Director-General’s foreword
I am pleased to present the 2013–14 Annual Report for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC), which outlines the considerable progress we have made in leading an efficient, modern and service-oriented department, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. This report incorporates the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel (OQPC) which drafts and publishes all Queensland legislation.
In 2013–14, the department led the sector in the Public Sector Renewal Review process with the strategic guidance of the Public Sector Renewal Board. DPC examined its work and role, inviting internal and external customers to tell us what they required from DPC and how those services might best be delivered.
To lead policy development and implementation in Queensland, DPC requires a strong central policy capacity, a balance of strategic and technical capability, and influence in high-risk, high- stakes policies and core cross-agency policies. The business of government requires consideration and innovation in supporting Cabinet processes, and routines of Government, Parliament and Executive Council.
It is crucial that DPC delivers continual improvement, innovation and value for money. These principles are inherent in the changes DPC has instituted in response to our customers’ feedback. Key elements of renewal in DPC included:
- integrating the Public Sector Renewal team—to drive renewal across the sector from within DPC
- modernising and streamlining business processes to enable the best service delivery for our customers
- creating the role of Chief Operating Officer—to facilitate the day to day running of the department, focussing on business improvement and embedding our core values in our work
- augmenting our existing policy capability with a taskforce model—time-limited teams, that draw expertise from other departments and sectors to strategically initiate and coordinate responses to important issues.
DPC staff, including OQPC, are our strongest asset and I applaud the energy and commitment they apply every day, which was reflected in our impressive Working for Queensland Employee Opinion Survey results.
This year has seen a comprehensive coordination of once-in-a-generation opportunities that will be delivered in 2014–15. Events such as G20, the Anzac Centenary Commemoration and the Queensland Plan involve Queenslanders in celebrating, showcasing and building a better Queensland together.
While much has already changed in the way the department conducts its internal business and works with and for customers, ultimately Queenslanders deserve and demand the very best in their public officials, public policy and public services.
DPC is determined to be the very best lead agency of the very best public service in the nation, and I am excited about the challenges and opportunities 2014–15 offers us to pursue this vision. We have risen to the challenge to continue the momentum for change in the public sector, by embedding renewal as business-as-usual and improving our focus on our customers.
I thank DPC for its commitment to Queensland and keenly anticipate the work we will do together with OQPC and the whole government in the years to come.
Jon Grayson