Office of the Governor Annual Report 2010 - 2011 To obtain information about the content of this report, please contact: Air Commodore Mark Gower OAM (Retd) Official Secretary Office of the Governor, Queensland GPO Box 434 Brisbane Qld 4001 Telephone: (07) 3858 5700 Facsimile: (07) 3858 5701 Email: [email protected]
Information about the activities of the Queensland Governor and the operations of the Office of the Governor is available at the following internet address: www.govhouse.qld.gov.au Internet annual report: www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/news_media/annual_reports.aspx
Copyright and ISSN © The State of Queensland (Office of the Governor) 2011. Copyright protects this publication except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act. Reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the accountable officer. ISSN 1837 – 2775
Aim of Report The Office of the Governor Annual Report 2010–2011 is an integral part of the Office of the Governor’s corporate governance framework and describes the achievements, performance, outlook and financial position of the Office for the financial year. The Annual Report is a key accountability document and the principal way in which the Office reports on activities and provides a full and complete picture of its performance to Parliament and the wider community. The Report covers the objectives, activities and performance of the Office during the period 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 and includes information and images that illustrate the many activities which the Office undertakes to provide personal, administrative and logistic support to the Governor and manage the Government House Estate.
The Office of the Governor advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that this Annual Report may contain images of people who are deceased. The Office does not wish to cause distress to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
Feedback Readers are encouraged to comment on this report by completing the enclosed feedback form which can be photocopied and faxed or scanned and emailed as an attachment to the Office of the Governor. The Honourable John Mickel MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Parliament House George Street BRISBANE QLD 4000
Dear Mr Speaker I am pleased to present to you the Office of the Governor Annual Report 2010–2011. I certify that this Annual Report: • complies with the prescribed requirements of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009; and • reflects the achievements of the Office in providing an effective and accountable agency which supports the Governor of Queensland.
Yours sincerely
Mark Gower OAM Official Secretary
30 September 2011 iv Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Table of Contents
Official Secretary’s Summary 2 Year in Review 2 Outlook for 2011-2012 ...... 3
Office Overview ...... 5 Corporate Objectives 5
Corporate Governance ...... 7 Management Processes ...... 7 Management Structure ...... 7 Decision Making and Advisory Structures 8 Measuring Corporate Governance ...... 9
Report on Performance ...... 11 Constitutional and Legal 11 Ceremonial ...... 12 Community Engagement ...... 13 Promoting Queensland ...... 20 Preserving Government House ...... 21 Effective Management ...... 22
Financial Overview ...... 25 Expenditure 2010–2011 25 Consultancies ...... 25 Public Liability ...... 25 Waste Management ...... 25 Environmental Management ...... 25 2010–2011 Statement of Assurance ...... 25
Financial Statements ...... 27
Feedback on the Office of the Governor Annual Report 2010–2011 ...... 50
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 1 Official Secretary’s Summary
Year in Review The Office employs a small, committed and dedicated team of staff that administers and The Office continued coordinates the Governor’s constitutional to provide a range responsibilities, ceremonial activities, and of services to the program of community engagement, and manages Governor, Her the Government House Estate. Staff levels have Excellency Ms Penelope remained constant over the reporting period. Wensley AC, to support her constitutional The year’s Office activities include the following role and to further highlights: her work in assisting • supporting an active program of engagement communities and with major institutions and community individuals in this Mark Gower OAM, organisations, notably those of which the reporting period. This Official Secretary Governor is Patron, involving visits, advocacy, period marked Her official calls and meetings, and the hosting of Excellency’s third functions to celebrate significant anniversaries, year in office as the Queen’s representative in recognise particular achievements, and other Queensland. The Office also supported official activities to support and promote these programs for the Honourable Chief Justice Paul institutions and organisations in serving the de Jersey AC, as Acting Governor and Deputy Queensland community; Governor and the Honourable Justice Margaret McMurdo AC, as Acting Governor, during Her • arranging investiture ceremonies at Excellency’s absences during the year. Government House and in Far North Queensland for residents of Queensland to The Office commits significant effort to organising receive awards within the Australian honours the Governor’s program of visits throughout system; Queensland and a significant feature of the Governor’s travel program in 2010–2011 was • supporting an extensive visits program, directed to visiting communities affected by including through the provision of detailed natural disasters. briefings on locations visited and, in 2011, organising a comprehensive program of travel This period also saw the continued introduction to rain-, flood- and cyclone-affected areas; of many new and revised systems, processes and efficiencies resulting from a series of • providing timely administrative support to organisational reviews designed to modernise the Governor in the management of weekly and improve productivity of the Office. Corporate Executive Council meetings, the signing of governance policies and procedures were bills for assent, the handling of petitions, particularly targeted this year and as a result and the processing of heavy volumes of major upgrades of the Office’s outdated computer correspondence; systems and equipment were introduced. • coordinating an extensive program of visits by The introduction of new technologies will community groups and schools and the hosting enable the Office to function more efficiently in of two public Open Days to mark Australia support of the Governor’s program and enhance Day and Queensland Week, the latter with a communication with Government and the community fair component; Queensland community.
2 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 • successful implementation of an Information Our key focus will be to: and Communications Technology (ICT) • ensure responsive service to the Governor modernisation program to update the Office’s in carrying out the Constitutional and out-dated finance, database and records Ceremonial requirements associated with management systems. These projects, expertly representing the Head of State in Queensland; co-managed by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, are nearing finalisation; • provide accessibility to the Governor for all Queenslanders through an extensive and • refinement of corporate governance relevant program of regional travel and requirements and review of administrative community engagement; policies, guidelines and work practices to support best practice accountability in the • build opportunities for the Governor to management of public resources; promote Queensland’s attributes to visitors, particularly during a time of disaster • development of a Bushland Management Plan reconstruction, recognising the need to attract in partnership with the Department of Public foreign investment and tourism; Works to guide the preservation, enhancement and management of the bushland zone on the • continue to preserve and conserve the heritage Government House Estate; and horticultural assets of the Government House Estate for future community enjoyment; • restoration of significant artworks on loan and from the Queen’s Royal Collection Trust and from the Government House Collection; • maintain best practice delivery of our Corporate Governance Framework. • compulsory whole-of-Office training program in health, safety, code of conduct, ethics As a small Office, the finalisation of the and performance management to meet our ICT modernisation project will be critical in corporate and social responsibilities; and increasing efficiencies in a time of limited public budget and spending. New systems to support • a full safety management review and the financial management and customer relationship introduction of a revised Safety Management management were finalised and implemented in System, Fire and Evacuation Plan and 2011 while an efficient records management system Emergency Procedures to support staff and is planned for completion during 2011-2012. public safety in accordance with current legislative requirements. The Office will continue to work in conjunction with the Department of Public Works to prioritise Outlook for 2011-2012 the preservation and conservation of Government House and the Estate and to identify an ongoing In the year ahead, the Office will continue to work program of capital works and maintenance. In to provide quality support to the Governor, with particular, the development of plans to improve a program for implementing productivity and equitable access to and through the Government governance improvements and maintaining a House Estate, bushland preservation, and minor skills improvement program to ensure that staff building services improvements will be priorities are well placed to meet the demands of delivering for the next reporting period. a comprehensive Vice-Regal program. Through the newly introduced Performance Planning and Review framework, the Office of the Governor is well placed to continue to equip our staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver the extensive and diverse program for the Governor in 2011-2012.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 3 4 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Office Overview
The Constitution of Queensland 2001 provides that a) Constitutional and Legal there must be a Governor of Queensland who is Provide administrative support enabling appointed by the Sovereign. The Governor, Her the Governor to fulfil her constitutional and Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, is authorised legal responsibilities, including assenting and required to do and execute all matters that to legislation, issuing writs for elections, pertain to her office, according to law. the swearing-in of Government Ministers, the opening of Parliament, considering The powers of the Governor are derived from the petitions for the Governor to exercise the Commission of Appointment issued by The Queen power of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, and are prescribed in legal or Constitutional terms and presiding over meetings of Executive in various pieces of Constitutional legislation and Council. from a number of Acts of the State Parliament. b) Ceremonial Queensland’s Constitution allows the Governor Support the Australian Honours and Awards to appoint Ministers; to summon and dissolve System and other awards programs, and Parliament; and establishes the Executive Council, review parades and military ceremonies. over which the Governor presides. c) Community Engagement While the Governor, as the representative of The Provide an expanded range of opportunities Queen who is the Head of State in Queensland, for Queensland organisations and members does not participate in the political process, it of the community to visit Government is the main constitutional responsibility of the House. Facilitate the Governor’s travel to Governor to ensure that the State continues to regional and remote centres and support have a stable Government which commands the organisations of which the Governor is popular support of the Parliament. patron. As an independent entity, the Office of the d) Promoting Queensland Governor provides personal, administrative and Assist the Governor in activities that logistic support which enables the Governor to highlight and promote Queensland exercise effectively the constitutional powers business, regional produce, culture and and responsibilities of office and to undertake trade by offering hospitality and attending official, ceremonial and civic duties. The events. Support the Governor to host autonomous nature of the Office is consistent international dignitaries and undertake with the Governor’s role to function with occasional international travel to promote political neutrality. The Office also maintains the Queensland’s interests. Government House Estate, in partnership with the Department of Public Works. e) Effective Management Strengthen the corporate governance By enabling the Governor to exercise framework to utilise emerging technologies independently her constitutional powers and and continuously improve performance, responsibilities and to undertake duties as capability, accountability and value-for- representative of the Head of State, the Office of money service delivery. the Governor directly contributes to maintaining a stable and effective government. f) Preserving Government House Maintain Government House as an official Corporate Objectives State residence including conserving its heritage-listed facilities and ensuring The corporate objectives of the Office of the maintenance, security, workplace health and Governor encompass the following six goals which safety and horticultural services. are detailed in the Office Strategic Plan 2009-13:
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 5 New Member of Staff Ms Julia Webb – Office Manager New to the Office of the Governor in 2010, Julia manages a small team which provides administrative support to the Governor and the Office. Julia brings to the Office a range of knowledge and skills gained over 11 years working in various areas in the public and private sectors, including Economic Policy, Policy Division and the Office of the Associate Director-General in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Julia’s expertise has brought a fresh approach to juggling the many administrative issues that arise on a day-to-day basis when coordinating the diverse activities undertaken by the Governor. “Every day is different in this job and I find that new challenges arise which require immediate attention. I am thankful to have the amazing support of my small dedicated team and together we work to resolve any issues to ensure that the Governor’s program runs as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.” Julia’s role will make a valuable contribution to the coordination and implementation of new corporate governance systems and performance reporting across all business units in the Office. Initiatives that Julia looks forward to finalising with the Administration Team are the new systems flowing from the IT renewal program. “The new IT systems are critical to making our jobs more efficient and for us to increase our responsiveness to the Governor, the Office and the community. They’ll also provide us with a future platform for maintaining best practice in our administrative operations.”
6 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Corporate Governance
The Office of the Governor’s corporate governance human and information resources; framework addresses organisational structure, • Annual Procurement Plan; planning and decision-making, management standards and policies, and monitoring, reporting • Monthly/Quarterly Budget Reports; and evaluation processes. The Corporate • Employee Performance Planning & Governance Framework: Development Plans; • ensures the Office applies good governance • Annual Core Training Plan; and principles in day-to-day work; • Record Keeping Operating Procedures. • assists the Office to serve the Governor in a planned, organised and professional way; and Management Structure • ensures the Office meets its legal obligations and responsibilities.
Official Management Processes Secretary The management process encompasses the necessary arrangements for good corporate governance and includes: Finance Planning
• Strategic Plan – Mission Statement, Goals and Deputy Official Objectives for the organisation’s business; Secretary • Operational Plan – Annual activities to deliver on the Strategic Plan Objectives; • Business Plan – each Business Unit's annual delivery of the activities in the Annual Administration House Operational Plan; • Specific Plans – including the Communications Plan; and Estate Aides • Collaborative Plans (e.g. with the Department of Public Works) – Bushland Management Plan, Strategic Maintenance Plan; Research and Policy and Conservation and Curatorial Plan; Water Writing Projects Efficiency Management Plan. Performance Management and Evaluation Office of the Governor Organisational Structure • Key Performance Indicators reporting planned As at 30 June 2011, the Office of the Governor against actual results/outcomes; employed 37 full-time equivalent employees across the executive, professional, administrative • Quarterly Business Unit Reports; and operational bands with a pool of casual staff • Risk Matrix and Annual Audit Plan; and to assist in the delivery of some services. • Project Evaluation Reporting. As required by the Financial Accountability Act 2009, the Official Secretary is the Chief Executive Resource Management and Accountable Officer for the Office of the • Policies and procedures for managing financial, Governor.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 7 Corporate Governance
The Office employs a Chief Financial Officer and Air Commodore Mark Gower OAM, MAICD a nominated head of Internal Audit who is the Deputy Official Secretary. Air Commodore Gower was appointed Official Secretary in 2008 following a successful The Official Secretary is supported by two 30 year career as a senior officer in the strategic advisory groups, a management group Royal Australian Air Force. He has held a and various specific advisory working groups. number of company director appointments • The Executive Management Group is an on government, commercial and not-for- internal agenda setting and decision making profit boards. Air Commodore Gower is the body. Governor’s most senior advisor and is the designated accountable officer for the Office. • The Internal Audit and Risk Management Committee (chaired by the Deputy Official Ms Cecily Pearson MAICD, MIIA (Aust) Secretary) provides advice on the efficiency Ms Pearson has been the Deputy Official and effectiveness of internal controls, Secretary of the Office of the Governor since implementation of audit recommendations, July 2008 and is responsible to the Official and systems and processes to address risk. Secretary for the corporate, administrative and • The Workplace Health and Safety Committee operational activities of the organisation. Ms (chaired by the Deputy Official Secretary) Pearson has a background in policy, projects advises and monitors workplace health and and administration at the State and Federal safety issues. government levels. • The Management Group is made up of all Ms Rosie Turnbull CPA managers who provide specialist knowledge and guidance on Office service delivery Ms Turnbull joined the Office of the Governor areas and who represent the views of staff at in March 2009, and was appointed Chief meetings, contribute to strategic decision- Financial Officer in July 2009. She previously making and communicate information and held various roles in State and Federal decisions to their teams. government. • Specific-purpose working groups and/or sub- committees are formed to consider significant operational and strategic issues relevant to Decision Making and the day-to-day functioning of the Office of Advisory Structures the Governor. Significant specific working groups in 2010–2011 have included the Open Day organisational group, the IT Renewal Official Secretary Implementation Group and the Policy Review Group.
Membership of the Executive Executive Internal Audit & Risk Management Management Group is: Management Group Committee Official Secretary Air Commodore Mark Gower OAM (Retd) Workplace Health & Management Group Deputy Official Secretary Safety Committee Ms Cecily Pearson Chief Financial Officer Team Meetings Ms Rosie Turnbull Office of the Governor's Formal Committee Structure
8 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Measuring Corporate • Performance information informs strategic Governance decisions and resource allocation. • Progress and performance on risk responses is The Office uses the following performance monitored and reported. standards to improve continuously its Corporate Governance Framework and its implementation. • All staff participate in performance planning and review. Governance Framework Standards The Office is committed to equal opportunity • All governance legislation, requirements and in employment and merit based recruitment mechanisms are accurately described. practices. In 2010–2011, turnover of staff • The governance structure reflects appropriate was approximately 9%, which is lower than levels of integrity (e.g. independence). that of previous years (15% in 2009-10 and 20% in 2008-09). The introduction of targeted • How goals and strategies are established, recruitment practices, appropriate induction communicated and reported against is clearly processes, a performance planning and articulated. development framework including complaints and • The framework is appropriate to the Office's grievance resolution policies, updated industrial scale and context. agreements, human resource policies consistent with those in the public sector and a structured Governance Practice Standards annual training program has contributed to the • The Office complies with all governance significant decline in staff turnover. requirements (exception reporting). • The Office financial statements receive unqualified audit opinion. Her Excellency hosted His Royal Highness Prince • Goals, priorities, resource allocation and William at Government House during his visit to procurement are aligned. disaster-affected regions of Queensland in March 2011.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 9 Our Quiet Achiever Mr Graeme Sharman – House Steward Working quietly behind the scenes is one of our very accomplished and experienced Government House Stewards. Graeme Sharman commenced as one of the small team of Stewards in 2004 after 20 years working in some of Australia’s most prestigious boardrooms - Reserve Bank, Citi Group, Ernst & Young. He furthered this hospitality career, working in a number of distinguished private homes. In this capacity, he was given the opportunity to serve their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Prince Edward, as well as well-known international entertainers including Sir Elton John, Michael Jackson and Jane Fonda during their visits to Australia. His daily work includes a diversity of essential household support duties for the Governor who hosts many visitors, functions and events at Government House. “I enjoy the variety of activities that occurs at Government House. It is an interesting but demanding environment to work in. This year I was privileged to meet His Royal Highness Prince William. I can’t think of many jobs that offer such great opportunity to meet such an important array of people. It is also a privilege to serve and meet the many guests and community members welcomed to Government House.” Having served two Governors, Graeme has assisted with important events and activities that form the Constitutional fabric of Queensland, including the swearing in of Ministries and Official Visits by Royalty and international Heads of State. Graeme says “I particularly enjoy Open Days as they provide the local community with a true sense of the history of Government House and the important role of the Governor. I am also very proud to be part of the small professional team of Stewards who make a visit to Government House a comfortable and enjoyable experience.”
10 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Report on Performance
• assenting to 50 Bills presented by the Legislative Assembly of Queensland; and • considering 85 petitions for pardon, commutation of sentence, remission of a fine or penalty, and protests. In March 2011, Her Excellency hosted His Royal Highness Prince William at Government House during his visit to disaster-affected areas of Queensland, and accompanied His Royal Highness at the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fundraising Event in Brisbane. In her representative capacity, Her Excellency also hosted or attended numerous official functions and events in support of Commonwealth, State and Local Governments. Among these were a reception for the Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Australia with the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs; the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Fundraising Function with HRH Prince William of Wales; the 2010 Fernberg Lecture by the Honourable Stephen Robertson MP, Minister for Trade and Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy; a Celebration of the Arts in Queensland Constitutional and Legal with the Honourable Rachel Nolan MP, Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and the Arts; The primary role of the Governor is to ensure Queensland Tourism Reception with the our State is governed effectively and within Honourable Jan Jarratt MP, Minister for Tourism, the Constitution. The reporting period is the Manufacturing and Small Business; and the Governor's third year in office. The Governor Local Government Association of Queensland presides at meetings of the Executive Council, Infrastructure and Planning Symposium. which comprises State Ministers of the Crown, giving the constitutionally required approval to give legal effect to many of the decisions and actions of Government. The Governor is responsible for granting Royal Assent to Bills passed by Parliament, summoning and dissolving Parliament, appointing all Ministers of the Crown and issuing writs for elections. In 2010–2011, the Office supported the Governor in carrying out her constitutional responsibilities, notably: • presiding at 55 meetings of the Executive Council; Her Excellency at the swearing-in of State • signing appointments for Acting Premier Government Ministers, February 2011. and Ministers;
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 11 Report on Performance
Ceremonial Graduation Ceremony; and 2011 Queensland Museum Medals; and The Governor hosts and officiates at many ceremonial occasions of celebration or • attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and commemoration. The Governor hosts events declared the first resolution at the 96th Anzac usually at Government House to honour and Day Parade; attended the ANZAC Day Mass; thank the many organisations which assist the Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony; Queensland communities across the State. the National Police Remembrance Day The Governor’s ceremonial role includes Candlelight Vigil; and Wreath Laying for the representation at military parades, remembrance Returned Services League Australia Indigenous ceremonies and special occasions of State and Veterans Ceremony. Her Excellency was national significance. also represented at other commemoration ceremonies by the Official Secretary, Deputy In 2010–2011, Her Excellency: Official Secretary and Aides-de-Camp. • hosted and officiated at nine investiture ceremonies for Queensland recipients of Honours and Awards within the Order of Australia and Australian Bravery Decorations. Eight ceremonies were held at Government House in September 2010 and May 2011 for 173 Queensland recipients. One investiture ceremony was held in Cairns in October 2010 to present eight North Queenslanders with Honours and Awards; • supported awards ceremonies and events including those for the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust; the Order of St John in Australia; the Royal Humane Society of Australasia; St John Ambulance Australia – Queensland; the Scout Association of Australia (Queensland Branch); Girl Guides Australia (Queensland); the Boys’ Brigade Australia (Queensland); Girls’ Brigade Queensland Presentation of Honours and Awards Inc.; Queensland Youth Alliance; Queensland The Governor formally invests Queensland College of Teachers - Excellence in Teaching; recipients with national honours and Australian Export Heroes; Royal Life Saving awards. Principal among these are those Queensland Volunteer Awards; Royal within the Order of Australia which are Queensland Food and Wine Show Awards; announced in the Australia Day Honours Engineering Heritage National Landmark List on 26 January and the Queen’s Birthday Awards; Rhodes Scholarship; Annual Diabetes Honours List in June. Australia Research Trust Grants to Queensland Researchers; RSPCA Humane Award; Royal Most ceremonies are conducted at Brisbane and Womens Hospital Foundation Government House in Brisbane but one 2011 Research Grants Awards; Queensland may be conducted in Far North Queensland Overseas Foundation 2010 Scholarship each year, alternating between Cairns Awards; the Womens Lawyers Association and Townsville, and award ceremonies for of Queensland 2010 Awards; Guide Dogs students are held at Parliament House. Queensland’s 2011 Guide Dog Team
12 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Community Engagement The Role of Aides As a champion of many causes, the Governor undertakes an active program of community and Aides-de-Camp engagement across Queensland and is a strong In Queensland, the Governor is supported advocate of many social causes of importance in her constitutional, community and to the Queensland community. Her Excellency ceremonial responsibilities by civilian aides is Patron of 188 Queensland community and by uniformed Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) organisations and, as Patron, enhances an who are Commissioned Officers from the organisation’s profile within the community, Reserve elements of the Royal Australian providing support and promoting its causes and Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian activities. Air Force or drawn from the commissioned The Governor hosts community events at ranks of the Queensland Police Service. Government House, including Open Days and The Governor’s Aides and ADCs play an visits, and sends letters of congratulation to those important role in planning and organising celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. the Governor’s program, ensuring that Her Excellency also hosts or attends many protocol is observed, that appropriate community occasions. In addition to hosting and arrangements are made, and that everything attending local community events, the Governor runs smoothly. They accompany the gives active support to state, national and Governor on official duties to support international conferences held in Queensland. In her in fulfilling her role as the Queen’s 2010–2011, these included keynote speeches at representative in the State, and provide the opening of the 19th World Congress of Soil a vital coordinating link with the many Science; the 2010 State Landcare Conference; the community organisations which the Official Opening of the 2010 National Dementia Governor supports. Research Forum; the Official Opening of the International Association of School Librarianship While accompanying the Governor, ADCs Conference; and the Official Opening of the wear the uniforms of their respective National Association of Childbirth Educators Services and wear a distinctive aiguillette on Biennial National Conference. The Governor also the right shoulder to indicate their Vice- launches many books and publications such as Regal supporting role. Civilian aides do not The University of Queensland’s publication “Coral wear aiguillettes but wear a small gold badge Reefs and Climate Change”. of the Crown of St Edward as a symbol of their role. In 2010–2011, Her Excellency also celebrated many milestone occasions with organisations of which she is a patron, including the Golden Anniversary of Cystic Fibrosis Queensland; the 50th Anniversary of the Spinal Injuries Association Queensland; 35th Annual State Conference of the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland; the Launch of the Annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal; 50th Anniversary of Queensland Ballet; 125th Anniversary of the Lady Musgrave Trust; the Cancer Council, Queensland 50th Year Anniversary; 75 Years of Montrose Left to Right: FLTLT Tim Daelman; SQNLDR Access Service; 25th Anniversary for Protect All Robyn Heap; INSP Ian Thompson; Ms Kerri Beasley; Children Today; the Endeavour Foundation’s 60th LCDR Dominic Katter; CAPT Scott Revell; A/INSP Jonathan Lavin; CAPT Cameron McKay; (absent: Anniversary; and unveiling of the No 23 Squadron LCDR Matt Rowe; A/INSP Anthony Crimmins). Sculpture and Plaque at Wyaralong Dam.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 13 Report on Performance
A Wealth of Experience Ms Kerri Beasley – Aide to the Governor As one of our longest-serving Aides, Kerri “This is a very busy and rewarding job which commenced her role with the Office of the I enjoy every day. It is a pleasure to have Governor in March 2007. Her previous the opportunity to serve the Governor as experience in Protocol Queensland, Department representative of the Constitutional Head of of the Premier and Cabinet has brought State. The cross-section of people we meet on invaluable knowledge and experience to the role a day-to-day basis is extraordinary and the of civilian Aide. team of people I work with are chosen for their dedication to the Police Service and the Military.” Kerri is part of a committed team including an Aide-de-Camp and eight Honorary Aides-de- Kerri also travels extensively across the State Camp which ensures that functions and events accompanying the Governor in her important attended by the Governor are well coordinated duty of meeting with and knowing the issues and efficiently organised, and that the required that face all Queenslanders. protocol is observed. This is an important and “The most rewarding experience is attending responsible role which requires meticulous Investiture Ceremonies and meeting those attention to detail and qualities of tact and people who serve the community and are sensitivity, particularly when dealing with high acknowledged for their contributions. We are a level visitors and international dignitaries. very fortunate society to have such remarkable people and it is an enormous privilege to be in a role that affords me the opportunity to meet Ms Kerri Beasley and Ms Lucy Ransome, them as we travel throughout the State”. Queensland Art Gallery.
14 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 2011 Open Days at Government House
The Governor hosts two Open Days each year Governor is Patron as well as the State Library which provide an extended opportunity for the of Queensland and Queensland State Archives. local community and visitors to stroll through The full program of entertainment included 15 hectares of gardens and grounds and tour a variety of choirs, including the Queensland Government House. Kodaly Choir, Brisbane Gay & Lesbian Pride Choir, Southside Singers Choir and the El Coro The Australia Day Open Day on 26 January Children’s Choir and the Voices of Birralee. 2011, welcomed 2,000 visitors to Government Added attractions again included the display House who took interest in the displays by nine of heritage vehicles by the Veteran Car Club of organisations and entertainment by the Brisbane Australia (Queensland). Grammar School Vocal Ensemble, the Australian Army Band Brisbane, and the Queensland Both Open Days supported the Premier’s Police Service Pipes and Drums. Over 1,300 Disaster Relief Appeal with attendees kindly people participated in tours inside Government donating over $3,000. The Office of the Governor House. Garden tours were a popular attraction collected and contributed a total of $4,254.60 to coordinated by our on-site horticultural expert, the appeal. The exhibition of letters of support Mr Richard Symmonds from QBuild. for Queenslanders from Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness Prince William, other State Our Queensland Week Open Day held on 5 Governors and Administrators and international June 2011, saw around 3,000 people enjoying diplomats was appreciated by visitors to the the “Community Fair” program. Displays were Open Days. provided by 61 organisations of which the
Our Government House Tour Program Government House welcomes visits by community organisations and school groups throughout the year for guided tours of the House and gardens. The tours are conducted by a team of 24 Volunteer Guides, and are supported by presentations by staff about the role of the Governor. Where possible, the Governor endeavours to greet each tour group. This year, Government House welcomed 1,963 visitors from community organisations and 1,868 students and staff from 35 schools on these tours.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 15 Report on Performance
Disaster Response Across Queensland
Late December 2010 and early January 2011 saw major devastation and loss of lives in Queensland due to severe flooding and the subsequent damage caused by Cyclone Yasi in I have been following with great February 2011. concern over the last few days the With 75 percent of the State affected by news of the devastating floods flooding in January, the Governor and in Queensland. Please extend Mr McCosker committed their efforts to my sincere sympathies to all the understanding the magnitude of human people whose communities and tragedy and the long term effects which the livelihoods have been so badly floods and the cyclone inevitably had and damaged in this disaster. continue to have on the people of Queensland and the economy. Elizabeth R. As the magnitude of the disaster became apparent, Her Excellency initiated a series of meetings with relevant authorities and visited evacuation centres in Brisbane and Ipswich and, when access permitted, Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. The Governor also contacted personally many Mayors in disaster-affected areas to offer her support and sympathy, and published both My thoughts are with you and her own message and messages received the people of Queensland at from within Australia and overseas on the this incredibly difficult time. So Government House website. These include many in the United Kingdom personal messages of concern from Her and around the world have been Majesty The Queen and from His Royal shocked by the images of the Highness Prince William. flooding and its impact on the As soon as practicable, the Governor lives of Queenslanders. I hope initiated a program of travel for herself and the support you continue to Mr McCosker to flood and cyclone affected regions, and visited and supported local receive will strengthen further government mayors and councillors, response the spirit, resilience and resolve and recovery teams and community members for which Australians are rightly in and around the centres of Brisbane, famous, and which will lead you to Ipswich, Goodna, Redbank, Toowoomba, overcome this natural tragedy. Oakey, Jondaryan, Bundaberg, Childers, Gin Gin, Gatton, Warwick, Condamine, Tara, Dalby, Chinchilla, Cairns, Innisfail, William Cardwell, Tully, Ingham, Townsville, Gympie, Emerald, Rolleston, Springsure, Somerset, Alpha, Jericho, Gayndah, Mundubbera, Goondiwindi, Texas and the Lockyer Valley.
16 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Her Excellency thanks Surf Life Saving Queensland volunteers at Dittmer Park, Upper Mt Gravatt who were assisting with the flood response effort, 13 January 2011.
Her Excellency and Councillor Bill Shannon, Mayor, Cassowary Coast The Governor, State Chief Scout Regional Council assess the enormous devastation left by Cyclone Yasi of the Scout Association of in Tully, 7 February 2011. Australia (Queensland Branch) and Mr McCosker assist with the clean- up, Scout Centre, Auchenflower, 16 January 2011.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 17 Report on Performance
Community Engagement Across Queensland
The Governor discusses the work of the Aurukun Volunteer Marine Rescue, 21 July 2011.
A vital part of the Governor’s role is to promote Outside her disaster response travel, Her Queensland, its strengths and assets, and to be Excellency’s visits and duties included: able to speak with authority about the interests • Keynote Speaker at the 2010 Sister City and concerns of Queenslanders and Queensland Australia National Conference, Rockhampton communities. To assist this advocacy role, it - 12 July 2010; is important for her to travel across the State to regional centres and rural and remote • Visit to Cape York including Cooktown, communities. Such visits enhance the Governor’s Cape Flattery, Bamaga, Weipa and Aurukun, capacity to promote tourism and business and meeting with local Council representatives, commercial opportunities to interstate and Indigenous community representatives, international visitors and potential investors. visiting schools and aged care facilities, and inspecting mineral resource sites - 15 to 21 In 2010-11, the Governor visited 41 regional July 2011; centres across the State over a total of 73 days, • Attendance at the Australian Festival of attending and officiating at regional events and Chamber Music (as Patron) Governor’s Gala meeting Council and community representatives, Concert, Townsville - 31 July 2010; elders, young people and children. The direct cost of this travel for the year was approximately • Attendance at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair $85,000 largely due to an expanded program (as Co-Patron) - 19 August 2010; into flood- and cyclone-affected areas (refer • Unveiling the Engineers Australia - to the Governor’s Disaster Response Across Engineering Heritage National Landmark Queensland).
18 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Her Excellency performs the official unveiling at the Her Excellency at the Ensham Mine dragline during Yungaburra Centenary celebrations, 30 October 2010. her visit to Emerald, 20 February 2011.
Award - The Burdekin Bridge - 5 October L Haenke Historical Foundation, Ipswich - 2010; 24 November 2010; • Special Guest and Guest Speaker at the • Guest Speaker at the Rockhampton Grammar Kingaroy State High School Speech Night and School 2010 Speech Night - 25 November community address at the Centacare South 2010; Burnett World Rural Women’s Day Luncheon • Official opening of Phase 2 (completion) of - Wooroolin - 14 to 15 October 2010; the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital - • Official opening of the R.M. Williams 30 November 2010; Australian Bush Learning Centre, Eidsvold - • Official opening of Clifton’s 100th Show - 23 October 2010; 12 February 2011; • Attendance and unveiling at the Yungaburra • Inspection of Ensham Mine (near Emerald) - Rail and Hotel Centenary Commemoration 20 February 2011; Celebrations - 30 October 2010; • Attendance at the North Queensland • Launching the publication “No Easy Field - Ensembles Launch of the 2011 Concert Ipswich Coal Mining 1920-2000” of the Willis Season, Townsville - 26 February 2011; • Unveiling the Engineers Australia - Engineering Heritage National Landmark Award - The Bundaberg Water Tower - 22 March 2011; • Presenting the Governor’s Cup to HMAS Cairns, Royal Australian Navy, Cairns - 12 April 2011; • Officiating at the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival Opening and presentation of Cape York Art Awards - 18 June 2011; • Official opening of the Woodford Annual Show for the Centenary year - 25 June 2011. Her Excellency during her community visit to Eidsvold, The Governor did not undertake any official 23 October 2010. international travel during 2010–2011.
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 19 Report on Performance
Community Engagement (continued) Promoting Queensland The Governor’s commitment to Queensland extends to promoting the State nationally and internationally with Government House providing a platform for cultural and business opportunities for the State. Her Excellency encourages cultural exchange, trade and investment, and tourism for Queensland businesses and provides access and support to many events and functions. An important part of the Governor’s role is Left: Her Excellency celebrating the 60th anniversary in furthering Queensland’s interests through of patron organisation, the Endeavour Foundation. meetings and associated business functions with Right: Her Excellency at the launch of the annual a range of national and international official Red Shield Appeal. visitors.
The events supported by the Governor in the community bring friends, neighbours, groups, families and cultures together, and lend encouragement and support to people in times of need or difficulty. Through her program, the Governor fosters initiative, enterprise, and broader social cohesion, emphasising mutual respect and support across Queensland. As part of her representational duties in the community, the Governor: Her Excellency hosting a visit of Ambassadors and • participated in 314 civic and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations. community events; • undertook 110 commitments for In 2010–2011, Her Excellency’s program included organisations of which she is Patron; receiving calls from numerous Heads of State, • presented or provided 183 speeches dignitaries and members of international and official messages; and delegations to discuss bilateral trade or cultural matters and to promote Queensland goods and • sent 1,278 letters of congratulations for services. Visitors to Government House included: 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries and 100th birthday celebrations; and • Diplomatic representatives for the Slovak Republic, Finland, Republic of Korea, Romania, • hosted an estimated 8,000 visitors to Indonesia, United States of America, Greece, Government House, primarily on Open days Turkey, People’s Republic of China, United and during Government House Tours. Arab Emirates, Poland, Slovenia, France, Germany, Portugal, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Republic of Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe; and • Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, New York.
20 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Preserving the Government House Estate • management of the ongoing Office of the Governor – Queensland Art Gallery Government Building Loans Agreement for the loan of historically and culturally significant artworks to display at Government House; • restoration of frames of significant Royal Portraits from the Government House collection and training for staff in care and maintenance of the collection; • upgrading and installation of air conditioning in working areas of Government House with minimal disruption to the architectural Bushland pond area at Fernberg. heritage values; • re-sealing of the main driveway entrances to The Official Residence of the Queensland the Estate; Governor, “Fernberg” is a heritage-listed State- • finalisation of a Bushland Management Plan owned working residence surrounded by 15 for rehabilitating and preserving bushland hectares of estate. Since becoming the residence across the Estate through prioritising capital of the Queensland Governor in 1910, the State works including implementation of the new Government has diligently maintained the Irrigation Water Efficiency Management Plan Estate to preserve its historical value and natural (IWEMP); attributes for the enjoyment of the Queensland community and visitors to Government House. • development of a condition assessment of all plant and equipment to inform the future The Office works in partnership with the capital maintenance program; and Department of Public Works to maintain the Government House Estate. The Department • completion of a whole of office Workplace of Public Works continues to deliver an annual Health and Safety Management Report and program of capital works to the buildings and a Security Audit to inform future workplace grounds and through a rolling three-year Service practices and training and to ensure the Level Agreement with the Office, QBuild also safety of staff, the community and visitors to maintains the natural heritage of the gardens and Government House. grounds. The Office undertakes minor works as necessary and is responsible for heritage-listed facilities, ensuring maintenance, security, workplace health and safety and horticultural services. The highlights in the 2010–2011 period included: • the installation of an Assistive Listening System (hearing loop) in the Drawing Room of Government House to provide enhanced audio to hearing-impaired visitors; • the coordination of a condition assessment and conservation of royal portraits on loan Heritage furniture and artworks. from the Queen’s Royal Collection Trust;
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 21 Report on Performance
Effective Management The Office of the Governor Strategic Plan 2009- 2013 provides the blueprint for the delivery of services and support to the Governor and management of the Government House Estate. The Strategic Plan also articulates the Office’s Corporate Values and Key Performance Indicators. During 2010-2011, the Office: • delivered and reviewed its Operational Plan ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan’s goals, objectives and values; • gave due consideration to adopting best practice approaches and instilling a culture of continuous improvement; • renewed key policy frameworks to ensure consistency with relevant legislative frameworks; • updated priority standard operating procedures to support clearer role definition of positions, enhance coordination between business units and provide for effective succession planning; • identified risks to inform the development of an ongoing business continuity plan, particularly in view of recent natural disasters; • introduced new business processes, in association with the introduction of new technology; and • identified priority training and development for individual staff to ensure that all employees are well equipped to deliver and develop their role in the Office. The ongoing development, implementation and review of management practices will ensure that the Office is well placed to operate in a contemporary business environment and to be able to meet the expectations of the Governor and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, after Winterhalter. a modern, technologically attuned society. On loan from the Royal Collection Trust.
22 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011
Financial Overview
The Office of the Governor has finalised another Government Insurance Fund (QGIF). The successful year with a positive operating result of current policy cover provided by QGIF, which $72,000 and a solid cash position of $841,000. has few exclusions and no upper limit on claims, covers the Office of the Governor for any legal Total services revenue for 2010-2011 was liability which may ensue as a result of activities $5,592,000 all of which was provided through conducted by the Office. Queensland Government appropriation. Actual gross Waste Management operating costs for 1% The Office of the Governor’s Waste Management the Office increased Policy is contained in the Code of Conduct. by 3.7% compared with the previous Environmental Management year. Salaries and 34% 65% Environmental management practices have employee related been implemented to conserve energy and expenses represented water and protect the environmental assets of the largest the Government House Estate. The Office of expenditure item at the Governor’s Code of Conduct requires all $3,568,000. employees to respect the environment, manage Employee expenses (65%) resources efficiently and effectively and conserve The operating Supplies and services (34%) and safeguard public assets. The following expenses for 2010- Depreciation (1%) practices have been adopted: 2011 are outlined in Other expenses (0%) the graph, right: • Replacement of office appliances and equipment with energy efficient products Expenditure 2010-2011 where possible; The Office of Governor’s net asset position • Installation of energy efficient fittings and as at 30 June 2011 was $1,977,000 (up from fixtures (including bulbs) where appropriate ; $1,367,000 in 2009-2010). • Monitoring of lights usage in offices and grounds to conserve energy; The Queensland Audit Office undertook an • Recycling of waste paper; independent audit of the Office of the Governor’s • On-site mulch production for use as garden financial report for 2010-2011. The audit and grounds compost; report states that the Office of the Governor • Erosion barriers to protect the grounds from has complied with the prescribed requirements rainwater run-off; and in respect of the establishment and keeping of • Rainwater tanks to capture water from on-site accounts in all material respects and the financial residences for garden and grounds irrigation in report has been drawn up to present a true and fair accordance with the Irrigation Water Efficiency view in accordance with the prescribed accounting Management Plan (IWEMP). standards of the transactions of the Office for the year 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 and of the 2010-2011 Statement of Assurance financial position as at the end of that year. As required by the Financial Accountability Act Consultancies 2009, our Chief Financial Officer provided a statement to our accountable officer, the The Office engaged one consultant during the Official Secretary, assuring him of the efficiency, reporting period at a total cost of $11,000. effectiveness and economy of our financial Public Liability operations and governance. This statement indicated no deficiencies or breakdowns in internal The Office of the Governor maintains liability controls which would impact adversely on our insurance cover (property and general liability) financial statements or governance for the year. against insurable risks with the Queensland
Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 25
Office of the Governor
Financial Statements 30 June 2011
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28 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Financial Statements Email: [email protected]
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50 Office of the Governor, Queensland Annual Report 2010 - 2011