Controls on the use of inputs within overall expenditure limits have been relaxed, initially in relation to performance contracts, but later more generally. Process controls and regulation have been reduced. Contract agency status has been given to number of public entities through performance contracts. There is an increasing interest in comparing the performance of organisations. Preparations for initiating benchmarking projects have started.
Individual agencies use corporate and strategic planing as an important management tool.
Performance contracts, applied on a selective basis, are seen as a major element of performance management. Market approaches were an integral part of performance management under the former coalition, but are now used more selectively.