The Audit Committee Guidelines: Improving Accountability and Performance have been prepared to assist agencies with the establishment and maintenance of audit committees. The guidelines were updated in July 2020 and a summary of significant changes has been provided, highlighting the major amendments from the previous guidelines.
A Guide to Risk Management has been prepared as an information reference and contains the minimum principles and procedures of a basic risk management process.
The guide is not mandatory; however, application of the guide will encourage better practice.
The guide supports the requirements of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019 and is consistent with the principles set out in AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Principles and Guidelines.
The purpose of the Cross-Agency Funding Framework (the Framework) is to outline the options available to Government and departments to fund cross-agency initiatives. Specifically, the Framework provides alternative models for how funding can be distributed to agencies, i.e. how best to get funding from the centralised Consolidated Fund out to departments (who then distribute funds to other entities where required). The models can be applied whether an initiative is funded from internal sources, from a reprioritisation of existing funding, or by new funding. Several agencies already utilise the Framework’s models, albeit on an informal basis.
The Framework provides for three broad types of funding models:
• Lead agency funding
• Multi-agency funding (simple), and
• Multi-agency funding (complex).
The funding approach adopted will depend upon the complexity surrounding the initiative, particularly the number of agencies involved.
Annual Leave Central Scheme Guidelines provide all member agencies with an overview of the operations of the Annual Leave Central Scheme, including the establishment and ongoing operations of the scheme.
The principles for fees and charges provides agencies with broad guidelines on the setting of fees and charges. Includes discussion of general principles, principles for fees primarily in the nature of a tax, principles for user charging, cost identification, competitive neutrality and indexation policy.
The purpose of the Guidelines for the Formation, Acquisition and Post Approval Monitoring of Companies is to outline the various issues that should be addressed by agencies in seeking the Treasurer’s approval under section 88 and section 88A of the Financial Accountability Act 2009. Under section 58 of the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019, a department must have regard to the company guidelines in applying for the Treasurer’s approval. The company guidelines reinforce the importance of establishing appropriate governance, accountability and monitoring frameworks for companies.
This handbook has been prepared to aid departments and agencies in applying effective cash management concepts and principles in order to assist them in maximising the funds available to meet the social and economic objectives of the Government.
The Non-Current Asset Policies for the Queensland Public Sector (NCAP) on this web page are mandatory for departments and statutory bodies (for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2019). It is expected that agencies will adopt processes for their circumstances and operational characteristics.
These annual financial statement requirements include the Minimum Reporting Requirements and assist agencies in the preparation of their financial statements. The requirements provide updates on new and revised accounting policies and standards and additional guidance and advice on the application of such policies and standards.
The Project Commencement Approval policy outlines the approvals required by a department prior to commencing a high-value project. Compliance with this policy is mandated by Cabinet decision.