| Output 4.7 CHOGM Task Force | Performance indicators |
|---|---|
| The effective management and implementation of preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Coolum in March 2002. | Quality: The degree of satisfaction
of the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office, Secretary and
departmental Executive and the Commonwealth Secretariat, as expressed
through formal and informal feedback mechanisms, with the quality
of advice and support in achieving a high-quality CHOGM in Coolum.
Cost of Outputs – $35.8m |
Qualitative assessment
Methodology
The work of the CHOGM Task Force was assessed on the basis of regular formal and informal feedback from the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office; the Secretary and the departmental Executive; and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Feedback
High levels of satisfaction were expressed regarding the task force’s whole-of-government approach, including its consultation with the Secretary and the Prime Minister’s Office on the timing and logistics elements of the meeting, and its cooperation with the Queensland Government on organisational and security measures.
Key results
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Rt Hon. Donald C McKinnon, issued a media statement on 28 September 2001 announcing the postponement of the planned Brisbane CHOGM, as a consequence of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001 and following his consultations with member governments. The Brisbane CHOGM had been scheduled to take place on 6–9 October 2001.
The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister jointly announced on 13 November 2001 that CHOGM would be held from 2–5 March 2002. Subsequently, the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was announced as the designated venue.
The task force was faced with the onerous task of not only disengaging legally from the Brisbane CHOGM but also, simultaneously, managing and organising the Coolum CHOGM.
The task force sought and adhered to legal advice provided by the Australian Government Solicitor’s Office and the Attorney-General’s Department in handling claims arising from the postponement of the Brisbane CHOGM.
Close collaboration was maintained between the task force and policy areas, principally the International Division of the department and relevant sections of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The task force provided secretariat services to the CHOGM Executive Steering Group – chaired by the Secretary and comprising heads of departments and agencies – established to provide high-level direction for CHOGM and guidance on CHOGM to the Prime Minister.
The Coolum CHOGM was widely acclaimed for its political outcomes and its organisational excellence.
Further information is contained in the CHOGM Special Report.
Administered items
CHOGM security
| Administered item | Performance indicators |
|---|---|
| CHOGM security | Quality: The extent to which the
CHOGM Task Force contributes to the Queensland Police Service’s
ability to fulfil its responsibility for operational policing and
the maintenance of law and order to ensure the staging of a safe,
secure and successful CHOGM. Administered Expenses – $10.0m |
Qualitative assessment
Methodology
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) implemented programmes developed under the CHOGM security framework and security plan. The programmes were implemented with the cooperation of the CHOGM Task Force and other Commonwealth security departments and agencies, particularly the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Attorney-General’s Department.
Feedback
Security liaison and working groups – chaired by the department and comprising representatives of the Attorney-General’s Department, ASIO, the AFP, the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the QPS – were established to develop and implement agreed security arrangements to ensure a safe and secure CHOGM.
The task force received regular feedback from the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Secretary and the departmental Executive. Feedback confirmed a high level of satisfaction with the work of the task force. The task force also received feedback from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the QPS and other key agencies involved in security preparations. This feedback came via regular meetings of the security liaison and working groups.
Key results
The decision to move CHOGM to Coolum was based on the dual considerations of enhanced security and convenience. It was to be expected that security planning for CHOGM would reflect the heightened concerns arising from the exceptionally uncertain international security situation that prevailed following the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States.
The task force and the other Commonwealth and state organisations involved achieved a security ‘incident free’ CHOGM.
| Contents | Secretary's Review | Portfolio and Departmental Overview
|
| Report on Performance
| Corporate Governance |
| Coolum
CHOGM | Appendixes | Financial Statements |
| Glossary | Subject Index
|
(c) Commonwealth of Australia 2002
