Client consultation mechanisms are used, including customer surveys. The Australian approach stresses self evaluation by departments and agencies. The Australian National Audit Office has a role in reviewing performance, focused on reviewing the adequacy of internal evaluations. Performance information is extensively used to inform budget decisions and evaluations are used to support new proposals and savings. Individual performance pay is paid to the highest performers.
Performance is evaluated through performance appraisals.
Departments have received substantial budgetary devolution through global allocations for running costs. Process controls have been reduced, both in relation to human resource management and other issues. Service delivery agency has been set up, dividing policy from service delivery. Appropriate risk management is encouraged. Considerable emphasis is being placed on benchmarking of performance, through several separate initiatives.