Chapter 2 - Annual reports by statutory and non-statutory authorities
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES
Army and Air Force Canteen Service Board of Management
2.1
The Army and Air Force Canteen Service Board of Management Annual
Report 1995-96 was tabled in the Senate on 11 December 1996.
2.2
The purpose of the Army and Air Force Canteen Service Board of
Management (AAFCANS) is to provide a quality canteen service to the Army and
Air Force. In the 1994-95 report the Board approved a business plan that would
‘reinvent’ the canteen service. The Committee noted that AAFCANS has continued
its restructuring agenda, from the previous year, to restore both sales and
profit growth. This was evident in the closing of three regional stores, the
piloting of a new computer system, and securing a landmark national pricing and
supply agreement with Coca Cola Amatil. The Committee also noted that major
operational problems were discussed such as the Board’s attempts to amend the
AAFCANS Regulations in order to provide for a greater commercial service in a
competitive environment.
2.3
The Committee finds that this report meets all the reporting
requirements outlined in the Guidelines (1982) for statutory
bodies. It commends AAFCANS on producing an informative document that is
concise, well structured and clearly presented.
Defence Housing Authority
2.4
The Defence Housing Authority Annual Report 1995-96 was tabled in
the Senate on 19 November 1996. The report is submitted in accordance with
section 43 of the Defence Housing Authority Act 1987.
2.5
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has met all reporting requirements
outlined in the Guidelines for the Content, Preparation of Annual Reports by
Statutory Authorities (1982). It is a well presented, informative and
professionally produced document. The Committee notes that the report provides
sound discussion and analysis of current DHA issues and programs. This is
complemented with detailed information on regional performances that provide
highlights of the year and overall progress. Other key performance indicators,
located in the Appendices, have been well illustrated by the DHA’s selection of
graphs and charts. The Committee notes that the inclusion of a compliance index
recommended in the Scrutiny of Annual Reports No. 1 1996 has been
overlooked. Overall, however, the DHA has provided a quality annual report.
Australian Safeguards Office/Chemical Weapons Convention Office
(ASO/CWCO)
2.6
The Annual Report of the Director of Safeguards and Director, Chemical
Weapons Office 1995-96 was tabled in the Senate on 26 November 1996. The report
is submitted pursuant to section 51 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
(Safeguards) Act 1987 and to section 96 of the Chemical Weapons
(Prohibitions) Act 1994.
2.7
The Director has followed the format set by the previous report and has
produced a document that is informative, well structured and easy to use. The
Committee again acknowledges the clear and logical manner in which both Offices
have been reported.[1]
The report provides a sound overview of the operations of both Offices which is
complemented by brief chapters outlining the ‘Year in Review’; ‘Current
Topics’; and ‘Outlook: the Year Ahead’.
2.8
The Committee notes that the report continues to deliver a high standard
in program performance reporting. Detailed assessments of program activities
are provided which is enhanced further by the reporting of performance
outcomes. Overall, the Committee commends the Director of Safeguards and
Director, Chemical Weapons Office for producing a well written report that
meets all the reporting requirements set by the Guidelines (1982) for
statutory authorities.
Royal Australian Air Force Veterans’ Residences Trust
Fund
2.9
The Royal Australian Air Force Veterans’ Residences Trust Annual
Report 1995-96 was tabled in the Senate on 11 December 1996. The report is
submitted in accordance with Section 10A of the Royal Australian Air Force
Veterans’ Residences Act 1953.
2.10
The Trust operates in the five eastern states and provides accommodation
to ex RAAF veterans and their families in difficult circumstances. Accounts for
the year under review revealed a surplus income for the Trust. An increase in
revenue as opposed to the previous year’s decrease was due significantly to the
interest received from investments. This revenue was enhanced further by a 36%
increase in the previous year’s operating result.
The Committee found that the report was concise, clearly
written and complies with all the reporting requirements for statutory
authorities as outlined in the 1982 Guidelines.
NON-STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND GOVERNMENT COMPANIES
Australia-Korea Foundation
2.11
The Australia-Korea Foundation Annual Report 1995-96 was tabled
in the Senate on 26 March 1997. The Australia-Korea Foundation was established
on 7 May 1992 under an Order-in-Council and is not required to submit an annual
report.
2.12
The purpose of the Australia-Korea Foundation is to broaden the
relationship between Australia and the Republic of Korea through areas such as
commerce, education, sport and media. The Committee notes that while Korea
remains our fourth largest trading partner, a 26 per cent increase in exports
during 1995-96 made it our second largest export market. The report provides
sound information on major programs and activities of the Foundation, as well
as a comprehensive account of its grants scheme.
2.13
The Committee finds that the Foundation’s annual report is an
informative document that is clear, concise and well presented. Furthermore,
the report complies with the reporting requirements for non-statutory bodies.
GOVERNMENT COMPANIES
Australian Defence Industries (ADI)
2.14
The ADI Annual Report 1996 was tabled in the Senate on 6 November
1996.
2.15
The Australian Defence Industries is a government owned company
established in 1989. The role of the company is to place formerly owned
Commonwealth Government defence production operations on a ‘commercial
footing’. ADI have provided an annual report under the requirements outlined in
Section III of the Policy Guidelines for Commonwealth Statutory Authorities
and Government Business Enterprises (October 1987), entitled ‘Guidelines
Covering Issues Specific to Government Business Enterprises’.
2.16
The Committee notes that the restructuring program, which commenced in
1989, had a significant impact on the operating profit of the company. However,
Directors had advised, as early as 1990, that 1995-96 would suffer a major down
turn in profit. Directors are confident that shareholders will be rewarded from
now on. The ADI provides a general overview of activities and forecasts for
each of its business groups, as well as any operational difficulties that have
occurred.
2.17
The Committee finds that the ADI have produced a well presented and
structured document that provides clear and concise information. The report is
further enhanced through the company’s use of tables and graphs illustrating
various performances outcomes and detailed financial statements.
Judith Troeth
Chairman
Legislation Committee
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