The standard language used in the NPP Checklist should be sufficiently specific to make it obvious on the face of the document what advice is being provided, in respect of what legal risks and by whom it is being provided.
The Government accepts this recommendation.
Cabinet should receive clear and accurate advice on new policy proposals, to ensure it fully understands associated legal issues and risks. Relevant Cabinet procedures will be updated to make it clear what legal advice has been obtained, in respect of what risks, and by whom it was provided. The updates will provide clearer information on legislative authority issues relating to spending, and on legal issues relating to other aspects of the proposal.
This recommendation will be implemented by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, in consultation with the Department of Finance, the Treasury and the Attorney-General's Department.
That in developing compliance Budget measures, Services Australia and DSS document the basis for the assumptions and inputs used, including the sources of the data relied on.
The Government accepts this recommendation.
All Ministers, departments and agencies are expected and required to comply with the rules outlined in the Cabinet Handbook and the Budget Process Operational Rules when developing new policy proposals and measures with financial implications.
The Department of Social Services and Services Australia will ensure budget initiatives are progressed in consultation with the Department of Finance, and in compliance with the Budget Process Operational Rules. Data sources will be identified, and assumptions will be required to be documented and provided in a transparent manner.
The Digital Transformation Agency is also assisting agencies articulate and measure the benefits of investment in technology, including as they relate to technology-enabled compliance measures.
