The Australian Government has determined that ministers use Statements of Expectations to provide greater clarity about objectives for portfolio agencies, including the priorities an agency is expected to observe in conducting its operations. In turn, statutory agencies are to use Statements of Intent to respond to their Ministers, and outline how the authority intends to undertake its operations, and how its approach to operations will be consistent with the Statement of Expectations.
The Government's expectations of AFTRS are clearly set out by the Minister for the Arts and Sport in the Statement of Expectations.
AFTRS has produced a reply in the form of a Statement of Intent (90KB, PDF, Get Acrobat Reader)
Statement of Expectations - by the Minister for the Arts and Sport - for the Australian Film, Television and Radio School
This statement outlines the expectations of the Government and enhances the communication framework between the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), myself and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008.
The Australian Government recognises the value of the arts and sport in contributing to the development of Australian culture and identity. AFTRS plays an important role in achieving this goal.
Priorities
I expect AFTRS to:
- work with DCITA and other portfolio agencies to implement the Government's Screen Industry Support Package;
- continue to implement the Government's 2004 election commitments, specifically to support the Centre for Screen Business and digital interactive and cross platform production;
- progress AFTRS' relocation from its North Ryde facility to new premises in the Moore Park area of Sydney;
- engage with new technologies impacting on the audio-visual sector and respond to industry skills development needs; and
- implement the recommendations from the Uhrig assessment.
Implementation of the Screen Industry Support Package
My expectations in relation to AFTRS' role in implementing the Screen Industry Support Package are that it will:
- work with the Australian Film Commission (AFC) to ensure a smooth transfer of the AFC's research and statistics function to AFTRS; and
- liaise with the AFC, Film Finance Corporation Australia and Film Australia as appropriate during the transition to the new Australian Screen Authority.
It is also my expectation that AFTRS will:
- be responsive to Government and to the Parliament while fulfilling AFTRS' functions as outlined in the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973;
- manage the affairs of AFTRS with diligence and in compliance with all relevant legislative requirements and applicable Government policies, including the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973 and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997;
- work cooperatively with DCITA and other portfolio agencies to effectively fulfil AFTRS' role of providing advanced education and training for the film and broadcast industries;
- keep DCITA and myself fully informed in a timely manner of AFTRS' activities and of any significant events relating to AFTRS' business;
- respond to requests from my office and DCITA in a timely manner, and work with DCITA as my primary source of advice;
- develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, in both the public and the private sectors;
- effectively implement and maintain the highest standards of corporate governance, including the development of effective strategic planning documents containing relevant and measurable performance indicators, risk management strategies and a performance monitoring framework;
- ensure that board members are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are participating in ongoing professional development and self-assessment;
- provide for my approval a Statement of Intent (SOI) within two months of receipt of this SOE. The SOI should state how AFTRS proposes to meet the expectations of Government, including identifying key performance indicators; and
- provide a brief governance report for discussion at the formal biannual governance meetings.