The Strategic Centre Initiative focuses on areas of intersection between the central agencies: the Department of Premier and Cabinet [2] (DPC), NSW Treasury [3] and the Department of Finance and Services [4] (DFS). In addition, the Public Service Commission [5] (PSC) has key central functions, with its independence enshrined in legislation.
This initiative has involved clarifying functions, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of each central agency. It will also change the way central agencies work with each other, clusters and external stakeholders.
To provide greater coherence, key areas of responsibility have been identified:
- DPC – focuses on performance & priorities including policies, initiatives and events
- NSW Treasury – focuses on effective financial and economic management
- DFS – focuses on policy reform of, and delivers, enabling functions to support clusters
- PSC – focuses on people management, capability and workforce development.
Together these agencies have a key coordination role in working with the nine Clusters [6] established to coordinate the efforts all NSW Government agencies which are implementing the Government’s policies and services priorities for the community, outlined in its ten year strategic plan - NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One [7].
The initial phase of the Strategic Centre Initiative has resulted in a shared vision, principles, and agreed roles and responsibilities.
Vision
Central agencies have developed a shared vision: We will add value to policy and service outcomes for the residents of NSW by working effectively with each other, clusters, line agencies and external stakeholders.
Principles
Principles to guide central agency work are detailed in the Brochure: Towards a Strategic Centre - New Ways of Working [8].
Roles and responsibilities
Lead and support responsibilities for functions at the centre of Government have been agreed. These are summarised in 25 key functions in the Central Agency Key Functions-Responsibility Matrix [9].
