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corporate plans, the suitability of the form and content of objectives in preparing useful indicators, whether performance indicators provided information suitable for assessing performance, and whether objectives and performance indicators were being used as a basis for Senior Executive Service performance agreements.

While the audit found consistency between objectives and corporate plans in the great majority of cases, an even greater majority of objectives did not specify an outcome. The audit concluded that published indicators were not sufficiently precise; that they were broad, vague or used inappropriate terminology; that they reported activities rather than outcomes; that they were not quantified; and that, for most, no comparative information was provided. Mr Speaker, the committee sought the views of the Government on the audit report and subsequently discussed the matter with senior officials of the Department of Public Administration.

The committee is concerned that there should be an appropriate recognition of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of agency performances. However, the committee appreciates that agencies which have a policy focus have a difficulty in measuring on a qualitative or quantitative basis. The committee supports the audit recommendations and further recommends that the Government provide for consistent mandatory performance reporting, and that it monitor agency annual reports to determine the extent to which they comply with annual report directions.

Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT - STANDING COMMITTEE

Inquiries and Reports

MR MOORE (12.29): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the Assembly that on 26 May 1995 the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment resolved to inquire into and report on the redevelopment proposal for the former drive-in site on section 61, block 8, Watson. This was in response to a letter from the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning, Mr Humphries, who wrote to us and asked us for our opinion on that matter. No doubt Mr Humphries had expected a more rapid reply to his letter. However, the matter is quite complex and the Planning and Environment Committee has taken a great deal of care with this issue.

I further wish to inform the Assembly that on 28 April 1995 the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment resolved to inquire into and report on the Government's draft capital works program. To that effect, Mr Speaker, the committee has written to the Chief Minister, who has responded to us, saying that she will make the draft capital works program available to the committee in the same way as it was made available to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee in all years other than the year in which the budget was brought down at what I think is a much more appropriate time - in the middle of the year. We look forward to reporting on those matters. In a moment I shall be seeking leave, Mr Speaker, to give us the opportunity to report out of session, should that be necessary.

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