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Explore the key scene, constitutional setting, legislative framework, and principles of Treasury's central role in public sector management. Learn about its functions, leadership in fiscal affairs, and impact on State sector performance. Gain insights into New Zealand's GDP trends, debt management, and Treasury's engagement with central agencies. Delve into the personal reflections of those involved in this complex yet rewarding role.
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John Whitehead Secretary to the Treasury (Kaitohutohu Kaupapa Rawa: “the people who advise on everything to do with the resources”) Treasury’s Central Role
What I’ll cover • Scene setting • Constitutional setting and public sector management • Legislative framework and principles • Public sector (financial) management • Treasury and other “central agencies” • Some personal reflections
Treasury and the Secretary: roles and functions Treasury, Secretary: • No establishing legislation • Relevant Acts (esp Public Finance Act 1989, Fiscal Responsibility Act 1994) • Fulfils Finance Ministers & Cabinet demands
Treasury analysts – no normal life? No normal life? Tom Scott
Treasury roles cont’d Treasury roles include: • Lead economic and fiscal advisor • Manages, monitors Crown financial affairs – incl budget • “Second-opinion” advice – all Cabinet proposals • “Central agency” leadership – State sector performance
120,000 100,000 80,000 $ Million 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 1860 1872 1884 1896 1908 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 Year New Zealand’s GDP 1860 – 2004
Treasury sees storm clouds Treasury officials always saw a cloud somewhere. Bob Brockie, National Business Review
Net and gross public debt (% GDP) (1972- 2004) 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0 % of GDP 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 Year ended 30 June Gross debt - % of GDP Net Debt - % of GDP
Constitutional setting Parliament controls public finances: appropriates funding to government Treasury advises: • Select Committees: budgeting, reporting, performance • Finance Ministers and Cabinet: all fiscal and economic implications and results
Legislative framework • No expenditure without appropriationPublic Finance Act 1989 • Devolved accountabilityState Sector Act 1988 • Fiscal responsibility Fiscal Responsibility Act 1994 • Enterprise governanceState-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 • The Public Finance (State Sector Management) Bill
Public sector financial management • Supports constitutional structure and actors • Provides accountability and Parliamentary scrutiny • Encompasses different organisational forms
Public management system: building blocks • Design of State sector • Decision making system • Resource allocation system • Accountability system • Leadership, values, culture across system • Relationship between community, politicians and State sector
Public management system:Central agency engagement DPMC/SSC/Treasury: public management system supports high performing State sector SSC/Treasury: State sector agencies improve social, economic and environmental outcomes DPMC/Treasury:Government strategy and priorities coordinated and appropriately resourced DPMC & SSC with Treasury: CEs understand and translate government direction and decisions for State sector
Personal Reflections • It’s a big role • It’s a complex role • It can be difficult • It’s not necessarily popular • But it’s incredibly rewarding