the regulatory environment for business (domestic and international);
the regulatory framework and governance structure of the water and wastewater sector;
corporate and commercial law, including the Commerce Act 1986, the Companies Act 1993, the Securities Act 1978 and intellectual property laws;
business growth, including sectoral performance;
the capability of firms to respond to the risks and opportunities associated with open and competitive markets;
the impact of educational research and development policy on business;
the impact of environmental and conservation policies on business;
the impact of local government and infrastructure on business;
industry assistance, tariff and border policies;
government purchasing policies and the role of the Industrial Supplies Office;
the standards, accreditation and certification infrastructure;
other issues affecting the environment for business; and operation of Crown entities for:

Accounting Standards Review Board;
Testing Laboratory Registration Council:
Commerce Commission;
Takeovers Panel;
Standards Council; and
Securities Commission.

Outputs in this class are:

industry issues and business costs;
water and wastewater review;
local government and its infrastructure;
environmental policy, including New Zealand's obligations under the Basel Convention;
corporate and commercial law;
intellectual property policy;
competition policy;
international economic and regulatory framework;
standards and conformance infrastructure;
tariff concessions policy;
tariff policy; and
firm and sectoral performance.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	280-300 (estimated)	535
Parliamentary Questions	60-80 (estimated)	124
Work programme
Policy advice will be delivered in accordance with the prioritised requirements of a work programme negotiated annually with the Minister.	Delivery of policy advice projects in accordance with the terms of the work programme agreed with the Minister.	All policy advice projects were delivered in accordance with the terms of the work programme as agreed with the Minister.
Key deliverables in the work programme for the year will include:
Report on the implementation of the Government's strategy to promote foreign direct investment in New Zealand.	Report completed by 30 September 1999.	As chair of an interdepartmental working group, the Ministry of Economic Development worked closely with Trade NZ, MFAT, Treasury and the private sector to maximise the opportunities provided by APEC, the America's Cup and the Millennium to market New Zealand as an investment destination. The Ministry relinquished its role as chair of the interdepartmental working group following the Election. (The reporting date was extended without end date recognising other priorities including APEC, with ministerial approval.)
Contribute to the achievement of New Zealand's strategic objectives in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, by:	September 1999
creating a strong New Zealand business dimension to New Zealand's APEC year;		A business conference was held in conjunction with the Senior Officials Meeting in August 1999. A large international CEO Business Forum, organised by the private sector with support from Government, was held in conjunction with the APEC Leaders meeting in September 1999.
achieving further progress in APEC towards strengthening markets, in particular trade facilitation and regulatory reform through the development of competition and regulation principles; and		The Principles to Enhance Competition and Regulatory Reform were endorsed by APEC Ministers and Leaders and attached to the 1999 APEC Declaration: "The Auckland Challenge".
promoting international frameworks of rules for businesses (World Trade Organisation, APEC, climate change) that are enabling, not prescriptive, and which are open to new trade and investment opportunities.		The Ministry has worked to improve World Trade Organisation rules in areas such as government procurement, rules of origin and anti-dumping. In addition, the Ministry has advanced APEC work on competition policy and regulatory reform that resulted from the APEC Auckland Declaration.
Implement decisions on the review of the Ministry's administration of the Basel Convention to ensure an efficient and effective response to New Zealand's obligations under the Convention.	By June 2000	An operational procedures manual has been prepared.
Support the implementation of Government decisions on the reform of producer boards, by providing expert input to interdepartmental processes in the areas of corporate governance and regulation, competition law and policy, and intellectual property.	Provide high quality advice to the Producer Boards Project Team and the Government on an ongoing basis.	Officials provided advice on the producer boards, and the implementation of the plans for kiwifruit, apple and pear, and dairy industries. The Ministry was actively involved in the implementation of the Apple and Pear and Kiwi Fruit Industries Restructuring Acts and associated Regulations. The Ministry has continued to participate in interdepartmental work following the dissolution of the Producer Boards Project Team.
Drawing on input from the series of business forums, prepare a White Paper on business policy and how to expand the knowledge-based economy, based on the five-point plan announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Commerce in February 1999.	By 31 July 1999	The "Bright Future" publication was launched on 18 August 1999, in accordance with a timetable determined by Cabinet.
Co-ordinate the development of electronic commerce policy across government agencies to ensure that legal and regulatory framework issues relating to electronic commerce facilitate its growth and do not create new barriers to business.	By 30 June 2000	Electronic Commerce policy has developed in the following key areas: The development of an Electronic Transactions Bill was agreed by Cabinet with the intent of enacting the Bill if possible in 2000. A discussion document seeking wider departmental and private sector comment on a broad based facilitative Act was published in May 2000. The Officials' Electronic Commerce Steering Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Economic Development, oversaw the development of sector wide initiatives such as the Electronic Transactions Bill and the Electronic Commerce Web Site and co-ordinated various policy activities such as policy development on the Digital Divide issue throughout government departments.
Complete a review of the efficiency of capital markets for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a view to identifying possible policy responses.	By 31 July 1999	An assessment of the adequacy of the capital markets in terms of meeting the needs of SMEs was included in the "Bright Future" package launched on 18 August 1999. The Government's responses included support for the New Zealand Stock Exchange initiative to establish an exchange for small businesses which opened in April 2000, proposed amendments to the securities legislation to reduce the costs of raising capital, and a new government programme aimed at linking potential investors with entrepreneurs.
Support passage of a Business Law Amendment Bill that will improve the effectiveness of a range of corporate laws and reduce costs to business.	By 30 September 1999	The Ministry co-ordinated the listing of redundant regulations across the public sector in 1999 and through the Business Law Reform Bill is seeking to remove or amend legislation it administers that impacts on the efficiency of doing business in New Zealand. Amendments have been sought to the Companies Act 1993, Fair Trading Act 1986, Financial Reporting Act 1993, Insolvency Act 1967, Securities Act 1978, Superannuation Schemes Act 1989 and the Unit Trusts Act 1960 with the aim of clarifying legislation and removing compliance costs. The Business Law Reform Bill was introduced in August 1999. Second Reading of the Bill was on 7 October 1999. The Bill is scheduled to be reported back by 1 December 2000.
Carry out a two-stage review of key technical aspects of insolvency law.	Develop proposals for reform: Stage 1 by 17 December 1999; and Stage 2 by 30 June 2000	This work was delayed due to other priorities. Submissions were received in response to a consultation paper on priority debts. Consultation papers on voidable transactions, cross-border insolvency and the protection of construction contractors were released for targeted consultation. Work on the analysis of alternatives to bankruptcy was begun. At 30 June 2000 the Ministry was preparing a discussion paper on all Tier 1 issues for release later in 2000. In addition, the Ministry is chairing a working group aimed at dealing with payment delays in the construction industry.
Projects not included in the Departmental Forecast Report
Change of tariff policy.		Following Cabinet approval for the freezing of existing tariffs on 10 April 2000, a Tariff (Zero Duty Removal) Amendment Act was enacted and the Tariff Act itself was amended by Order-in-Council on 19 June 2000.
Passage of personal property securities law.		The Personal Property Securities Act was passed on 6 October 1999.
Review the Securities Regulations 1983 over two years, in association with the Securities Commission and release discussion document, by 30 June 2000.		Agreement was achieved with the Securities Commission on management structure, purpose and action plan for the review. Consultations with the business community were undertaken, advancing the problem identification stage of the policy development process. The discussion document was released on 30 June 2000.
Achieve enactment of the Commerce Amendment Bill 1999, that strengthens the Act penalties and remedies, to timetable to be agreed by Parliament.		A suite of Cabinet Papers on amendments was considered by the Finance Infrastructure and Environment Cabinet Committee.
Completion of an information and education programme for Government Departments on the use of Regulatory Impact Statements aimed at improving the quality of regulatory proposals.		Guidelines for departments on producing good Regulatory Impact Statements were prepared and promulgated across the public sector.
Adoption of a Takeovers Code.		Officials reported back to the Minister on a process for implementation of the Code and the Minister agreed to the Takeovers Panel considering amendments to the Code and consulting on a revised Code. The Minister also agreed to the Securities Commission undertaking investigation, public awareness and secretariat support functions on behalf of the Panel.
Strengthening of rules on insider trading.		Officials have completed a preliminary problem definition and scoping exercise highlighting options and issues for further consideration. The Minister agreed that a discussion document be prepared on options for strengthening rules for insider trading.
Consideration of co-ordination issues and super-regulator option in relation to securities market regulators.		Officials completed a preliminary scoping exercise. The Minister has agreed that final policy proposals will be considered by Cabinet in February 2001.
Coverage
Provision of a comprehensive service which has the capacity: to react urgently; to offer timely and relevant briefings on significant issues; and to give ministerial services and support as required.	The Minister's feedback is within the range (4) "met expectations" to (5) "fully met expectations" in the quarterly review of the Ministry's performance.¹⁰	The Ministers of Commerce gave the Ministry ratings in the range (3) to (5) for the policy services provided.
Quality
The Ministry's Policy Framework provides that advice has the quality characteristics above.	The Minister's feedback is within the range (4) "met expectations" to (5) "fully met expectations" in the quarterly review of the Ministry's performance.¹¹	The Ministers of Commerce gave the Ministry ratings in the range (3) to (5) for the policy services provided.
Ministerial servicing in the form of letters and parliamentary questions is undertaken as required by the Minister.	An acceptance rate of 100% is achieved in respect of first drafts.	91.6%
Timeliness
Reports and oral advice to the Minister are delivered within the timeframes required by, and agreed with, the Minister.	100%	100%
Draft ministerial correspondence is submitted to the Minister within 10 working days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%	86% (Delays were due to the large volumes of ministerials received relating to "Bright Future" and to security of payments to contractors.)
Where only an interim reply is possible a final reply shall be provided within the following timeframes.	90% within 20 working days of the original receipt in the Ministry; and	98.4%
	100% within 30 days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%
Advice to the Minister on statutory appointments to Crown entity boards as positions for renewal or appointment fall due.	100% within agreed timelines.	Achieved.
Monitoring and reporting to the Minister on the financial and non-financial performance of Crown entities as reflected through:	Within agreed timelines.	Achieved. The following Crown entities were monitored and reported on: Accounting Standards Review Board Testing Laboratory Registration Council (TELARC) Commerce Commission Standards Council Securities Commission Takeovers Panel
the Statement of Intent;	Annually
the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU);	Annually
the Purchase Agreement;	Annually
management reports to the Minister; and	Quarterly
the Annual Report.	Annually
		Work undertaken with TELARC and Standards NZ during the 2000 financial year has made it possible for MoUs to be prepared for those entities where services are not directly purchased by the Crown. Interim MoUs were signed to cover the final two months of the year and draft MoUs prepared for signature at the beginning of the 2001 financial year. During the year the Ministry assisted the Minister of Commerce in managing 10 Board appointments.

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	7,297	8,411	6,694	7,964
Other	68	168	190	30
Total Revenue	7,365	8,579	6,884	7,994
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	7,366	8,580	6,884	7,994
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	7,366	8,580	6,884	7,994
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	(1)	(1)	-	-

Major Budget Variations

The Supplementary Estimates changes reflect additional outputs and the associated increases in appropriations and Revenue Crown funding for:

the Bright Future/5 Steps Ahead initiatives - Invest New Zealand Incubator initiative ($900,000), development of new capital market ($150,000), and Leaders and Innovators package ($254,000); and
a technical adjustment recognising revenue and expenses associated with a workshop on Public Sector Management reform ($100,000).

Offset by the transfer of funding to Vote: Communications Output Class D1 Policy Advice - Communications, to contribute to the cost of the telecommunications sector inquiry (-$190,000).

Actual expenditure was less than budgeted due to the decision of the Government not to proceed with some elements of the previous Government's Bright Future/5 Steps Ahead initiatives.

Changes in actual expenditure between 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 mainly reflect:

the decision of the Government not to proceed with the completion of the water and wastewater review which has since been passed to Local Government New Zealand;
the completion of the ACC Reform tasks in 1998/1999; and
the completion of the consultative forums with business during 1998/1999.

Output Class D2 - Administration of Import Legislation

Description

This output class provides timely assessment of applications for exemption from import duties as defined by the tariff concessions policy.

The output in this class is:

Administration of import legislation.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	30-40 (estimated)	Nil
Parliamentary Questions	0-5 (estimated)	1
Applications lodged	900	625 (This is demand driven and difficult to forecast. Numbers of applications appear to have reduced in response to the Tariff (Zero Duty Removal) Act 2000)
Quality
Processes are to comply with the standards contained in current ministerial delegations and the policies contained in the Tariff Concessions Guidance Manual.	No more than 5% of review decisions will be reversed.	2%
Timeliness
Initial decisions to advertise or decline an application will be made within five working days of receipt.	85%	94%
Final decisions on applications will be made within 10 working days of the end of the advertising period.	85%	94%

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	-	-	-	-
Other	361	361	217	266
Total Revenue	361	361	217	266
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	352	352	309	308
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	352	352	309	308
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	9	9	(92)	(42)

All Revenue Other was derived from Concession Administration Fees.

Major Budget Variations

The reason for the variance in Revenue Other is the drop-off in the volume of applications received apparently in response to the legislation reducing tariffs to zero by 2006.

Output Class D3 - Policy Advice and Administration of Trade Remedies

Description

This output class provides policy advice in relation to trade remedies, including policy advice relating to international issues and agreements.

This includes the consideration and possible investigation of applications relating to imports and the making of recommendations on the application of trade remedies, such as the imposition of import duties. This service is conducted under the Temporary Safeguard Authorities Act 1987 and the Dumping and Countervailing Duties Act 1988 in relation to dumped and subsidised goods.

Outputs in this class are:

policy advice;
consideration of dumping and countervailing applications;
investigation of dumping and countervailing cases; and
investigation of trade remedies applications.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	20-30 (estimated)	29
Parliamentary Questions	5-10 (estimated)	2
Product-by-country investigations, reviews and reassessments.	24	There were 23 investigations, reviews and reassessments during the period, 16 of which were completed. The remaining seven are within the legislative timeframe for completion and have carried into the next annual reporting period.
Work programme
Policy advice will be delivered in accordance with the prioritised requirements of a work programme negotiated annually with the Minister.	Delivery of policy advice projects in accordance with the terms of the work programme agreed with the Minister.	All policy advice projects were delivered in accordance with the terms of the work programme as agreed with the Minister.
Coverage
Provision of a comprehensive service which has the capacity: to react urgently; to offer timely and relevant briefings on significant issues; and to give ministerial services and support as required.
Quality
The Ministry's Policy Framework provides that advice has the quality characteristics above.	The Minister's feedback is within the range (4) "met expectations" to (5) "fully met expectations" in the quarterly review of the Ministry's performance.¹²	The Ministers of Commerce gave the Ministry ratings in the range (3) to (5) for the policy services provided.
Ministerial servicing in the form of letters and parliamentary questions is undertaken as required by the Minister.	An acceptance rate of 100% is achieved in respect of first drafts.	100%
Investigations and reporting are to:
be recognised by parties involved as consistent with the requirements of either the Temporary Safeguard Authorities Act 1987 or the Dumping and Countervailing Duties Act 1988; and	No successful court challenges.	No court proceedings were initiated.
provide no grounds for review under judicial review proceedings.	No successful court challenges.	No court proceedings were initiated.
Timeliness
Reports and oral advice to the Minister are delivered within the timeframes required by, and agreed with, the Minister.	100%	Achieved.
Draft ministerial correspondence is submitted to the Minister within 10 working days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%	88%
Where only an interim reply is possible a final reply shall be provided within the following timeframes.	90% within 20 working days of the original receipt in the Ministry; and 100% within 30 days of receipt in the Ministry.	Achieved.
Interested parties are to be advised of essential facts and conclusions on which a final determination will be based, no later than 150 days from initiation.	100%	100%
Final determinations are to be made no later than 180 days from initiation of an investigation.	100%	100%

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	1,440	1,460	1,447	1,253
Other	-	-	-	-
Total Revenue	1,440	1,460	1,447	1,253
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	1,440	1,460	1,447	1,253
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	1,440	1,460	1,447	1,253
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	-	-	-	-

Output Class D4 - Registration and Granting of Intellectual Property Rights

Description

This output class provides services relating to the administration of legislation providing for the protection of intellectual property rights by granting patents under the Patents Act 1953, by registering trade marks, designs and geographical indications under the Trade Marks Act 1953, the Designs Act 1953 and the Geographical Indications Act 1994, and by granting plant variety rights under the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987.

Outputs in this class are:

Granting of patents and registering of trade marks, designs and geographical indications by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand; and
Granting of plant variety rights by the Plant Variety Rights Office.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	0-5 (estimated)	14
Parliamentary Questions	5-10 (estimated)	1
Expected new applications
Patents	4,500	6,286 (Demand driven.)
Trade marks	15,000	22,771 (Demand driven.)
Designs	800	976 (Demand driven.)
Plant variety rights	155	185 (Demand driven.)
Quality
Ministerial servicing in the form of letters and parliamentary questions is undertaken as required by the Minister.	An acceptance rate of 100% is achieved in respect of first drafts.	100%
Performance will be measured by the timeliness with which a new application is processed.	See Timeliness below.
Timeliness
Draft ministerial correspondence is submitted to the Minister within 10 working days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%	93%
Where only an interim reply is possible a final reply shall be provided within the following timeframes.	90% within 20 working days of the original receipt in the Ministry; and 100% within 30 days of receipt in the Ministry.	Not applicable.
Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand
For new applications eligible for examination, a report, or advice that acceptance and registration can occur, will be issued within five clear business days of receipt of a trade mark or design application or complete patent specification.	95%	46% (Significant increases in applications submitted, in conjunction with the implementation of a new computer system and loss of key skilled staff in the last six months of the year affected the achievement of this objective. Steps have been taken to address these issues and will ensure achievement of the objective in the 2001 financial year.)
Plant Variety Rights Office
Applicants will be notified of the decision to grant plant variety rights within four months of completion of testing.	98%	100%
Projects not included in the Departmental Forecast Report
Revision of fees.		Implementation of revised fees for services provided by the Intellectual Property Office and the Plant Variety Rights Office from 1 July 1999 have resulted in lower compliance costs for clients.

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	85	85	85	85
Other	8,392	9,037	9,329	12,371
Total Revenue	8,477	9,122	9,414	12,456
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	7,580	7,780	7,682	8,286
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	7,580	7,780	7,682	8,286
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	897	1,342	1,732	4,170

Sources of Revenue Other

	$000
Fees and Fines	9,311
Net gain on sale of fixed assets	2
Miscellaneous	16
	9,329

Major Budget Variations

Variances between the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates and the Actual to Supplementary Estimates for Annual Appropriations and Revenue Other reflect additional outputs for processing greater than anticipated in patent, trade mark and design applications. This additional revenue was fiscally positive for the Crown.

The change in actual expenditure between 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 reflects the completion of the trade mark application and registration backlog which has resulted in a one-off increase in expenditure in 1998/1999.

The change in actual Revenue Other between 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 reflects the decrease in fees from 1 July 1999.

Output Class D5 - Industrial Supplies Office

Description

The primary role of the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO) is to:

facilitate purchases by New Zealand government agencies of domestic (New Zealand and Australian) products; and
utilise links with Australian ISOs to enhance the opportunities for potential New Zealand suppliers to compete for Australian state and federal government business and establish an information database, continue linkages with Australian ISOs and exchange information on Trans-Tasman opportunities.

The output in this class is:

the promotion of the government purchasing policy aimed at encouraging purchases by government agencies of domestic (New Zealand and Australian) products.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	5-10 (estimated)	2
Parliamentary Questions	0-5 (estimated)	5
Inquiries received from potential purchasers of goods and services.	300	375
Quality
The Minister is satisfied with the services provided, which include:	The Minister's feedback for services provided is within the range (3) "satisfactory" to (5) "fully met expectations" as evidenced by an annual survey.¹³	The Ministers of Commerce gave the Ministry ratings in the range (3) to (5) for the policy services provided.
maintaining an up-to-date database of New Zealand suppliers of good sand services;		This was continually updated for existing clients with new clients being added.
identifying major Australian projects for New Zealand manufacturers to supply goods and services to through association with ISONET and the Australian ISO Network and other professional bodies;		Worked closely with ISONET and ISO Network on the Suppliers Access to Major Projects (SAMP) programme to identify opportunities.
facilitating a matching of suppliers and purchasers;		This was achieved by utilising the ISO database and Economic Development Agencies.
disseminating information and giving seminars and presentations on purchasing policies and the activities of the Industrial Supplies Office;		The NZISO was involved in 14 regional seminars on the purchasing policies and activities of ISO.
disseminating Government procurement opportunities to local industry through the Government Electronic Tenders Services (GETS) via the internet; and		The ISO processed 1,742 opportunities through GETS which had on average 36,000 hits per month.
under Closer Economic Relations (CER) identifying and exchanging opportunities on Australian and New Zealand Government procurement.		Information is exchanged on a regular basis.
Timeliness
Initial responses to inquiries from potential purchasers will be provided within 15 working days.	85%	90%

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	382	407	406	381
Other	-	-	-	-
Total Revenue	382	407	406	381
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	382	407	406	381
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	382	407	406	381
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	-	-	-	-

Major Budget Variances

Additional funding was provided to enable the Industrial Supplies Office to fulfil its civil defence obligations. This increase in appropriation was funded by a fiscally neutral transfer from Vote: Commerce Output Class D6 - Administration of Insolvencies.

Output Class D6 - Administration of Insolvencies

Description

Provision of administrative services associated with the management of court orders initiating personal bankruptcies and company liquidations and the management of orders made by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1991.

Outputs in this class are:

bankruptcies and liquidations administered; and
proceeds of crime orders administered.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	30-40 (estimated)	49
Parliamentary Questions	0-10 (estimated)	5
Expected volumes
Bankruptcies	3,900	2,700 (Court demand driven.)
Liquidations	600	423 (Court demand driven.)
Proceeds of crime orders	25	19 (Court/Police demand driven.)
Quality
Ministerial servicing in the form of letters and parliamentary questions is undertaken as required by the Minister.	An acceptance rate of 100% is achieved in respect of first drafts.	100%
Performance in this output class will be measured by the timely completion of the administration of insolvencies as measured by the percentage of insolvency files open against total files received during a specified period.	See Timeliness below.
Timeliness
Draft ministerial correspondence is submitted to the Minister within 10 working days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%	92%
Where only an interim reply is possible a final reply shall be provided within the following timeframes.	90% within 20 working days of the original receipt in the Ministry; and 100% within 30 days of receipt in the Ministry.	Not applicable.
Bankruptcies
The percentage of bankruptcy files remaining open that are:
six months to one year old	20% or less to remain open.	12%
one to two years old	10% or less to remain open.	5%
two to three years old.	5% or less to remain open.	2%
Liquidations
The percentage of liquidation files remaining open that are:
six months to one year old	40% or less to remain open.	30%
one to two years old	15% or less to remain open.	9%
two to three years old.	5% or less to remain open.	3%

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	8,301	8,256	8,256	8,774
Other	1,549	1,594	1,129	1,388
Total Revenue	9,850	9,850	9,385	10,162
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	9,134	9,134	9,118	9,582
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	9,134	9,134	9,118	9,582
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	716	716	267	580

Sources of Revenue Other

	$000
Fees and fines	1,076
Interdepartmental revenue	45
Net gain on sale of fixed assets	3
Miscellaneous	5
	1,129

Major Budget Variances

The reduced Revenue Other reflects the reduced number of estates assigned to the Official Assignee by the Courts and reduced amount of funds available within all estates to be paid out as commissions.

Output Class D7 - Registration and Provision of Statutory Information

Description

This output class provides services relating to the registration and provision of a range of documents and information required to be filed on public record by corporate entities, insurance and superannuation funds, issuers of securities and holders of securities over motor vehicles.

Outputs in this class are:

Companies Office services;
Insurance and Superannuation Unit and Government Actuary services; and
Motor Vehicles Securities Register services.

Quantity, Quality, Timeliness and Cost

Performance Measures	Performance Standards	Actual
Quantity
Ministerial Correspondence	30-40 (estimated)	17
Parliamentary Questions	10-20 (estimated)	10
Companies Office
Material documents:
Company incorporations	22,400	33,234 (Demand driven. The new company incorporation online facility uptake exceeded expectations with a flow-on effect to other volumes related to company functions.)
Name approvals	38,400	58,913 (Demand driven. Refer to comment on numbers of new company incorporations.)
Prospectuses	1,200	1,474 (Demand driven.)
Annual returns	174,000	189,853 (Demand driven. Refer to comment on numbers of new company incorporations.)
Other activities:
Manual file searches	40,000	49,675 (Demand driven.)
Electronic company searches	156,800	210,742 (Demand driven.)
Dissolution of companies	15,000	20,255 (Demand driven.)
Projects not included in the Departmental Forecast Report
Revision of fees		Implementation of revised fees for services provided by the Companies Office from 1 July 1999 have resulted in lower compliance costs for clients.
Electronic services		New electronic services have been introduced by the Companies Office providing for electronic filing of annual returns and credit card payment facilities.
Motor Vehicle Securities Register
Security Interest Registrations	165,000	252,514 (Demand driven and introduction of internet based registration and searching during the year resulted in higher than forecast volumes.)
Electronic inquiries as to the state of register	153,000	354,575 (Demand driven and introduction of internet based registration and searching during the year resulted in higher than forecast volumes.)
Insurance and Superannuation Unit
Trustee Annual Reports filed	1,100	1,057
Quality
Ministerial servicing in the form of letters and parliamentary questions is undertaken as required by the Minister.	An acceptance rate of 100% is achieved in respect of first drafts.	100%
Documents or interests will be registered within the following deadlines and comply with statutory requirements.	See Timeliness below.
Timeliness
Draft ministerial correspondence is submitted to the Minister within 10 working days of receipt in the Ministry.	100%	94%
Where only an interim reply is possible a final reply shall be provided within the following timeframes.	90% within 20 working days of the original receipt in the Ministry; and 100% within 30 days of receipt in the Ministry.	Not applicable.
Companies Office
Material documents will be processed within one clear working day of receipt.	99%	99.9%
The Companies Office database will be available for immediate searching on a continuous 24-hour basis except for scheduled maintenance and updates or any circumstances beyond the control of the Companies Office.	95%	99.9%

Cost

(Figures are GST exclusive)

	2000 Main Estimates	2000 Supple- mentary Estimates	2000 Actual	1999 Actual
	$000	$000	$000	$000
Revenue:
Crown	380	380	380	410
Other	13,570	15,934	17,311	18,752
Total Revenue	13,950	16,314	17,691	19,162
Expenses:
Annual appropriations	12,797	13,139	13,090	13,019
Other appropriations	-	-	-	-
Total Expenses	12,797	13,139	13,090	13,019
Net Surplus/(Deficit)	1,153	3,175	4,601	6,143

Sources of Revenue Other

	$000
Fees and fines	17,043
Interdepartmental revenue	108
Net gain on sale of fixed assets	2
Miscellaneous	158
	17,311

Major Budget Variances

The increases in Revenue Other over budget for 1999/2000 and associated GST for appropriation purposes reflect an increase in the number of new company incorporations and usage of the Motor Vehicles Security Register. These activities are demand driven. This has resulted in unappropriated expenditure due to the GST arising from greater than forecast revenue generated. Refer to the Statement of Unappropriated Expenditure. This additional revenue was fiscally positive for the Crown.

The change in actual Revenue Other between 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 reflects the decrease in fees from 1 July 1999.

¹⁰The range is (1) not satisfactory, (2) fell short of expectations, (3) satisfactory, (4) met expectations, (5) fully met expectations.

¹¹The range is (1) not satisfactory, (2) fell short of expectations, (3) satisfactory, (4) met expectations, (5) fully met expectations.

¹²The range is (1) not satisfactory, (2) fell short of expectations, (3) satisfactory, (4) met expectations, (5) fully met expectations.

¹³The range is (1) not satisfactory, (2) fell short of expectations, (3) satisfactory, (4) met expectations, (5) fully met expectations.

Jump to main page content.

Printed: 25/11/2009