Annual Performance Statement 2018–19

Statement of Preparation

I, Renée Leon PSM, as the accountable authority of Services Australia, present the 2018–19 annual performance statement of Services Australia, as required under paragraph 39(1)(a) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

In my opinion, the 2018–19 annual performance statement is based on properly maintained records, accurately presents the performance of Services Australia, and complies with subsection 39(2) of the PGPA Act.

Service Australia's purpose

The purpose stated in the 2018–19 Corporate Plan was:

• We support the economic, health and social wellbeing of Australia by delivering high-quality services and payments for the community on behalf of Government.

The text of Outcome 1 has remained consistent across 2018–19 in the Appropriation Acts and in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2018–19 Budget Related Paper No. 1.11 Human Services Portfolio, which requires the department to:

• Support individuals, families and communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency; through the delivery of policy advice and high quality accessible social, health and child support services and other payments; and support providers and businesses through convenient and efficient service delivery.

Changes to performance measures from 2017-18 to 2018-19

The department conducted a review of performance measures in 2017–18 to ensure they are reliable and directly relevant to the department’s purpose and outcome. The review resulted in a number of changes to performance measures for 2018–19.

• Eight performance measures ceased.
• Ten performance measures were amended.
• Three performance measures were consolidated into a single performance measure.
• One new performance measure was included.

The details of these changes were also included in the 2018–19 Portfolio Budget Statements.

The department will continue to review its performance measures in 2019–20 to ensure they remain reliable and contribute to the department achieving its purpose.