Overall, we found there have been some improvements in the quality of annual reports since 2000. Most agencies now report key outcomes and results, provide performance data and trends and employ both qualitative and quantitative measures of performance. However, there was considerable variation in the quality of performance information in annual reports. Some agencies still focus on reporting activities and projects rather than outcomes and results. And agencies still face major challenges in producing a balanced report. Few agencies used performance targets, declared or discussed setbacks, linked costs to results or provided benchmark comparisons.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #118 - released 1 October 2003

We recognise that managing waiting times is a difficult and complex task. Waiting times are influenced by many factors, some of which are outside the control of NSW Health. There are, however, steps which NSW Health could, and should, take to ensure that the processes to manage waiting times are efficient and effective. By all measures used by NSW Health, patients are waiting longer for elective treatment today than six or seven years ago. In March 2003 patients admitted to elective medical or surgical treatment had waited, on average, 1.8 months, whereas in March 1997 they would have waited on average 1.1 months.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #116 - released 18 September 2003

The Audit Office’s performance audit report, The Management of Intellectual Property (October 2001) addressed issues at the whole-of-government level and examined IP management in fourteen agencies.

This Better Practice Guide draws on the audit report and seeks to build upon initiatives undertaken by the Premier’s Department and other agencies. Some of these initiatives are included under the heading of ‘Additional Information’ at the end of the guide. These should be consulted for help in formulating policies and procedures for the management of Intellectual Property.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #90 - released 17 October 2001

The Audit Office is of the opinion that the good management of Intellectual Property (IP) by the public sector depends on an adequate and coordinated framework to guide agencies in developing their own policies. The current framework for IP is incomplete because it does not help agencies to develop policy, identify the IP assets that need to be managed, integrate management of IP with agency objectives, access expert help when they need it, encourage staff to be innovative and so create and promote the uptake of IP or monitor and defend IP against unauthorised use.

It is also important to improve coordination between agencies responsible for developing whole-of-government policy in regard to IP. The lack of an integrated framework and co-ordinated support for agencies means that the management of IP has varied across the public sector and in general is not adequate.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #89 - released 17 October 2001

This performance audit indicates that the Service has considerable work to do to reach its aspirations of being recognised amongst leading examples of best practice services. The commitment of the Service to serving the community and the professionalism of the Service's officers is not in question. It is, however, apparent that a number of barriers to performance will need to be overcome for the Service to perform as well as it would wish.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #80 - released 7 March 2001