Download Annual Report 2011-2012 - Governor-General of the ...

Chapter OneOfficial Secretary’s reviewYear in reviewBuilding on the momentum established during the firstthree years of the Governor-General’s term, the Officeof the Official Secretary to the Governor-Generaldelivered a range of professional services to supporta dynamic vice-regal program in 2011–12. The Office’swork relating to the Australian honours and awardssystem was broadened with the implementation oftwo new medals: the National Police Service Medaland the National Emergency Medal. Meanwhile, theOffice successfully managed its corporate agenda,including external budgetary pressures and acomprehensive set of governance requirements.The year featured visits to Australia by HerMajesty The Queen and several Heads of State,Australia’s hosting of the Commonwealth Headsof Government Meeting, and a particular focusin the Governor-General’s program on remote,marginalised or disadvantaged members of theAustralian community. Ms Bryce undertook a busyschedule of meetings, visits and ceremonial duties tofurther deepen her engagement with the Australiancommunity. Her patronage of the Australian Yearof the Farmer 2012 emphasised the importanceof rural and regional communities to Australia’seconomy and society.Continuing high volumes of correspondence, visitorsand activity on the Office’s website indicated sustainedpublic interest in the Governor-General’s role andactivities, and in the Australian honours system. TheOffice enhanced efficiency and transparency measuressurrounding the Order of Australia, including publishingon the Office website aspects of the Bonsey Review,and information relating to a number of policies,procedures and practices agreed by the Council.More generally, the Office maintained a helpful andresponsive approach to requests for information aboutits operations, enhancing the Information PublicationScheme section of the website throughout the year.Overseas, the Governor-General’s program includedan intensive regional program of visits to Pacific islandstates; a visit to Australian troops in Afghanistan, forthe third time; a visit to East Timor, also for the thirdtime; the first Australian State Visit to the Philippines;and attendance at events associated with the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee in London.Against the backdrop of an active austerityprogram to constrain expenditure, the Officeprovided comprehensive and high quality supportand services including logistics, liaison and briefingto the Governor-General as she performed herconstitutional, Commander-in-Chief, ceremonial andcommunity duties. The staffing structure of the Officeremained essentially unchanged. Staff reductionsthrough natural attrition enabled the streamlining ofsome functions. Task forces were convened for specialevents and projects and administrative staff weredeployed flexibly at times of high workload.After extensive consultation and planning, the Officecommissioned two major property conservationprojects at Admiralty House. Other property andgarden maintenance works were undertaken inaccordance with priority needs. Judicious savingswere realised in supplier costs.The Honours and Awards Branch assumedsecretariat responsibility for the newly establishedNational Emergency Medal Committee, undertakingsignificant preparatory work for its inauguralmeeting. The Branch supported the Council forthe Order of Australia and the Australian BraveryDecorations Council through changes of Chairand a high volume of nominations researched inpreparation for their meetings.Outlook for 2012–13With the Governor-General entering her fifth yearin office, the Office will focus on consolidating theachievements of her term, particularly in communityoutreach. Budgetary pressures will necessitatecontinued sharp focus on working smartly anddelivering maximum value for money across allaspects of the Office’s work. Activities associatedwith official representation will be closely managedto ensure they are meaningful, efficient and effective.Property and garden works will be carefully plannedin accordance with the Office’s risk managementframework, and good governance will continue toinform the Office’s corporate agenda.The Honours and Awards Branch will consolidateprevious work in implementing the NationalEmergency Medal, and will publish more informationabout the Australian honours system on the Office’swebsite, particularly in relation to Australian BraveryDecorations and associated nomination processes.2 OFFICE OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL