As a central agency of the Australian Government, the Department of Finance (Finance) plays a key role in assisting the Government to shape and deliver its priorities. We focus on ensuring public expenditure programs are effective, sustainable and reflect best value for the Government and the Australian community.

Our responsibilities are diverse, spanning the full range of public administration functions from the earliest points of developing policy through to implementing and reviewing programs.

To fulfil these responsibilities, we deliver an array of support and services including:

• providing policy and financial advice to the Minister for Finance, senior ministers and Cabinet’s Expenditure Review Committee on government expenditure and program delivery
• supporting the Government in its Budget preparation, delivery and ongoing management through the Budget process
• providing leadership in the reform of the Australian Public Service (APS), such as through the Public Service Modernisation Fund and by promoting public sector productivity, including by overseeing and delivering shared services
• fostering leading public-sector practice through public-sector resource management, governance and accountability frameworks
• providing advice to the Government on optimal arrangements for construction, management and sale of public assets
• administering the Government’s general insurance fund, investment funds and superannuation schemes
• managing the Government’s shareholdings in a number of Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and other public non-financial corporations
• providing a range of facilities and services to parliamentarians, their staff and former senators and members
• delivering whole-of-government information and communication technology services
• developing and maintaining the Government’s procurement policy framework
• managing the Government’s special claims, insurance and risk management operations
• administering discretionary compensation payments.