor <strong>the</strong> year. Website users in Australia and <strong>the</strong>United States recorded <strong>the</strong> highest level <strong>of</strong> activity,followed by Canada, New Zealand, Germany andIndia. A large proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 653,000 uniquevisitors to <strong>the</strong> website was attributed to interest inannouncements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia awards onAustralia Day and The Queen’s Birthday. Continualdevelopment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> website and <strong>the</strong> Office’spractice <strong>of</strong> uploading new content within a 24 hourperiod maintained <strong>the</strong> currency and appeal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>site. The Information Publication Scheme section <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> website continued to enhance <strong>the</strong> accessibility<strong>of</strong> data about <strong>the</strong> Office’s functions.CorrespondenceIn <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office received and attendedto 7,791 items <strong>of</strong> correspondence. This figurerepresents a decrease <strong>of</strong> over 50 per centcompared with <strong>the</strong> previous year. While <strong>the</strong>number <strong>of</strong> written letters received remainedreasonably constant, electronic correspondencedecreased significantly following <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong>an email form on <strong>the</strong> Office’s website contact page.In addition, <strong>the</strong> Honours and Awards Branchreceived 23,305 items <strong>of</strong> correspondence, including1,888 nominations for Order <strong>of</strong> Australia andAustralian Bravery decorations.The Office sent 10,196 congratulatory messagesfrom <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> for significant birthdaysand wedding anniversaries, and 6,988 congratulatorymessages on behalf <strong>of</strong> The Queen. Over 1,400<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s messages were forAustralians turning 100 or more years <strong>of</strong> age.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>37


Chapter TwoProperty managementThe Vice-Regal Heritage Property Master Plan(<strong>the</strong> Master Plan) covers both Government Houseand Admiralty House and provides a frameworkfor <strong>the</strong> effective management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two heritageproperties. This is a major initiative by <strong>the</strong> Office tomaintain <strong>the</strong> properties for future generations. In<strong>2011</strong>–12, some 39,540 visitors, from school childrento Her Majesty The Queen, visited <strong>the</strong> properties.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, property management resources wereconcentrated on Admiralty House where twomajor projects, to ensure <strong>the</strong> property’s integrity,were commenced.Government HouseOne works project was completed in <strong>2011</strong>–12,namely <strong>the</strong> refurbishment <strong>of</strong> a small cottage usedas <strong>of</strong>fice accommodation. The project also includedasbestos removal and vermin-pro<strong>of</strong>ing.Work continued toward <strong>the</strong> rectification <strong>of</strong>numerous problems with <strong>the</strong> building occupiedby <strong>the</strong> Honours and Awards Branch, and acomprehensive scoping exercise was commissionedfor <strong>2012</strong>–13.The Office worked within <strong>the</strong> guidelines issued by<strong>the</strong> National Capital Authority to extract waterfrom Lake Burley Griffin for watering gardens andlawns at Government House. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> managedlandscape (which accounts for 40 per cent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>total property area) at Government House isserviced by drawing water from <strong>the</strong> lake. During<strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office continued to closely manageits water consumption and introduced fur<strong>the</strong>rwater saving measures, to operate within <strong>the</strong> levelallocated by <strong>the</strong> National Capital Authority. Planningcommenced for <strong>the</strong> replacement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> irrigationpump station which should fur<strong>the</strong>r enhance <strong>the</strong>efficiency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> irrigation system. Landscape workscontinued in accordance with <strong>the</strong> LandscapeManagement Plan for <strong>the</strong> property.Admiralty HouseThe two major works projects begun at AdmiraltyHouse in <strong>2011</strong>–12 were:• damp minimisation in <strong>the</strong> house• extensive repairs to <strong>the</strong> sea walls, retainingwall and wharf to address serious, long termdegradation.Admiralty House has had documented issues withrising damp since its original construction in <strong>the</strong>1840’s. The house is built on bedrock with littleto-noexisting damp pro<strong>of</strong> course still in effect.The damp has affected both <strong>the</strong> structure and <strong>the</strong>contents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> building and this project will bestaddress <strong>the</strong> issues as <strong>the</strong>y are currently understood,and provide access and means for monitoring dampand ventilation into <strong>the</strong> future.The seawalls on <strong>the</strong> eastern and sou<strong>the</strong>rnforeshores <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> property bore signs <strong>of</strong> severewea<strong>the</strong>ring affecting <strong>the</strong> stones and mortar jointing,with work health and safety implications. Retainingcrib walls holding back vegetation were also in adilapidated condition with pointing having wornaway, and <strong>the</strong> bitumen surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wharf areawas badly eroded by seawater.An electric multi-purpose vehicle is used to transport immobile visitors around <strong>the</strong> grounds on a Government House Open Day on25 September <strong>2011</strong>38 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> chats with visitors on a Government House Open Day on 18 March <strong>2012</strong>Planning and engineering continued on works,yet to be scheduled, to repair <strong>the</strong> historic MarineBarracks precinct.The Office continued work to improve <strong>the</strong> gardensand landscape at Admiralty House in accordance with<strong>the</strong> works schedule and Landscape Management Planoverseen by its heritage landscape architect.SecurityThe Office worked closely with <strong>the</strong> ProtectiveSecurity Coordination Centre and <strong>the</strong> AustralianFederal Police to identify issues and act on advicein managing <strong>the</strong> physical security environments atGovernment House and Admiralty House.Works <strong>of</strong> art and o<strong>the</strong>r itemsThe Office is grateful to <strong>the</strong> National Gallery <strong>of</strong>Australia, <strong>the</strong> Australiana Fund and <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> Parliamentary Services for <strong>the</strong> loan <strong>of</strong> paintings,sculptures, furniture and o<strong>the</strong>r items for publicdisplay at Government House and AdmiraltyHouse. It regularly consults <strong>the</strong> Australiana Fundand <strong>the</strong> National Gallery on interior furnishingand art. Some items are exchanged each year aspart <strong>of</strong> an ongoing program to display a variety <strong>of</strong>Australian artworks and furniture.At 30 June <strong>2012</strong>, paintings, pieces <strong>of</strong> furnitureand art objects with a combined value <strong>of</strong> over$21 million were on loan to <strong>the</strong> Office.Program Component 2—Administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Australian Honours andAwards SystemResources applied to this component are directed to:• conducting comprehensive and independentresearch <strong>of</strong> nominations for awards• providing high level secretariat support tohonours advisory bodies• interpreting and applying gazettal regulations fordefence, meritorious, operational service and longservice awards to ensure that applicants meeteligibility criteria• making cost-effective resource decisions for <strong>the</strong>timely acquisition <strong>of</strong> high quality insignia, warrantsand honours publications• maintaining registers <strong>of</strong> all award recipients.Tables 1 and 2 contain <strong>the</strong> performance indicatorsfor Program Component 2 identified in <strong>the</strong><strong>2011</strong>–12 Portfolio Budget Statements and Table 6compares <strong>the</strong> budget identified in those statementsto <strong>the</strong> component’s actual cost during <strong>the</strong> year.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>39


Chapter TwoTABLE 6: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR COMPONENT 2Budget Estimate<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Actual<strong>2011</strong>–12$ 000Departmental appropriation - Cost <strong>of</strong> Component 2 5,168 5,146Administered Appropriation - Acquisition <strong>of</strong> Australian honoursmedals/insignia, warrants and investiture items1,011 870Expenses not requiring appropriation 186 166Total 6,365 6,182Honours and awards overviewAustralia’s distinctive honours system began in1975 with <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia,<strong>the</strong> Australian Bravery Decorations and <strong>the</strong>National Medal, to recognise service to <strong>the</strong> nationor humanity. Since <strong>the</strong>n, additional awards havebeen created including a range <strong>of</strong> meritorious,gallantry and distinguished awards and, mostrecently, <strong>the</strong> National Police Service Medal (NPSM)and <strong>the</strong> National Emergency Medal (NEM), bothimplemented in <strong>2011</strong>–12.The NPSM is awarded to people who have givenethical and diligent service as a sworn member <strong>of</strong> anAustralian police service for a minimum <strong>of</strong> 15 years.The NEM recognises significant or sustained serviceto o<strong>the</strong>rs during a declared national emergency.The Order <strong>of</strong> Australia comprises a <strong>General</strong>Division for civilians as well as a Military Divisionfor members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Defence Force.It is <strong>the</strong> principal and most prestigious means <strong>of</strong>recognising outstanding members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> communityat a national level and nominations are welcomedfrom across <strong>the</strong> Australian community. The awardcelebrates extraordinary achievements andmeritorious contributions that primarily benefit<strong>the</strong> citizens <strong>of</strong> Australia in fields as diverse asentertainment, medical research, conservation,education and community service.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is Chancellor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Order and <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> is currently <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Order. An independent council, <strong>the</strong> Councilfor <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia, considers nominationsin <strong>the</strong> <strong>General</strong> Division. Appointments to <strong>the</strong>Order <strong>of</strong> Australia and awards <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Order in <strong>the</strong> Military Division are made by <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> on <strong>the</strong> recommendation <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Minister for Defence.Within <strong>the</strong> honours system <strong>the</strong> Australian BraveryDecorations are significant awards which recognise<strong>the</strong> courageous actions <strong>of</strong> those who have placed<strong>the</strong> safety and lives <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs before <strong>the</strong>ir own.Bravery nominations are considered by a secondindependent Council, <strong>the</strong> Australian BraveryDecorations Council.The NEM is awarded to persons who haverendered sustained or significant service in responseto declared national emergencies within Australia.Nominations for significant service are consideredby <strong>the</strong> National Emergency Medal Committee.Current membership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council for <strong>the</strong> Order<strong>of</strong> Australia, <strong>the</strong> Australian Bravery DecorationsCouncil and <strong>the</strong> National Emergency MedalCommittee is provided at Appendix A.The Honours and Awards Branch researches eachnomination received, and liaises with nominatorsand referees to develop <strong>the</strong> documentation that ispresented to <strong>the</strong> relevant council or committee forconsideration. Nominations are processed in order<strong>of</strong> receipt in <strong>the</strong> Branch, although if a nominee isgravely ill or <strong>of</strong> an advanced age, processing maybe expedited.The advisary bodies’ recommendations areconsidered by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and, if anaward is approved, <strong>the</strong> Branch notifies <strong>the</strong> recipient,gazettes <strong>the</strong> announcement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> award, andpublishes <strong>the</strong> details on <strong>the</strong> Office’s website.40 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceThe awards are conferred at investiture ceremoniesconducted at Government House in Canberraor o<strong>the</strong>r Government Houses in Australian stateand territory capitals. For award recipients, <strong>the</strong>seceremonies can mark a lifetime <strong>of</strong> achievement, andinvestitures are <strong>the</strong>refore memorable occasions,shared with family, friends or colleagues.The Branch is responsible for ensuring that all o<strong>the</strong>rawards – military, public service, fire, emergency,police and ambulance services awards – arewell documented and processed for approval inaccordance with gazetted regulations.The Branch liaises closely with <strong>the</strong> Honours,Symbols and Territories Branch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and Cabinet and contributesto Australian Government strategies to increaseawareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian honours system within<strong>the</strong> community.The work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three honours advisory bodiesnecessitates close liaison between <strong>the</strong> Honoursand Awards Branch and <strong>the</strong> respective chairsand council and committee members. Suchcommunication provides a means for continuouslyevaluating <strong>the</strong> Branch’s performance.Fur<strong>the</strong>r information on awards in <strong>the</strong> Australianhonours system can be found in <strong>the</strong> AustralianHonours and Awards section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s websiteat www.gg.gov.au or on <strong>the</strong> website maintained by<strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and Cabinetat www.itsanhonour.gov.au.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> receives <strong>the</strong> letter <strong>of</strong> credence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ambassador <strong>of</strong> Qatar, His Excellency Mr Yousef Ali Al-Khater on18 April <strong>2012</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>41


Chapter TwoPr<strong>of</strong>ileDebbie Bowden,Assistant Director Honours and AwardsDebbie Bowden leads a team that handlesthousands <strong>of</strong> nominations within <strong>the</strong>Australian honours system every year.The implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National EmergencyMedal (NEM) and <strong>the</strong> National Police Service Medal(NPSM) was a major focus for <strong>the</strong> team in <strong>2011</strong>–12.The NPSM is similar to o<strong>the</strong>r categories <strong>of</strong> longservice and occupational awards that are processedby <strong>the</strong> Branch. The NEM is handled differently. Eachtime a nationally significant emergency is declared,<strong>the</strong> NEM Committee, which was established in<strong>2011</strong>–12, sets criteria against which nominations forei<strong>the</strong>r sustained or significant service are considered.This year, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> approved NEMawards for sustained service for 138 recipientsrecommended by <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours Secretariat.The NEM’s first meeting to consider nominations forsignificant service is scheduled for August <strong>2012</strong>.‘Nominations for NEM awards may be made byindividual members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public as well as byrelevant organisations’, says Debbie. ‘The new medalis a wonderful way to recognise <strong>the</strong> contribution<strong>of</strong> emergency services personnel, volunteers ando<strong>the</strong>rs who assist people affected by disasters.The assistance provided can vary from fire fightingto caring for children <strong>of</strong> families who have lost<strong>the</strong>ir homes.’The overall aim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian honours systemis to celebrate service to <strong>the</strong> community. Debbieconsiders that some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most special awardsare those given to husband and wife teams whohave contributed to special needs groups for years.Interestingly, fewer women are nominated althoughthose who are have a higher rate <strong>of</strong> success inreceiving an award. ‘We would be delighted to see<strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> nominations for women increase infuture years’, says Debbie.42 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceKey resultsThe Australian Honours and Awards Branchmanaged a large volume <strong>of</strong> nominations andassociated processing in <strong>2011</strong>–12 and providedhigh level support to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> inadministering <strong>the</strong> numerous awards and decorationswithin <strong>the</strong> Australian honours system. The Branchimplemented <strong>the</strong> new NPSM and assisted with<strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NEM Committeewhich determined <strong>the</strong> criteria for <strong>the</strong> NEM,also implemented in <strong>2011</strong>–12.Nominations, awards andInvestituresThe total number <strong>of</strong> nominations researched and/or prepared by <strong>the</strong> Branch for consideration by <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in <strong>2011</strong>–12 was 11,977.This included 1,679 nominations submitted to <strong>the</strong>Council for <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia. The Councilfor <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia met twice in <strong>2011</strong>–12to consider nominations, with its September <strong>2011</strong>meeting being <strong>the</strong> 75th since 1975. Ninety per cent<strong>of</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia nominations were processedand presented to Council meetings within18 months <strong>of</strong> receipt in <strong>the</strong> Branch.On <strong>the</strong> recommendation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Minister forDefence, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> approved51 appointments and awards in <strong>the</strong> MilitaryDivision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Branch researched 323 nominationsfor bravery awards for <strong>the</strong> Australian BraveryDecorations Council, which met twice during<strong>the</strong> year. Ninety-seven per cent <strong>of</strong> researchednominations were presented to <strong>the</strong> AustralianBravery Decorations Council within six months.The majority <strong>of</strong> nominations were for incidentsinvolving rescues or attempted rescues fromwater or fire.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> approved 602 awardsto recognise excellence in specified occupations,including police, emergency services, and defencepersonnel on operations around <strong>the</strong> worldto protect Australia and its national interests.Additionally, she approved an initial tranche <strong>of</strong>138 NEMs and 1,720 NPSMs.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> approved 7,448 NationalMedals, which recognise 15 years or more<strong>of</strong> diligent and efficient service in uniformedoccupations involving elements <strong>of</strong> personal risk inorder to protect <strong>the</strong> community. These awards areadministered by <strong>the</strong> Branch and approved by <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, but <strong>the</strong>y are conferred internallyby <strong>the</strong> relevant organisations. Ninety-seven percent <strong>of</strong> long service and occupational awards wereprocessed within two months <strong>of</strong> receipt.Sixteen non-Australian citizens were recognisedby honorary awards in <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australiaduring <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>. The Constitution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OrderThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> joins members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Council to celebrate <strong>the</strong> Council’s 75th meeting on 7 September <strong>2011</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>43


Chapter Two<strong>of</strong> Australia provides for honorary awards tobe recommended for foreign citizens who havemade contributions <strong>of</strong> significant benefit to <strong>the</strong>Australian community or humanity at large. ThePrime Minister recommends honorary awards to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong> for approval, and <strong>the</strong> Branchis <strong>the</strong> conduit for <strong>the</strong>se nominations.Tables showing <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> nominationsconsidered and awards conferred for <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong>Australia and <strong>the</strong> Australian Bravery Decorationsin <strong>2011</strong>–12, and <strong>the</strong> total number <strong>of</strong> nominationsand awards since 1975, are at Appendices B andC respectively. Appendix D shows <strong>the</strong> number<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r award types made during <strong>the</strong> year foroutstanding achievement in specific fields <strong>of</strong> activity,as well as totals since 1975.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> presided over nineinvestiture ceremonies for Australian awardrecipients in <strong>2011</strong>–12 (see Investitures page 26).The Honours and Awards Branch assisted State<strong>Governor</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Administratorand heads <strong>of</strong> Australian diplomatic missions overseasto conduct investitures for many o<strong>the</strong>r recipients in<strong>2011</strong>–12. The Branch contacted <strong>the</strong> relevant <strong>of</strong>fices,provided media and guidance notes, and organisedand dispatched insignia.One such investiture was conducted by HisExcellency Mr Miles Kupa, Australia’s HighCommissioner to Malaysia on 24 April <strong>2012</strong>, at <strong>the</strong>Sandakan Memorial Park, Sabah. Mr Kupa investedMr Sevee Charuruks AM as an Honorary Member<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia, for service to Australiaby restoring and maintaining <strong>the</strong> Kundasang WarMemorial and gardens to preserve <strong>the</strong> memory<strong>of</strong> Australia’s fallen soldiers in Sandakan, Ranauand on <strong>the</strong> death marches. At <strong>the</strong> same ceremony,Mr Kupa invested Ms Ca<strong>the</strong>rin Chua AM as anHonorary Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia forservice to Australia by providing assistance withcommemorative services in memory <strong>of</strong> Australia’sfallen soldiers in Sandakan.Establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NationalPolice Service Medal and <strong>the</strong>National Emergency MedalThe NPSM and <strong>the</strong> NEM were implementedduring <strong>2011</strong>–12.The NPSM is awarded for ethical and diligentservice as a sworn member <strong>of</strong> an Australian policeservice, in recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unique character <strong>of</strong>service required throughout a policing career. Police<strong>of</strong>ficers with a minimum <strong>of</strong> 15 years’ ethical anddiligent service on or after 30 October 2008 mayqualify for <strong>the</strong> NPSM.The NEM is awarded for sustained service forspecified time periods and places in response tonationally significant emergencies within Australia,or for significant service in response to suchemergencies. The National Emergency MedalRegulations <strong>2011</strong> were approved by Her MajestyThe Queen in October <strong>2011</strong>. Within <strong>the</strong>seregulations <strong>the</strong> following two emergencies weredeclared nationally significant:• <strong>the</strong> bushfires that occurred in Victoria inFebruary 2009• <strong>the</strong> floods that occurred in Queensland inDecember 2010 and January <strong>2011</strong> and CycloneYasi in <strong>2011</strong>.Approval for Australians to wearforeign awardsOver 5,900 awards bestowed on Australian citizensby foreign governments or international organisationswere approved by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> in <strong>2011</strong>–12.The acceptance and wearing <strong>of</strong> foreign honours byany Australian citizen is subject to <strong>the</strong> permission <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> on <strong>the</strong> recommendation <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Prime Minister or responsible Minister. A requestto confer an honour or award on an Australian citizenwill be considered if it is made by <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong> state<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong> a country with which Australiamaintains diplomatic relations, or by a United Nationsagency or o<strong>the</strong>r international organisation recognisedby Australia. Almost 30 nations or organisationsrecognised Australian citizens in <strong>2011</strong>–12, with <strong>the</strong>majority <strong>of</strong> awards coming from Timor-Leste, Malaysia,Papua New Guinea, <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America,France, Italy and Greece, and <strong>the</strong> North AtlanticTreaty Organisation.44 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


<strong>Report</strong> on performanceO<strong>the</strong>r businessSeveral initiatives were implemented or trialledin <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong> to streamline and enhance <strong>the</strong>Branch’s operations. These included <strong>the</strong> increaseduse <strong>of</strong> technology to communicate with members<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public, for example, by using email forreferee comments.Additionally, <strong>the</strong> Branch revised <strong>the</strong> Australianhonours and awards system section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’swebsite to provide additional information on<strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia, including <strong>the</strong> associatednomination process.The Council for <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia metout <strong>of</strong> session in February <strong>2012</strong> to considerrecommendations arising from <strong>the</strong> ‘Review <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Australian Honours System’ by Mr MartinBonsey AO CVO, former Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order<strong>of</strong> Australia. The Council agreed with Mr Bonsey’srecommendation that an appeal process not beestablished, as <strong>the</strong> composition and deliberativeprocesses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council were well suited toexercising <strong>the</strong> judgement required in consideringnominations. The meeting was also an opportunityto review current practices. Council membersagreed on more than 20 principles, practices andprotocols which were subsequently published on<strong>the</strong> Office’s website.Over 1,400 medals were engraved and warrantsprepared for presentation at investitures across<strong>the</strong> country. A fur<strong>the</strong>r 9,400 o<strong>the</strong>r awards werealso engraved, which do not accompany a warrantand are not presented at an investiture. Themajority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter awards were long service andoperational awards. All medals and insignia metdesign specifications. The Office holds contracts withreputable suppliers for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> insignia andhas in place an inventory control system to ensure<strong>the</strong>ir timely purchase.The Honours and Awards Branch maintained andupdated <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial register <strong>of</strong> recipients <strong>of</strong> awardsin <strong>the</strong> Australian honours and awards system. Forprivacy reasons, this register is not open to members<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public. However, <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> recipients whoagree to being listed and details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir awardsappear on <strong>the</strong> www.itsanhonour.gov.au website.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>45


Ch a pte r Th rManagement andaccountability


Chapter ThreeCorporate governanceThe Official Secretary, in his role as Chief ExecutiveOfficer, is accountable for <strong>the</strong> efficient, effective,economical and ethical use <strong>of</strong> resources and <strong>the</strong>achievement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest possible performancefrom <strong>the</strong> Office. The Office’s ManagementCommittee assists <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to meethis statutory responsibilities under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> Act 1974 and <strong>the</strong> Financial Management andAccountability Act 1997. The Office recognises <strong>the</strong>need for a high level <strong>of</strong> accountability.The Corporate Services Branch supports<strong>the</strong> Official Secretary’s overall governanceresponsibilities by facilitating <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong>business plans, establishing policy and accountabilityframeworks, managing risk, fraud and securityplanning, setting frameworks for advising on peoplemanagement, managing industrial relations, managinginformation and communications technology, andoverseeing budget management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office. TheBranch also manages <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial properties andcoordinates physical security services.CommitteesTo support <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary <strong>the</strong> Officehas established several committees:• Management Committee• Audit Committee• Financial Statements Sub-committee• Workplace Consultative Committee• Work Health and Safety Committee.Management CommitteeThe Management Committee comprises <strong>the</strong> OfficialSecretary as Chief Executive Officer; <strong>the</strong> DeputyOfficial Secretary as Deputy Chief Executive Officer;<strong>the</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Corporate Services, Honoursand Awards, and Executive and Protocol Branches;and <strong>the</strong> Chief Financial Officer. The group meetsmonthly and considers strategic issues affecting <strong>the</strong>Office, including any emerging or ongoing risks, andmonitors <strong>the</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong> performance outcomes for<strong>the</strong> Office.The Management Committee has <strong>the</strong> followingoverall responsibilities:• to establish and drive <strong>the</strong> direction, strategies,compliance, financial objectives and monitoringarrangements for <strong>the</strong> Office• to implement Office policies, strategies andfinancial objectives• to ensure <strong>the</strong> Office delivers itscorporate objectives• to ensure <strong>the</strong> Office delivers its outcometo <strong>the</strong> Government• to provide active leadership <strong>of</strong> riskmanagement activities• to monitor compliance with regulatoryrequirements and ethical standards.Audit CommitteeThe Audit Committee comprises an externalmember, Mr Bruce Jones (Chair), Mr Mark Fraser(Deputy Official Secretary), Ms Sharon Prendergastand Ms Karen Baker (Directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Honoursand Awards Branch and Corporate ServicesBranch respectively). It is responsible for providingindependent assurance and assistance to <strong>the</strong>Official Secretary on <strong>the</strong> Office’s risk, control andcompliance frameworks and external accountability.The Audit Committee endorses <strong>the</strong> annualaudit program for <strong>the</strong> Office, considers <strong>the</strong>recommendations contained in individualreports, and monitors <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong>any changes in policies and practices pursuantto such recommendations. The Committee alsoreceives and approves <strong>the</strong> Office’s annual financialstatements and associated audit report.Government House staff meet to plan <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’sforward program <strong>of</strong> commitments48 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityFinancial Statements Sub-CommitteeThe Financial Statements Sub-Committee, firstestablished in 2010–11, continued its workoverseeing <strong>the</strong> effective preparation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’sfinancial statements.Workplace Consultative CommitteeThe Workplace Consultative Committee (WCC),representing all staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office, continued to providea forum for management and employees to discussmatters affecting <strong>the</strong> workplace. Meetings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WCCare chaired alternately by a representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Official Secretary and a representative <strong>of</strong> employees.The membership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consultative committeecomprises:• <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary or nominee• one o<strong>the</strong>r management representative• five employee representatives• one union workplace delegate• one union <strong>of</strong>ficial.Work Health and Safety CommitteeThe Work Health and Safety Committee is chairedby <strong>the</strong> Director Corporate Services Branch.Membership includes management representativesand health and safety representatives from across<strong>the</strong> Office. The Committee’s responsibility is t<strong>of</strong>acilitate discussion and cooperation on work healthand safety (WHS) issues in <strong>the</strong> workplace. Thecommittee met quarterly in <strong>2011</strong>–12.Strategic Planning FrameworkFigure 2: Strategic Planning FrameworkPortfolio Budget StatementsDescribes <strong>the</strong> Office’s allocation <strong>of</strong>resources to its Outcome and <strong>the</strong>means by which <strong>the</strong> Office’s performancewill be measuredRisk Management andFraud Control PlansIdentify and considerbusiness and fraud risksand <strong>the</strong> controls in placeto manage <strong>the</strong>mStrategic Business PlanSets directions for <strong>the</strong> Office to guideits work and enable it to meetpriorities and allocate resourcesBranch Operational PlansDescribe <strong>the</strong> business strategies which willdeliver on <strong>the</strong> Office’s Outcome and allocateresponsibility for delivering on <strong>the</strong>seIndividual Performanceand Development PlansRecord key deliverables and developmentoutcomes for staff to deliver insupport <strong>of</strong> Branch Operational PlansICT Strategic PlanProvides guidance on futureselection <strong>of</strong> informationand communicationstechnology and systems<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>49


Chapter ThreeStrategic Business PlanThe Office’s Strategic Business Plan (July <strong>2011</strong> –June 2016) is both a statement <strong>of</strong> its corporatevision, strategy and objectives and a traditionalbusiness plan. It aims to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r planningand o<strong>the</strong>r strategic and operational activities andarticulate <strong>the</strong> linkages between <strong>the</strong>m. It is a fiveyear rolling plan, updated regularly, which distils <strong>the</strong>Office’s objectives into a high level action plan for<strong>the</strong> current year.Risk management frameworkThe Office’s Risk Management Plan identifies <strong>the</strong>business risks <strong>the</strong> Office manages in order toachieve its objectives. Individual risk assessmentsare completed for projects, events and o<strong>the</strong>roperational activities. All staff attended in-house riskmanagement training in <strong>2011</strong>–12.The Office continued to participate in Comcover’srisk benchmarking program, which measures<strong>the</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> agencies’ risk managementframeworks, practices and systems against a set <strong>of</strong>key result areas. The Office’s result for <strong>2011</strong>–12 wasa score <strong>of</strong> 6.3, which reflects <strong>the</strong> Office’s high level<strong>of</strong> maturity and competence in this field.Fraud control frameworkThe Office maintains a comprehensive FraudRisk Assessment and Fraud Control Plan and hasembedded fraud prevention, detection, investigation,reporting and data collection procedures andprocesses. During <strong>the</strong> financial year, all staff attendedin-house fraud control training. An up-to-date FraudRisk Assessment, Fraud Control Plan and ProtectiveSecurity Management Policy and Plan are in placeand maintained.There were no known incidents <strong>of</strong> fraud in <strong>2011</strong>–12.Security frameworkThe Office continued to work closely with <strong>the</strong>Attorney-<strong>General</strong>’s Department and <strong>the</strong> AustralianFederal Police to identify issues and receive adviceon security, in order to manage effectively <strong>the</strong>physical security environments at GovernmentHouse and Admiralty House.Audit activitiesIn addition to <strong>the</strong> four Audit Committee members,representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian National AuditOffice (ANAO) and <strong>the</strong> Office’s internal auditcontractors, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, attendcommittee meetings as observers.The Audit Committee met four times in <strong>2011</strong>–12.Matters discussed included:• internal audit plan, activity and findings• new or updated administrative policy andprocedures• self-assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s position in relationto recommendations made by <strong>the</strong> ANAO incompleted administrative audits• <strong>the</strong> ANAO report on <strong>the</strong> Office’s 2010–11financial statements.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, Pricewaterhouse Coopers conducted<strong>the</strong> following reviews in accordance with <strong>the</strong> agreedaudit program:• contract management• management information and reporting• accounting controls• time management and recording• legislative compliance.An additional audit was undertaken to determine<strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> recommendationsfrom <strong>the</strong> previous reviews by PricewaterhouseCoopers during 2010–11, including management<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial gifts and procurement activities. Spotchecks <strong>of</strong> a range <strong>of</strong> general operating proceduresand compliance were conducted, including assetmanagement, use <strong>of</strong> credit cards, CabCharge andfuel cards, purchasing, payroll, and Goods andServices Tax compliance.External scrutinyIn September <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong> ANAO provided anunqualified audit opinion on <strong>the</strong> Office’s <strong>2011</strong>–12financial statements. The Office was not <strong>the</strong> subject<strong>of</strong> any agency-specific audits by <strong>the</strong> Auditor–<strong>General</strong>’s Office, nor investigations or reviews by aparliamentary committee or <strong>the</strong> CommonwealthOmbudsman during <strong>2011</strong>–12.50 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityBusiness continuityThe Office maintains a whole-<strong>of</strong>-Office BusinessContinuity Plan, which is supported by individualbusiness area plans. These plans are reviewed andupdated regularly.Ethical standardsStandards <strong>of</strong> appropriate behaviour for employees<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office are set out in <strong>the</strong> Office’s Code <strong>of</strong>Conduct and Workplace Behaviours Policy, whichwere endorsed in <strong>the</strong> Enterprise Agreement<strong>2011</strong>–2014, as well as in previous agreements.The Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct reflects <strong>the</strong> AustralianPublic Service Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct and Values as setout in <strong>the</strong> Public Service Act 1999. The EnterpriseAgreement is accessible on <strong>the</strong> Office’s intranet.New employees <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office are required to signa statement indicating that <strong>the</strong>y have read andunderstood <strong>the</strong> Office’s Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct andWorkplace Behaviours Policy.During <strong>the</strong> year, all staff attended in-house trainingon <strong>the</strong> standards <strong>of</strong> workplace behaviour and ethicalconduct required by <strong>the</strong> Office, in accordance withits policy and guidelines on workplace behaviour.Financial management and accountabilityrequirements for <strong>the</strong> Office are set out in ChiefExecutive’s Instructions (CEIs), which are issuedby <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary under <strong>the</strong> FinancialManagement and Accountability Act 1997.The CEIs are cross-referenced to relevant parts<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Act to ensure that authorised staff arefully aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir legal obligations. The CEIsare available to all staff on <strong>the</strong> Office’s intranet.The Office’s procurement policy and guidelinesestablish clear standards <strong>of</strong> ethical behaviour forall staff responsible for procurement.Management <strong>of</strong> human resourcesKey achievementsKey achievements and initiatives in <strong>the</strong> Office’smanagement <strong>of</strong> human resources during<strong>2011</strong>–12 included:• successful transition <strong>of</strong> outsourcedpayroll providers• implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government’s new WHSlegislation including completion <strong>of</strong> an online WHSe-learning module by all staff• two targeted bulk round recruitmentprocesses for honours trainee case <strong>of</strong>ficers andadministrative staff• Indigenous employment increased to 3.6%• increased staff awareness <strong>of</strong> Indigenous culturethrough cultural awareness training by anIndigenous employment agency and NAIDOCWeek celebrations featuring a performance bylocal artist Duncan Smith• a successful year for <strong>the</strong> workplace-givingprogram with several new charities andorganisations in Australia and overseassupported by staff• continued development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Healthand Wellbeing Program includinginfluenza vaccinations and targeted healthpromotion activities.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> presented several staffwith <strong>2012</strong> Australia Day Achievement Medallionsin recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir work toward <strong>the</strong> Office’sobjectives. Medallions were presented to Mr NathanMcKenzie for leadership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> internal events teamin a highly successful year <strong>of</strong> achievement and to <strong>the</strong>human resources team <strong>of</strong> Ms Kerry Cox, Ms CathyBurton and Mr Todd Burns for an exceptional andsustained contribution to <strong>the</strong> Office in <strong>the</strong> delivery<strong>of</strong> human resources services.Senior executive remunerationThe Office employed one senior executive serviceequivalent <strong>of</strong>ficer during <strong>the</strong> financial year. Referto Note 11B <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Financial Statements on page119 for fur<strong>the</strong>r information. The remuneration<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary is determined by <strong>the</strong>Remuneration Tribunal.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>51


Chapter ThreeRemuneration arrangementsThe remuneration arrangements for staff are setout in <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>– 2014 Enterprise Agreement. Onestaff member’s remuneration was determined by<strong>the</strong> Remuneration Tribunal. At 30 June <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>the</strong>current enterprise agreement covered 94 staff(including 10 casual staff). Five staff members werecovered by Australian Workplace Agreementsand six staff members were covered by IndividualFlexibility Arrangements (IFA). The Office does nothave performance-based pay arrangements. Thesalary ranges <strong>of</strong> Office employees by classificationstructure are set out in Appendix E.Staffing changes and statisticsIn <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> average staffing level for <strong>the</strong> Officewas 79.86. During <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong>re were 11 cessationsand 11 commencements.The Office’s staffing statistics, including informationon gender, part-time and full-time employment andclassification levels, as well as information providedin accordance with workplace diversity principles,are at Appendix E.Developing staffThe Office’s performance management systemprovides a framework to set work priorities,assess employee performance, provide feedback,and identify training and development needs. Tocomplement this, <strong>the</strong> Office has a learning anddevelopment framework to deliver opportunitiesaimed at improving staff skills and job knowledge,and providing for personal growth.The Trainee Case Officer Program providesstructured training and development over a twoyear period to prepare trainees for careers in <strong>the</strong>Office and <strong>the</strong> wider public sector. Four traineeswho commenced in 2010 successfully completed<strong>the</strong> program in June <strong>2012</strong>, prior to moving intohonours case <strong>of</strong>ficer positions.Training opportunities provided to staff in <strong>2011</strong>–12included a variety <strong>of</strong> in-house and external courseson leadership development, cross cultural awareness,fraud and risk awareness, information technologysecurity, workplace ethics and behaviours, writingskills, communication skills, presentation skills, firesafety, manual handling and first aid.The Office runs a comprehensive inductionprogram to welcome and orient new starters sothat <strong>the</strong>y become productive as quickly as possible.Traineeships, apprenticeshipsand work experienceAlthough a small organisation, <strong>the</strong> Office, withits diverse work groups, was able to <strong>of</strong>ferseveral traineeships, apprenticeships and workexperience placements based on horticulture andadministration. Additionally, two participants in <strong>the</strong>Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASBA)program worked part-time in <strong>the</strong> Office’s gardeningand business work groups.Work Health and SafetyoverviewWork health and safety structureand oversightThe Office attaches high priority to <strong>the</strong> wellbeing <strong>of</strong>its workers and is committed to building a culturethat actively seeks to improve work practices andfosters attitudes which sustain a healthy and safework environment.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, Mr Michael Bryce and <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>, Mr Stephen Brady with <strong>the</strong> Office’s<strong>2012</strong> Australia Day Award recipients, Mr Todd Burns (second from left), Ms Cathy Burton (third from left), Ms Kerry Cox (secondfrom right) and Mr Nathan McKenzie (right).52 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityThe Office’s policies and procedures were updatedto reflect <strong>the</strong> changes in <strong>the</strong> Work Health and SafetyAct <strong>2011</strong> and to ensure that safe practices are afundamental and inherent part <strong>of</strong> its operations.Health and safety policy statementThe Office is committed to ensuring that itactively upholds work health and safety policy andprocedures and implements effective preventionstrategies, such as:• providing a safe and healthy workplace in whichworkers are protected from hazards or potentialhazards that may cause psychological or physicalinjury or disease• integrating adaptable safe work systems intowork processes• providing information and training to workers toenable <strong>the</strong>m to perform <strong>the</strong>ir work safely• ensuring that workers, including casual staffand contractors, are aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir individualresponsibilities to ensure <strong>the</strong>ir own and o<strong>the</strong>rs’health and safety• encouraging a cooperative and consultativerelationship within <strong>the</strong> Office on health andsafety issues• ensuring compliance with, and full implementation<strong>of</strong>, <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Work Health andSafety Act <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>the</strong> work health and safetyregulations and associated codes <strong>of</strong> practice.Initiatives that ensure <strong>the</strong> health,safety and welfare at work <strong>of</strong>employees and contractors• WHS requirements have been implemented inaccordance with <strong>the</strong> Workplace Health & SafetyAct <strong>2011</strong>• Information sessions have been presented for allworkers to provide a basic overview <strong>of</strong> updatedWHS legislation and <strong>the</strong>ir obligations as workers• Training sessions for managers and supervisorson <strong>the</strong> new WHS legislation and <strong>the</strong>irresponsibilities as Officers have been presented• Preventing psychological injury training has beencompleted by all supervisors/managers• WHS policy and guidelines have been reviewedand updated in consultation with all workers toreflect <strong>the</strong> new WHS legislation• Comcare WHS online e-learning module wascompleted by all workers• Comprehensive WHS information is available on<strong>the</strong> Office’s intranet including hazard and incidentreport forms• The Health and Safety Committee meetsregularly and Health and Safety Representativeshave received an appropriate level <strong>of</strong> training• Employee and workplace health monitoringprocedures include <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> PersonalProtective Equipment• Workplace assessments are conducted forall workers on commencement and regularinspections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grounds and propertyare undertaken• Work procedures were distributed and areavailable on <strong>the</strong> Office Intranet• A new WHS induction kit was developed andincluded in induction training for all new workersHealth and safety outcomesachieved as a result <strong>of</strong> initiatives• Emergency training has been conducted forall workers• WHS policy and guidelines have beenreviewed and updated and are available on<strong>the</strong> Office intranet• Risk assessment <strong>of</strong> tasks and working at heightshas been conducted• <strong>Annual</strong> testing and tagging <strong>of</strong> all electricalequipment has been completed• First aid kits have been restocked• First aid training has been conducted forrelevant workers<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>53


Chapter ThreeOrganisational review,development and innovationThroughout <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office continued itsprogram <strong>of</strong> efficiency and productivity gains andfound fur<strong>the</strong>r opportunities to contemporiseits operations:• <strong>the</strong> new National Emergency Medal andassociated systems, processes and resourcingwere implemented• a policies, procedures and practices day for <strong>the</strong>Council for <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia was initiatedto enhance efficiency and transparency measuressurrounding <strong>the</strong> Order; including publishing on<strong>the</strong> Office website aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bonsey Reviewinto <strong>the</strong> honours system, and information relatingto a number <strong>of</strong> policies, procedures and practicesagreed by <strong>the</strong> Council• phase one and two recommendationsidentified as part <strong>of</strong> a 2010–11 review onstreamlining honours systems and processeswere implemented• fur<strong>the</strong>r enhancements were made to internalfinance management processes, including inrelation to travel requisitions and acquittals andmonthly compliance reporting• significant reductions in supplier expensescontinued to be achieved through a concertedcampaign <strong>of</strong> working smarter and frugally• fur<strong>the</strong>r enhancements to <strong>the</strong> Office’s BlackBerryinfrastructure were made, including <strong>the</strong> roll-out<strong>of</strong> BlackBerry tablets to key operational <strong>of</strong>ficersworking away from <strong>the</strong> Office’s information andcommunications technology (ICT) infrastructure,thus increasing connectivity and productivity• <strong>the</strong> Office’s website was developed andenhanced to capitalise on <strong>the</strong> record numbers <strong>of</strong>hits, including improving content and accessibility,and moving web-hosting to <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and Cabinet• <strong>the</strong> Human Resources Management InformationSystem (HRMIS) was transferred to <strong>the</strong>Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and Cabinet,and a new electronic performance managementmodule was procured• <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> information published as part <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> IPS was fur<strong>the</strong>r developed and enhanced,including proactively publishing <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial giftspolicy and register• reviews <strong>of</strong> internal gifts management policieswere conducted to enhance processesand procedures• an in-house capacity to record and disseminatevodcasts was developed, enabling <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> to increase her community engagementand outreach in a cost-effective manner• <strong>the</strong> invitations database was upgraded to enableguest lists to be electronically populated, savingsignificant staff resources• <strong>the</strong> Honours Business Support Systemwas upgraded to improve functionality andcreate efficiencies.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> meets students from Geraldton Grammar School during <strong>the</strong>ir visit to Government House on 29 June <strong>2012</strong>54 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityManagement <strong>of</strong> assets and financial processesAsset managementIn <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office received funding for <strong>the</strong>seventh year <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Master Plan for <strong>the</strong> ongoingmaintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two vice-regal properties. TheGovernment’s commitment to this ten year worksprogram enables <strong>the</strong> Office to address deficienciesin building, plant and equipment assets that havedeteriorated or reached <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir life cycles,are inappropriate or inadequate for <strong>the</strong>ir purpose, donot comply with Australian Standards, have adverseenvironmental impacts, or create WHS concerns.The implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Master Plan helps toensure <strong>the</strong> heritage properties are appropriatelydeveloped and maintained for <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> allAustralians now and into <strong>the</strong> future. Fur<strong>the</strong>rinformation is provided under Propertymanagement in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Report</strong> on Performance.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office undertook plannedcyclical stock takes, in accordance with its assetmanagement policy.In <strong>2011</strong>–12, a total <strong>of</strong> $366,577 was spent onitems <strong>of</strong> infrastructure, plant and equipment, andcomputer s<strong>of</strong>tware that had an individual valuegreater than <strong>the</strong> Office’s asset threshold <strong>of</strong> $3,000.This comprised $342,268 for replacement <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rinfrastructure, plant and equipment and $24,309 forcomputer s<strong>of</strong>tware.PurchasingThe Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs)and <strong>the</strong> Office’s Chief Executive Instructions (CEIs)provide <strong>the</strong> framework within which decisionsabout <strong>the</strong> procurement <strong>of</strong> goods and servicesare made. The Office’s procurement policies andpractices focus on:• value for money• encouraging competition• <strong>the</strong> efficient, effective, economical and ethical use<strong>of</strong> government resources• accountability and transparency.The Office’s CEIs reflect <strong>the</strong> principles set outin <strong>the</strong> CPGs and <strong>the</strong> need for compliance withCommonwealth policy by all staff when choosingprocurement methods, sourcing potential suppliersor entering into contracts.The CPGs provide for <strong>the</strong> tendering <strong>of</strong> ‘covered’procurements with a value greater than $80,000,and <strong>of</strong> construction services valued at more than$9 million. The Office’s CEIs allow for <strong>the</strong> adoption<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most appropriate procurement method below<strong>the</strong>se thresholds or where <strong>the</strong> procurement is notclassified by <strong>the</strong> CPGs as a ‘covered’ procurement.Purchasing activities during <strong>the</strong> year were conductedin accordance with <strong>the</strong> CPGs and <strong>the</strong> Office’sCEIs. A range <strong>of</strong> positions within <strong>the</strong> Office havedelegated responsibility for <strong>the</strong> exercise <strong>of</strong> powersunder <strong>the</strong> FMA Act. Branch heads continue to beresponsible for <strong>the</strong> expenditure <strong>of</strong> funds and <strong>the</strong>management <strong>of</strong> assets under <strong>the</strong>ir control.The Office has ongoing contracts to provide avariety <strong>of</strong> contractor services, including internalaudit, banking, payroll, <strong>of</strong>fice cleaning, and propertymaintenance and minor works.The Office’s annual procurement plan for <strong>2011</strong>–12was published on AusTender on 30 June <strong>2011</strong>.ConsultantsThe Office engages consultants on an ad hoc basisto provide pr<strong>of</strong>essional and specialist servicesfor building works and architectural services,administrative projects, information technologysupport and systems development, and to facilitateorganisational change and management reformswhere <strong>the</strong> Office does not have <strong>the</strong> required skillsor <strong>the</strong>re is a need for independent research.Prior to engaging consultants, <strong>the</strong> Office takesinto account <strong>the</strong> skills and resources requiredfor <strong>the</strong> task, <strong>the</strong> skills available internally, and <strong>the</strong>cost-effectiveness <strong>of</strong> engaging external expertise.The decision to engage a consultant is madein accordance with <strong>the</strong> FMA Act and relatedregulations including <strong>the</strong> CPGs and relevantinternal policies.During <strong>2011</strong>–12, <strong>the</strong> Office entered into tennew consultancy contracts, involving total actualexpenditure <strong>of</strong> $90,236 (including GST). In addition,four ongoing consultancy contracts were activeduring <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–12 year, involving total actualexpenditure <strong>of</strong> $121,253. Information on <strong>the</strong>value <strong>of</strong> contracts and consultancies is availableon <strong>the</strong> AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au.Information on trends in consultancies is set out inAppendix G, Table G1.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>55


Chapter ThreeLegal services expenditureIn accordance with <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> LegalServices Directions 2005, <strong>the</strong> Office reports thattotal expenditure on external legal services in<strong>2011</strong>–12 was $142,150 (including GST). Allexpenditure incurred was for solicitors’ fees. Asignificant expense related to an appeal lodged in<strong>the</strong> Administrative Appeals Tribunal by an applicantwhose FOI request was refused on <strong>the</strong> basis that<strong>the</strong> documents did not relate to matters <strong>of</strong> anadministrative nature (s6A, FOI Act 1982).Competitive tenderingand contractingDuring <strong>the</strong> reporting year, <strong>the</strong> Office did notcontract to ano<strong>the</strong>r organisation <strong>the</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong>any program activities it had previously performed.Australian National AuditOffice access clausesThe Office did not enter into any contract <strong>of</strong>$100,000 or more (including GST) during <strong>2011</strong>–12that did not provide for <strong>the</strong> Auditor-<strong>General</strong> to haveaccess to <strong>the</strong> contractor’s premises.Exempt contractsThe Official Secretary did not exempt any contractor standing <strong>of</strong>fer in excess <strong>of</strong> $10,000 from beingpublished in AusTender on <strong>the</strong> basis that it woulddisclose exempt matters under <strong>the</strong> Freedom <strong>of</strong>Information Act 1982.Advertising and market researchThe Office did not undertake any advertisingcampaigns or market research during <strong>2011</strong>–12.Discretionary grantsThe Office nei<strong>the</strong>r made nor administered anydiscretionary grants during <strong>the</strong> financial year.Information technologyThe Office continued to improve <strong>the</strong> security,reliability and functionality <strong>of</strong> its ICT through a range<strong>of</strong> initiatives in <strong>2011</strong>–12:• after a thorough vulnerability assessment, stepswere taken to implement recommendations toenhance <strong>the</strong> security <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s systems• database systems were upgraded to streamlinedata import and use by two critical businessgroups (<strong>the</strong> Honours and Awards Branch and <strong>the</strong>Invitations Unit)• BlackBerry tablets were introduced for selectedstaff to enhance functionality and networkavailability away from <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice• <strong>the</strong> Information Publication Scheme (IPS) portalon <strong>the</strong> Office’s website was developed• <strong>the</strong> Office participated in <strong>the</strong> whole-<strong>of</strong>governmentconsolidated gateway initiative with<strong>the</strong> assistance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PrimeMinister and Cabinet• a regular replacement and upgrade program <strong>of</strong> ICTequipment including desktop computers, laptops,printers and multifunction print devices continued• ICT support was provided to several visitingdignitaries and delegations.As an FMA Act agency, <strong>the</strong> Office participatedin and benefited from a range <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> FederalGovernment’s whole-<strong>of</strong>-government initiatives,including co-ordinated telecommunications services,s<strong>of</strong>tware and hardware procurement.Changes to disabilityreporting inannual reportsSince 1994, Commonwealth departments and agencieshave reported on <strong>the</strong>ir performance as policy adviser,purchaser, employer, regulator and provider under<strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Disability Strategy. In 2007–08,reporting on <strong>the</strong> employer role was transferred to<strong>the</strong> Australian Public Service Commission’s State <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Service <strong>Report</strong> and <strong>the</strong> APS Statistical Bulletin.These reports are available at www.apsc.gov.au. From2010–11, departments and agencies have no longerbeen required to report on <strong>the</strong>se functions.The Commonwealth Disability Strategy has beenovertaken by a new National Disability Strategy whichsets out a ten year national policy framework forimproving life for Australians with disability, <strong>the</strong>ir familiesand carers. A high level report to track progressfor people with disability at a national level will beproduced by <strong>the</strong> Standing Council on Community,Housing and Disability Services to <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong>Australian Governments and will be available atwww.fahcsia.gov.au. The Social Inclusion Measurementand <strong>Report</strong>ing Strategy agreed by <strong>the</strong> Governmentin December 2009 will also include some reportingon disability matters in its regular How Australia isFaring report and, if appropriate, in strategic changeindicators in agency annual reports. More details onsocial inclusion matters can be found atwww.socialinclusion.gov.au.56 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityFreedom <strong>of</strong> informationThe Office continues to build and foster an agencyculture that embraces appropriate proactivedisclosure <strong>of</strong> its information holdings through <strong>the</strong>IPS on its website at www.gg.gov.au.The IPS was established by Part II <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Freedom<strong>of</strong> Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) with effect from1 May <strong>2011</strong>. Agencies subject to <strong>the</strong> FOI Act arerequired to publish information released to <strong>the</strong>public as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir IPS. This requirement hasreplaced <strong>the</strong> former requirement to publish asection 8 statement in annual reports.The IPS section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’s website publisheso<strong>the</strong>r information (in addition to <strong>the</strong> informationpublished under s 8(2)), taking into account <strong>the</strong>objects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> FOI Act (s 8(4)).Optional information is published under <strong>the</strong>following headings:• Our priorities- this includes a link to relevant sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>website and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>• Our finances- this includes links to <strong>the</strong> Financial Statementscontained within <strong>the</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> and <strong>the</strong>Portfolio Budget Statements• Our lists- this includes a link to <strong>the</strong> Senate File List,Agency Contracts and Honours Lists• <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s Program- daily program <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial engagements• Speeches- copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial speeches given by <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>.The Office proactively identifies and publishesinformation additional to <strong>the</strong> mandatoryrequirements that may be <strong>of</strong> interest to <strong>the</strong> public,such as new policies or reviews undertaken, in <strong>the</strong>Disclosure Log on its IPS.Organisation, function andpowers affecting <strong>the</strong> publicThe Office’s organisational chart and functionsare detailed in Chapter 1<strong>of</strong> this report and on <strong>the</strong>website, where a series <strong>of</strong> links appear in <strong>the</strong> sectionon <strong>the</strong> IPS.FOI procedures and initialcontact pointThe Official Secretary is <strong>the</strong> principal decisionmaker under section 23 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> FOI Act in respect<strong>of</strong> requests for access.The FOI Act applies to <strong>the</strong> Office as a bodyestablished for a public purpose by an enactmentand, <strong>the</strong>refore, is a ‘prescribed authority’ as definedin section 4. However, Section 6A <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> FOIAct provides:6A Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>1. This Act does not apply to any request for accessto a document <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> unless <strong>the</strong> document relatesto matters <strong>of</strong> an administrative nature.2. For <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> this Act, a document in<strong>the</strong> possession <strong>of</strong> a person employed undersection 13 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> Act 1974 thatis in his or her possession by reason <strong>of</strong> his or heremployment under that section shall be taken tobe in possession <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong><strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>.The Act thus has a restricted application to <strong>the</strong>Office, being relevant only in respect <strong>of</strong> requestsfor access to documents that relate to ‘matters <strong>of</strong>an administrative nature’. Implicitly, <strong>the</strong> Act doesnot apply to requests for access to documents thatrelate to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s discharge <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficialfunctions.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public seeking access to documentsrelating to ‘matters <strong>of</strong> an administrative nature’ in<strong>the</strong> possession <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary should applyin writing to:The Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>Government HouseCanberra ACT 2600Facsimile: (02) 6260 5967Initial enquiries may be directed to <strong>the</strong> Office’s FOIContact Officer on telephone (02) 6283 3514.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>57


Chapter ThreeChargesThe Office’s policy on levying charges under FOIregulations is that, where applicable, charges shouldbe imposed for processing FOI requests. However,charges may be reduced or not imposed, if <strong>the</strong> OfficialSecretary is satisfied that <strong>the</strong>re is an appropriatereason to do so. If access is approved, <strong>the</strong> OfficialSecretary will provide copies <strong>of</strong> documents after <strong>the</strong>Office receives payment <strong>of</strong> any charges that apply.FOI applications in <strong>2011</strong>–12During <strong>2011</strong>-12, eleven FOI requests were receivedfor documents relating to <strong>the</strong> operations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Official Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>. Of <strong>the</strong>se, six were denied under section 6A<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Act; three were granted; and two weretransferred to o<strong>the</strong>r agencies.The <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> as Commander-in-Chief inspects <strong>the</strong> guard at a parade to mark <strong>the</strong> bicentenary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglesea Barracksin Hobart on 3 December <strong>2011</strong>58 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


Management and accountabilityEcologically sustainable development andenvironmental protectionThe following summary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Office’senvironmental management activities andperformance is made in accordance withsection 516A <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (<strong>the</strong> EPBC Act).The Office does not administer externally focusedlegislation, undertake policy development ordeliver external policy programs which have anotable ecologically sustainable development (ESD)impact, o<strong>the</strong>r than its stewardship <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> viceregalproperties.Operational activitiesThe Office is committed to <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong>sustainable development and recognises itsresponsibilities to <strong>the</strong> Government and <strong>the</strong> widercommunity to minimise <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> its operationson <strong>the</strong> environment.The Office incorporates <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> ESD in itsstewardship <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial properties.Government House and Admiralty House wereincluded in <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Heritage List in June2004 as places <strong>of</strong> significant heritage value ownedor controlled by <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth. Their inclusionin <strong>the</strong> list places obligations on <strong>the</strong> Office to protect<strong>the</strong> heritage value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> properties.In accordance with <strong>the</strong> EPBA Act, <strong>the</strong> Office hasprepared and regularly reviews a Heritage Strategyto provide guidance on how it should manage<strong>the</strong> two properties. The Heritage Strategy can beviewed at www.gg.gov.au.The Office maintains detailed Heritage ManagementPlans, which meet <strong>the</strong> EPBC Act requirements, andconservation management plans for <strong>the</strong> residencesand associated landscapes.The Office engages heritage architects and heritagelandscape architects to assist with <strong>the</strong> maintenanceand development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> properties, and also takesadvice from <strong>the</strong> Official Establishments Trust.Environmental initiativesDuring <strong>2011</strong>–12 <strong>the</strong> Office continued todemonstrate environmental responsibility byminimising negative impacts on <strong>the</strong> environmentthrough efficient use <strong>of</strong> resources, effectivewaste management and pollution prevention.Decision-making processes effectively integratedlong term and short term economic andenvironmental considerations.The Office maintained its environmentalperformance across both properties. Newenvironmental improvements included:• introduction <strong>of</strong> worm farms at Admiralty Housewhich recycle food scraps to provide liquid andsolid fertiliser for use in <strong>the</strong> gardens• retr<strong>of</strong>itting <strong>of</strong> energy efficient light globes wherepractical in both houses and <strong>of</strong>fice space• reduction in paper use through introduction<strong>of</strong> electronic referee reports forhonours nominations• <strong>the</strong> Office purchased a second solar-poweredelectric garden utility vehicle at GovernmentHouse to replace a petrol-powered vehicle. Thisinitiative reduces petrol usage and also lowersnoise and exhaust levels on site• <strong>the</strong> Office made regular donations <strong>of</strong> leftoverfood and flowers to <strong>the</strong> charity OzHarvest• domestic water usage efficiencies at GovernmentHouse resulted in an 18% reduction in totalwater use for <strong>2011</strong>–12• a 51 per cent reduction in potable water usageat Admiralty House in <strong>2011</strong>–12, as a result <strong>of</strong>higher than average rainfall in Sydney, efficientwater harvesting and storage on site, and fur<strong>the</strong>refficiency measures such as <strong>the</strong> installation <strong>of</strong> dualflush toilets• efficient water capture and use also provided1,055 kilolitres <strong>of</strong> irrigation water and resulted ina 65 per cent reduction in water usage for <strong>the</strong>garden at <strong>the</strong> property in <strong>2011</strong>–12• green waste removal costs at Admiralty Housedecreased by 19 per cent in <strong>2011</strong>–12 due to<strong>the</strong> recycling <strong>of</strong> compostable material from <strong>the</strong>gardens.The Office is strongly committed to reducingcarbon pollution by improving energy efficiency atboth properties. Gas and electricity usage is carefullymonitored to track spikes in usage and facilitateconsumption reductions in to <strong>the</strong> future.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>59


Appendices


AppendicesMembers – ex <strong>of</strong>ficioMr Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSCSecretary, Department <strong>of</strong> DefenceMr Peter RushAssistant Secretary, Honours, Symbols andTerritories BranchDepartment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and CabinetNational Emergency MedalAs at 30 June <strong>2012</strong>The National Emergency Medal was established aspart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian honours system by LettersPatent signed by Her Majesty The Queen on23 October <strong>2011</strong>.SecretaryMr Stephen Brady CVOOfficial Secretary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>National Emergency Medal CommitteeMembers – nominated by <strong>the</strong> Australian GovernmentMs Pam White PSM (Chair)Ms Lyn Bergh<strong>of</strong>er ESMMr Peter Maher OAMCommonwealth RepresentativesMr Campbell Darby DSC AMDirector <strong>General</strong>, Emergency Management AustraliaMr Peter RushAssistant Secretary, Honours, Symbols andTerritories BranchDepartment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister and CabinetThe <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> congratulates <strong>the</strong> Australian Diamonds netball team on winning <strong>the</strong> Constellation Cup against <strong>the</strong>New Zealand Silver Ferns, in Melbourne on 30 October <strong>2011</strong><strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>63


Appendix B: Order <strong>of</strong> Australia AwardsTable B1: The Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Awards (<strong>General</strong> Division) Australia Day<strong>2012</strong> and The Queen’s Birthday <strong>2012</strong>CATEGORYNUMBER OFNOMINATIONSCONSIDEREDTOTALAWARDED%AWARDEDAWARDS LEVELSAC AO AM OAMArchitecture M 10 9 90% 0 2 5 2F 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0Arts M 47 35 74% 1 7 13 14Building &ConstructionBusiness &CommerceCommunity -MulticulturalAffairsF 24 15 63% 0 2 5 8M 12 9 75% 0 0 3 6F 2 2 100% 0 0 1 1M 72 40 56% 0 8 24 8F 6 4 67% 0 1 0 3M 28 12 43% 0 0 3 9F 9 7 78% 0 0 2 5Community M 452 210 46% 0 4 32 174Conservation &<strong>the</strong> EnvironmentF 242 136 56% 0 5 21 110M 33 26 79% 1 2 8 15F 10 9 90% 0 0 2 7Dentistry M 8 3 38% 0 0 2 1F 2 2 100% 0 0 1 1Disabled M 16 13 81% 0 0 2 11F 9 7 78% 0 0 2 5Education M 54 36 67% 1 5 14 16F 35 27 77% 0 1 18 8Engineering M 12 11 92% 0 0 7 4IndustrialRelationsInformationTechnologyInternationalRelationsF 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0M 5 2 40% 0 0 1 1F 2 2 100% 0 0 1 1M 6 4 67% 0 1 3 0F 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0M 18 11 61% 1 2 4 4F 8 6 75% 0 1 1 4Law M 44 23 52% 1 5 12 5Library & RelatedOccupationsF 10 9 90% 1 3 2 3M 1 1 100% 0 0 0 1F 1 0 0% 0 0 0 064 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesTable B1 Cont.LocalGovernmentM 16 5 31% 0 0 0 5F 14 7 50% 0 0 2 5Media M 9 5 56% 0 0 0 5F 2 0 0% 0 0 0 0Medicine M 143 91 64% 1 9 41 40F 34 29 85% 0 2 13 14Mining M 2 2 100% 0 1 1 0Parliament &PoliticsF 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0M 23 15 65% 2 3 8 2F 6 6 100% 1 1 2 2Primary Industry M 24 14 58% 0 0 3 11F 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0Public Service M 16 10 63% 2 1 4 3Public Service(Federal)F 3 3 100% 0 0 2 1M 11 8 73% 1 2 4 1F 3 2 67% 0 0 2 0Religion M 23 10 43% 0 0 1 9Science,TechnologicalDevelopments,R & DF 6 3 50% 0 0 0 3M 25 21 84% 0 3 16 2F 2 2 100% 0 0 1 1Sport M 75 36 48% 0 1 3 32Surveying &MappingTourism &HospitalityF 23 15 65% 0 1 0 14M 1 1 100% 0 0 0 1F 0 0 0% 0 0 0 0M 10 5 50% 0 0 0 5F 4 2 50% 0 0 1 1Transport M 18 8 44% 0 1 3 4VeterinaryScienceF 1 1 100% 0 0 0 1M 6 6 100% 0 0 4 2F 1 1 100% 0 1 0 0TOTAL M 1220 682 56% 11 57 221 393F 459 297 65% 2 18 79 1981679 979 58% 13 75 300 591AC = Companion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AO = Officer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AM = Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; OAM = Medal<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>65


Table B2: The Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Awards (<strong>General</strong> Division), The Queen’sBirthday 1975 to The Queen’s Birthday <strong>2012</strong>CATEGORYNO. OFNOMINATIONSCONSIDEREDTOTALAWARDED%AWARDEDAWARD LEVELSAK AD AC AO AM OAMArchitecture M 217 132 60.8% 0 0 2 25 82 23F 14 8 57.1% 0 0 0 0 5 3Arts M 1517 894 58.9% 0 0 21 116 370 387Building &ConstructionBusiness &CommerceCommunity -MulticulturalAffairsF 953 585 61.4% 0 1 10 44 179 351M 177 103 58.2% 0 0 2 8 56 37F 5 4 80.0% 0 0 0 0 3 1M 1870 1017 54.4% 2 0 38 210 529 238F 143 86 60.1% 0 0 3 15 41 27M 1127 513 45.5% 0 0 0 16 83 414F 348 206 59.2% 0 0 0 0 21 185Community M 15353 6957 45.3% 0 0 30 152 978 5797Conservation& <strong>the</strong>EnvironmentF 8373 4514 53.9% 0 0 12 103 553 3846M 582 390 67.0% 0 0 1 23 131 235F 263 167 63.5% 0 0 0 12 41 114Defence M 1 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0 0 0F 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0 0 0Dentistry M 218 116 53.2% 0 0 0 9 67 40F 13 9 69.2% 0 0 0 0 4 5Disabled M 576 346 60.1% 0 0 0 3 90 253F 587 377 64.2% 0 0 0 3 63 311Education M 1582 865 54.7% 1 0 21 134 380 329F 754 449 59.5% 0 0 4 32 181 232Engineering M 293 181 61.8% 0 0 3 32 110 36IndustrialRelationsInformationTechnologyInternationalRelationsF 3 3 100.0% 0 0 0 1 2 0M 335 212 63.3% 0 0 5 20 104 83F 22 19 86.4% 0 0 0 2 8 9M 25 16 64.0% 0 0 0 4 11 1F 7 5 71.4% 0 0 0 1 3 1M 297 137 46.1% 0 0 3 19 63 52F 157 98 62.4% 0 0 2 12 38 46Law M 629 346 55.0% 1 0 44 106 147 48F 84 55 65.5% 0 0 7 15 23 1066 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesTable B2 Cont.Library &RelatedOccupationsLocalGovernmentM 30 17 56.7% 0 0 0 2 6 9F 42 26 61.9% 0 0 0 1 9 16M 1520 734 48.3% 0 0 0 6 155 573F 242 131 54.1% 0 0 0 3 29 99Media M 534 270 50.6% 0 0 5 26 115 124F 86 43 50.0% 0 0 0 9 19 15Medicine M 2810 1424 50.7% 0 0 29 228 701 466F 960 589 61.4% 0 0 9 50 228 302Mining M 121 75 62.0% 0 0 4 20 37 14Parliament &PoliticsPrimaryIndustryF 3 1 33.3% 0 0 0 0 1 0M 500 272 54.4% 2 0 35 87 105 43F 68 37 54.4% 0 1 1 11 15 9M 1048 653 62.3% 0 0 1 41 269 342F 51 39 76.5% 0 0 0 2 9 28Public Service M 1863 859 46.1% 5 0 58 225 335 236F 285 126 44.2% 0 0 6 12 37 71Religion M 573 307 53.6% 0 0 5 19 97 186Science,TechnologicalDevelopments,R & DF 66 39 59.1% 0 0 0 1 7 31M 645 376 58.3% 1 0 18 98 199 60F 75 57 76.0% 0 0 4 16 25 12Sport M 3022 1667 55.2% 0 0 3 31 262 1371Surveying &MappingTourism &HospitalityF 826 539 65.3% 0 0 0 5 51 483M 28 17 60.7% 0 0 0 0 6 11F 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0 0 0M 179 100 55.9% 0 0 0 8 34 58F 33 17 51.5% 0 0 0 0 5 12Transport M 373 166 44.5% 0 0 3 20 67 76VeterinaryScienceF 19 12 63.2% 0 0 0 2 2 8M 95 61 64.2% 0 0 0 7 28 26F 10 8 80.0% 0 0 0 2 1 5TOTAL M 38140 19223 50.4% 12 0 331 1695 5617 11568F 14492 8249 56.9% 0 2 58 354 1603 623252632 27472 52.2% 12 2 389 2049 7220 17800AK = Knight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AD = Dame <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AC = Companion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AO = Officer <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; AM = Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia; OAM = Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> AustraliaNote: Anomalies may occur when comparing to previous years, possibly due to <strong>the</strong> deferral <strong>of</strong> promulgation, terminations, cancellations orresignations from <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia. A once-<strong>of</strong>f, larger than normal anomaly has occurred in <strong>2011</strong>-<strong>2012</strong> due to improved dataintegrity.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>67


Appendix C: Australian Bravery DecorationsTable C1: Australian Bravery Awards <strong>2011</strong>–12CATEGORYNUMBER OFNOMINATIONSCONSIDEREDTOTALAWARDED%AWARDEDAWARD LEVELSCV SC BM CBC GBCInterception <strong>of</strong>23 23 100% - 3 11 2(9) *armed <strong>of</strong>fenderRescued from7 5 71% - 1 4animal attackRescue from13 5 38% - 2 1 2armed <strong>of</strong>fenderRescue from- -electrical hazardRescue from10 5 50% - 1(4) * (1)**explosive hazardRescue from5 1 20% - 1fire - aircraftRescue from30 15 50% - 7 5 1(2) * (1)**fire - buildingRescue from55 35 64% - 1 10 6 2(18) *fire - bushfireRescue from fire16 12 75% - 6 6- motor vehicleRescue from7 6 86% - 6fire - o<strong>the</strong>rRescue from- -gases, toxicfumes etc.Rescue from8 6 75% - 1 1 1(4) *heights, cliffsRescue from3 7 - - 1(6) * (1)**holes, wells orminesRescue from20 10 50% - 1 6 1(1) * (2)**inland watersRescue from30 3 10% - 1 2o<strong>the</strong>r situationRescue8 6 75% - 4 2from path<strong>of</strong> oncomingvehicleRescue from1 - -water – o<strong>the</strong>rRescue from66 51 77% - 11 15 3(25) *water – seaRescue21 17 81% - 15 1 (2) *from water- submergedvehicleTOTAL 323 207 64% - 3 52 76 13(71) * (5)**CV = Cross <strong>of</strong> Valour; SC = Star <strong>of</strong> Courage; BM = Bravery Medal; CBC = Commendation for Brave Conduct; GBC = Group Bravery Citation* The number in brackets represents individual recipients in group citations** <strong>the</strong>se individuals received awards as part <strong>of</strong> a group previously gazettedNote: Anomalies may occur due to <strong>the</strong> deferral <strong>of</strong> promulgation, or a delay in promulgation due to difficulty in locating recipients68 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesTable C2: Australian Bravery Awards 1975 to 30 June <strong>2012</strong>CATEGORYNUMBER OFNOMINATIONSCONSIDEREDTOTALAWARDED%AWARDEDAWARD LEVELSCV SC BM CBC GBCInterception <strong>of</strong>672 325 48% 1 9 104 186 5(25) *armed <strong>of</strong>fenderRescue from animal152 82 54% 0 11 34 37 0attacksRescue from armed832 472 57% 0 36 170 175 13(91) *<strong>of</strong>fenderRescue from83 36 43% 1 1 13 21 0electrical hazardRescue from249 162 65% 2 11 46 50 5(53) *explosive hazardRescue from68 36 53% 0 1 26 9 0fire - aircraftRescue from1074 498 46% 0 12 165 288 5(33) *fire - buildingRescue from452 110 24% 0 2 15 32 4(61) *fire - bushfireRescue from655 394 60% 0 20 141 216 2(17) *fire - motor vehicleRescue from101 70 69% 0 7 29 11 1(23) *fire - o<strong>the</strong>rRescue from gases,34 25 74% 0 2 15 8 0toxic fumes etc.Rescue from heights,163 72 44% 0 3 22 30 4(17) *cliffsRescue from holes,146 89 61% 1 2 21 14 5(51) *wells or minesRescue from inland658 259 39% 0 1 62 148 8(48) *watersRescue from o<strong>the</strong>r570 126 22% 0 2 33 69 6(22) *situationRescue from path <strong>of</strong>85 41 48% 0 1 20 20 0oncoming vehicleRescue from49 8 16% 0 0 1 7 0water - o<strong>the</strong>rRescue from1308 589 45% 0 17 150 293 28(129) *water - seaRescue from water -133 58 44% 0 0 8 48 1(2) *submerged vehicleTOTAL 7484 3452 46% 5 138 1075 1662 87(572) *CV = Cross <strong>of</strong> Valour; SC = Star <strong>of</strong> Courage; BM = Bravery Medal; CBC = Commendation for Brave Conduct; GBC = Group Bravery Citation* The number in brackets represents individual recipients in group citationsNote: Anomalies may occur when comparing to previous years, possibly due to <strong>the</strong> deferral <strong>of</strong> promulgation. A once-<strong>of</strong>f, larger than normalanomaly occurred in <strong>2011</strong>-<strong>2012</strong> due to improved data integrity.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>69


Appendix D: O<strong>the</strong>r AwardsTable D1: O<strong>the</strong>r awards approved during <strong>2011</strong>–12 and total o<strong>the</strong>r awardsapprovedAwardAwards approved<strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>Total awardsapproved to 30June <strong>2012</strong>Victoria Cross <strong>of</strong> Australia - 2Companion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia (Military Division) 1 26Officer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia (Military Division) 6 247Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia (Military Division) 17 1067Medal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> Australia (Military Division) 27 1133Star <strong>of</strong> Gallantry 5Medal for Gallantry 7 57Commendation for Gallantry 13 45Unit Citation for Gallantry - 3Distinguished Service Cross 8 64Distinguished Service Medal 15 122Commendations for Distinguished Service 35 325Meritorious Unit Citation - 22Conspicuous Service Cross 40 816Conspicuous Service Medal 44 935Nursing Service Cross - 29Public Service Medal 75 1921Australian Police Medal 62 1443Australian Fire Service Medal 65 1102Ambulance Service Medal 21 255Emergency Services Medal 27 333Australian Antarctic Medal 3 88Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 24 6896Police Overseas Service Medal 136 4540Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal 24 2048National Police Service Medal 1720 1720National Emergency Medal 138 138Champion Shots Medal 2 57National Medal 7448 18913780th Anniversary Armistice Remembrance Medal - 71Australian Sports Medal - 18000Centenary Medal 1 15843TOTAL AWARDS 9959 248490Notes: 1. 372,956 awards in o<strong>the</strong>r categories were approved between 1975 and 30 June 2004, bringing <strong>the</strong> total number <strong>of</strong> awardsapproved to 621,446. Due to a change in administration arrangements <strong>the</strong>se awards are no longer processed by <strong>the</strong> Secretariat2. There may be some anomalies when comparing with previous years due to corrections relating to people previouslyunnaccounted for, and amendments in <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> people entitled to <strong>the</strong> awards70 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesAppendix E: Staffing overviewTable E1 provides information on <strong>the</strong> salary ranges available under <strong>the</strong> Office’s Enterprise Agreement orthrough an individual Australian workplace agreement or individual flexibility contract as at 30 June <strong>2012</strong>.Table E1: Salary range by classification at 30 June <strong>2012</strong>ClassificationGovernment House OfficerSalary rangeLevel 1 $40099 – 49358Level 2 $45988 – 53886Level 3 $51993 – 62924Level 4 $58770 – 63788Level 5 $65552 – 69491Level 6 $70801 – 81278Level 7 and Level 8*$90480 and aboveNote:Level 7 and Level 8 classifications have been combined to prevent <strong>the</strong> disclosure <strong>of</strong> personal information.The figures in <strong>the</strong> following tables show <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> employees occupying positions at 30 June. Staffingpr<strong>of</strong>iles at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> and at 30 June <strong>2011</strong> are shown in Tables E2 and E4; <strong>the</strong> Office’s equal employmentopportunity pr<strong>of</strong>ile at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> is shown in Table E3.Table E2: Staffing pr<strong>of</strong>ile at 30 June <strong>2012</strong>ClassificationFull-timePart-timeF M F MCanberra Sydney TotalStatutory Officer – 1 – – 1 – 1SES Equivalent Officer – 1 – – 1 – 1Government House OfficerLevel 8 3 1 1 – 5 – 5Level 7 5 2 – – 7 – 7Level 6 6 5 – – 11 – 11Level 5 5 4 3 1 12 1 13Level 4 7 8 – – 15 – 15Level 3 6 2 2 – 10 – 10Level 2 1 8 1 – 9 1 10Level 1 3 6 2 – 10 1 11Total 36 38 9 1 81 3 84Notes:All staff were employed under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>‐<strong>General</strong> Act 1974 on long-term or short-term contracts.In Canberra, staff are located at Government House, while in Sydney staff are located at Admiralty House.<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>71


AppendicesAPPENDIX F: WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY KEY STATISTICSTABLE F1: WHS InspectionsWHS inspectionsconducted% <strong>of</strong> sitescoveredNumber or %<strong>of</strong> substandardconditionsidentifiedNumber or %<strong>of</strong> substandardconditionscorrectedAveragetime takento completecorrections15 100% 2 1 3 monthsTABLE F2: WHS Training & initiativesTypes <strong>of</strong> WHS training undertakenNumber <strong>of</strong> staffrequired toattend training% <strong>of</strong> staff thatundertooktrainingHSR refresher training 5 100%WHS induction 12 100%Emergency training 64 76%Health & wellbeing activities Optional 25%TABLE F3: Notifiable IncidentsNotifiable incidents <strong>2011</strong>–12 FY 2010–11 FY 2009–10 FYDeaths 0 0 0Dangerous occurrences 0 0 0Serious personal injury 0 0 0Incapacity 1 0 2FIGURE 3: Mechanism <strong>of</strong> Incidents <strong>Report</strong>ing <strong>2011</strong>–12Falls, Trips and Slips = 0%Hitting Objects with Body = 0%Being Hit by Moving Objects = 50%Sound and Pressure = 0%Body Stressing = 50%Heat, Elec + O<strong>the</strong>r Enviro Fact = 0%Chemicals and O<strong>the</strong>r Substances = 0%Biological Factors = 0%Mental Stress = 0%O<strong>the</strong>r and Unspecified = 0%<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>73


Appendix G: Trends in consultanciesTABLE G1: Trends in consultanciesConsultancies 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 <strong>2011</strong>–12Number <strong>of</strong> existing consultancies 1 1 0 4Number <strong>of</strong> new consultancies 18 17 9 10Total consultancies 19 18 9 14Total expenditure (incl GST) $133,847 $226,766 $115,347 $211,489Note: Historical data is taken from previous years’ annual reports. However, due to definitional changes, figures are notdirectly comparable.74 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesAppendix H: Agency Resource StatementTABLE H1: Agency Resource StatementAvailablefor<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(a)Paymentsmade<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(b)Balanceremaining<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(a) – (b)Ordinary <strong>Annual</strong> ServicesDepartmental appropriation 1 16,064 11,884 4,180Additional s31 Receipts 98 7 91Total 16,162 11,891 4,271Administered expensesOutcome1 1,897 1,599Payments to CAC Act Bodies - -Total 1,897 1,599Total ordinary annual services A 18,059 13,490O<strong>the</strong>r services 2Departmental non-operatingEquity injections 6,338 1,070 5,268Total o<strong>the</strong>r services B 6,338 1,070Total available annual appropriationsand paymentsSalary to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>:<strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> Act 1974Total special appropriations excludingspecial accountsTotal Special AccountTotal resourcing and payments(A+B+C+D)394 394C 394 394D24,791 14,9541 This includes Prior Year departmental appropriation and s31 relevant agency receipts. Includes an amount <strong>of</strong> $0.449m in <strong>2011</strong>-12for <strong>the</strong> Departmental Capital Budget.2 Appropriation Bill (No.2) <strong>2011</strong>-12 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) <strong>2011</strong>-12 [include any fur<strong>the</strong>r bills as necessary]<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>75


TABLE H2: EXPENSES AND RESOURCES FOR OUTCOME 1Outcome 1: The performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong>’s role is facilitated through <strong>the</strong> organisation andmanagement <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial duties, management and maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial household and property andadministration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours and Awards systemBudget*<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(a)Program 1: Support for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Governor</strong>-<strong>General</strong> and Official ActivitiesAdministered expensesActualExpenses<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(b)Variation<strong>2011</strong>–12$’000(a) – (b)Ordinary <strong>Annual</strong> Services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 1 1,897 1,599 298Special appropriations 394 394 -Total Administered expenses 2,291 1,993 298Departmental expensesDepartmental appropriation 2 11,485 11,441 44Expenses not requiring appropriation in <strong>the</strong>Budget year414 369 45Total Departmental expenses 11,899 11,810 89Total for Program 1 14,190 13,803 387Average Staffing Level (number) 86 80 6* Full year budget, including any subsequent adjustment made to <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–12 Budget.1 Actual expenses does not include appropriation drawndown to acquire inventory <strong>of</strong> medals for <strong>the</strong> Australian Honours and Awards program2 Departmental appropriation combines “Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No 1)” and “Revenue from independent sources (s31)”76 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesTABLE I: List <strong>of</strong> requirementsList <strong>of</strong> Requirements – Compliance IndexPart <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Description Requirement LocationLetter <strong>of</strong> transmittal Mandatory ITable <strong>of</strong> contents Mandatory IIIndex Mandatory 154Glossary Mandatory 152-153Contact <strong>of</strong>ficer(s) Mandatory Inside frontcoverReview by SecretaryInternet home page address and Internet address forreportMandatoryInside frontcoverReview by departmental secretary Mandatory 2-3Summary <strong>of</strong> significant issues and developments Suggested 2-3Overview <strong>of</strong> department’s performance and financialresultsSuggested 12-13Outlook for following year Suggested 2Departmental OverviewSignificant issues and developments – portfolioPortfoliodepartments– suggestedNotapplicableRole and functions Mandatory 2-3Organisational structure Mandatory 5Outcome and program structure Mandatory 3Where outcome and program structures differ fromPB Statements/PAES or o<strong>the</strong>r portfolio statementsaccompanying any o<strong>the</strong>r additional appropriation bills(o<strong>the</strong>r portfolio statements), details <strong>of</strong> variation andreasons for changeMandatory 9, 12, 13Portfolio structurePortfoliodepartments -mandatoryNotApplicable<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>77


Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Description Requirement Location<strong>Report</strong> on PerformanceReview <strong>of</strong> performance during <strong>the</strong> year in relation toprograms and contribution to outcomesActual performance in relation to deliverables andKPIs set out in PB Statements/PAES or o<strong>the</strong>r portfoliostatementsWhere performance targets differ from <strong>the</strong> PBS/PAES, details <strong>of</strong> both former and new targets, andreasons for <strong>the</strong> changeMandatory 8-9, 12-13,15-16Mandatory 15-16Mandatory 9, 12, 13Narrative discussion and analysis <strong>of</strong> performance Mandatory 8-59Trend information Mandatory 16Significant changes in nature <strong>of</strong> principal functions/servicesPerformance <strong>of</strong> purchaser/provider arrangementsSuggestedIf applicable,suggestedNotapplicableNotapplicableFactors, events or trends influencing departmentalperformanceContribution <strong>of</strong> risk management in achievingobjectivesSuggested 8-59Suggested 50Social inclusion outcomesPerformance against service charter customer servicestandards, complaints data, and <strong>the</strong> department’sresponse to complaintsIf applicable,mandatoryIf applicable,mandatory5615-16Discussion and analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department’s financialperformanceDiscussion <strong>of</strong> any significant changes from <strong>the</strong> prioryear, from budget or anticipated to have a significantimpact on future operations.Agency resource statement and summary resourcetables by outcomesMandatory 12-13, 17,40Mandatory 9, 12, 13Mandatory 75-7678 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesPart <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Description Requirement LocationManagement and AccountabilityCorporate GovernanceAgency heads are required to certify that <strong>the</strong>ir agencycomply with <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Fraud ControlGuidelines.MandatoryiStatement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main corporate governancepractices in placeNames <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> senior executive and <strong>the</strong>irresponsibilitiesMandatory 48Suggested 5Senior management committees and <strong>the</strong>ir roles Suggested 48-49Corporate and operational planning and associatedperformance reporting and reviewApproach adopted to identifying areas <strong>of</strong> significantfinancial or operational riskPolicy and practices on <strong>the</strong> establishment andmaintenance <strong>of</strong> appropriate ethical standardsHow nature and amount <strong>of</strong> remuneration for SES<strong>of</strong>ficers is determinedSuggested 48-50Suggested 50Suggested 51Suggested 51External ScrutinySignificant developments in external scrutiny Mandatory 50Judicial decisions and decisions <strong>of</strong> administrativetribunals<strong>Report</strong>s by <strong>the</strong> Auditor-<strong>General</strong>, a ParliamentaryCommittee or <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth OmbudsmanMandatory 50Mandatory 50Management <strong>of</strong> Human ResourcesAssessment <strong>of</strong> effectiveness in managing anddeveloping human resources to achieve departmentalobjectivesMandatory 51-54Workforce planning, staff turnover and retention Suggested 52, 71-72Impact and features <strong>of</strong> enterprise or collectiveagreements, individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs),determinations, common law contracts and AWAsSuggested 51, 52Training and development undertaken and its impact Suggested 52Work health and safety performance Suggested 52-53, 73<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>79


Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Description Requirement LocationProductivity gains Suggested 54Statistics on staffing Mandatory 71-72Enterprise or collective agreements, IFAs,determinations, common law contracts and AWAsMandatory 51, 52Performance pay Mandatory 52AssetsmanagementAssessment <strong>of</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> assets managementIf applicable,mandatory55PurchasingConsultantsAustralianNational AuditOffice AccessClausesAssessment <strong>of</strong> purchasing against core policiesand principlesThe annual report must include a summarystatement detailing <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> new consultancyservices contracts let during <strong>the</strong> year; <strong>the</strong> total actualexpenditure on all new consultancy contracts letduring <strong>the</strong> year (inclusive <strong>of</strong> GST); <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong>ongoing consultancy contracts that were active in<strong>the</strong> reporting year; and <strong>the</strong> total actual expenditurein <strong>the</strong> reporting year on <strong>the</strong> ongoing consultancycontracts (inclusive <strong>of</strong> GST). The annual report mustinclude a statement noting that information oncontracts and consultancies is available through <strong>the</strong>AusTender website.Absence <strong>of</strong> provisions in contracts allowing access by<strong>the</strong> Auditor-<strong>General</strong>Mandatory 51, 55Mandatory 55, 74Mandatory 56ExemptcontractsFinancialStatementsContracts exempt from <strong>the</strong> AusTender Mandatory 56Financial Statements Mandatory 83-148O<strong>the</strong>r Mandatory InformationWork health and safety (Schedule 2, Part 4 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Work Health and Safety Act <strong>2011</strong>)Advertising and Market Research (Section 311A<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918) andstatement on advertising campaignsMandatory 52-53, 73Mandatory 5680 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL


AppendicesPart <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Description Requirement LocationEcologically sustainable development andenvironmental performance (Section 516A <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999)Mandatory 59Compliance with <strong>the</strong> agency’s obligations under <strong>the</strong>Carer Recognition Act 2010If applicable,mandatoryNotapplicableGrant programs Mandatory 56Disability reporting – explicit and transparentreference to agencylevel information available througho<strong>the</strong>r reporting mechanismsMandatory 56Information Publication Scheme statement Mandatory 57Correction <strong>of</strong> material errors in previous annualreportIf applicable,mandatoryNotapplicableList <strong>of</strong> Requirements Mandatory 77-81<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2011</strong>–<strong>2012</strong>81

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