Since the Palmer and Comrie reports, the Minister has twice directly and personally addressed all DIMA staff on the Government’s expectations of the reform agenda. She continues to encourage staff to share ideas for change and improvement. The Secretary has continued his practice of communicating twice weekly with all staff in the Department and delivering keynote addresses, updating staff on current issues and achievements and seeking their input and ideas.

The Senior Executive has travelled to all of our capital city offices in Australia and a number of our overseas posts to discuss the reform agenda and hear first hand the impact it is having on our state and territory and overseas operations. We have continued to engage with our clients, critics and other organisations, particularly those who have a role in scrutinising the activities of the Department.

We have very constructive relationships with the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office and the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner and their feedback is highly valued. A privacy training strategy has been developed and training has commenced. The restructure of our National Office is complete and new and stronger governance arrangements are in place.

A whole range of appointments have been made to Senior Executive Service and State Director positions. The new Values and Standards Committee is up and running. With its three external members (from the Ombudsman’s Office. The Australian Public Service Commission and the community), it is well placed to ensure that the Department is meeting community expectations. An expanded Audit and Evaluation Committee, with an external chair, is providing rigorous oversight of the enhanced internal audit program.

For the first time in many years, there has been a comprehensive staff survey to assess the views of staff and to provide a benchmark for monitoring change. The report will be available shortly and the Department’s executive will be taking a strong personal interest in developing the responses to staff ideas and concerns.