About the Review of Government Service Provision

Terms of Reference

The Review, to be conducted by a joint Commonwealth/State and Territory Government working party, is to undertake the following:

• establish the collection and publication of data that will enable ongoing comparisons of the efficiency and effectiveness of Commonwealth and State Government services, including intra government services. This will involve:
  • establishing performance indicators for different services which would assist comparisons of efficiency and effectiveness. The measures should, to the maximum extent possible, focus on the cost effectiveness of service delivery, as distinct from policy considerations that determine the quality and level of services; and
  • collecting and publishing data that are consistent with these measures. The Review should also address the procedures for the ongoing collection and publication of benchmark data; and
• compile and assess service provision reforms that have been implemented or are under consideration by Commonwealth and State Governments.

The Review will cover all major types of reform, including those involving the separation of policy development from service provision. Case studies of particular reforms could be provided where appropriate.

The Review will need to keep abreast of developments in other relevant reviews and working parties, including the Commonwealth/State Government working party (initiated by the Council of Australian Governments) investigating Commonwealth/State Government roles and responsibilities.