How To Use These Pages

The service principles and obligations described in this site are grouped together around the core values of Integrity, Quality and Accountability. Each value is characterised by particular Attributes. The values and attributes become part of our day-to-day work through the implementation of particular service principles and obligations set out under Agency Obligations.

Each heading under the Agency Obligations column is a link to a summary of a particular service area. For the purposes of the website, each link is called a chapter.

What's in each Chapter?

Each chapter contains:

• Principles of Overview
• Key Obligations of Agencies
• Lead Agency and Further Help

Principles of Overview (why is there a service obligation?)

The Principles section summarises the principles which underpin the particular service obligation placed on agencies. This section answers the question - WHY is there a service obligation?

The section also identifies the source of the principles (such as legislation, Premier's Memoranda, policy, etc). In cases where there are no identified principles, a brief overview of the service obligation or better practice is provided.

Key Obligations of Agencies (what does my agency have to do?)

Key Obligations of Agencies lists the main service obligations or practices. It answers the question - WHAT does my agency have to do?

Each obligation links to a concise summary of the agency obligation. Underneath each obligation, there is a link to the source of the obligation (legislation, Premier's Memoranda etc). This part of the site also identifies which agencies are required to implement the service obligation (ie departments, agencies or state-owned corporations). It answers the separate question – DOES THIS APPLY to my agency?

Better practice is outlined where there are no prescribed obligations in a particular service area.

Lead Agency and Further Help ( where do I go for further help?)

This section identifies and links to the lead agency for a particular service obligation eg Treasury in relation to Annual Reports. A summary of that agency's role and contact details are provided. Relevant guidelines and tools are also included where appropriate.

However, your own agency may have a policy and/or a person responsible for the particular service obligation, eg an FOI Coordinator. Where further information is required, you should first refer to your agency's policy or officer responsible before contacting the lead agency.

Disclaimer

The Service Principles & Obligations website provides a summary of key service
principles and obligations. While every effort has been made to ensure the
currency and accuracy of the information presented here, Service Principles
& Obligations is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, the most
up-to-date and complete source of information.

For comprehensive, up-to-date information on particular service principles and obligations, contact the lead agency. Information on the lead agency can be found on every page under "Lead Agency and Further Help".