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Last updated: 29 November 2007

Implementing Machinery of Government Changes: A good practice guide

Foreword

As many of us in the Australian Public Service know from experience, undergoing a machinery of government change can be challenging. Agencies are required to consider an enormous number of issues and deal with wide-ranging matters, some of which can be very complex and time-consuming. Affected staff need to be kept informed of what is happening; legislative and government policy requirements must be complied with; and for the process to work as smoothly as possible, actions should be undertaken with a cooperative ‘whole-of-government’ spirit.

This publication has been designed to provide practical guidance to help agencies implement machinery of government changes. It has been developed jointly by the Australian Public Service Commission, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in consultation with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the National Archives of Australia.

The information contained in this publication was developed in consultation with Departmental Secretaries and draws on their extensive experience of machinery of government changes over the years.

I trust that managers and their staff across the Australian Public Service, particularly those undergoing machinery of government changes, will find this guide useful.

Signature: Ms Lynelle Briggs

Ms Lynelle Briggs
Public Service Commissioner

Signature: Dr Ian Watt

Dr Ian Watt, Secretary
Department of Finance and Administration

Signature: Dr Peter Boxall

Dr Peter Boxall, Secretary
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1. Machinery of government process

2. Principles and approach

3. Planning

4. Financial management

5. People management

6. Records management

7. Taxation issues

Appendix: Checklist for implementing MOG changes

Glossary