Administrative Review Council

23 April 2007

ARC CELEBRATES BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

Administration decision-making has taken a step towards the future, with the release of the Australian Government's 'Better Practice Guide, Automated Assistance in Administrative Decision-Making'.

'I am very pleased to see the release of this important guide', Ms Jillian Segal AM, President of the Administrative Review Council (ARC) said.

"'The Better Practice Guide uses as its base the best practice principles outlined in the ARC's landmark 2004 report on Automated Assistance in Administrative Decision-Making.'

The report set out 18 principles for reform, representing the first interface between technology and administrative law principles, laying the bedrock for the creation of the Better Practice Guide.

'I am delighted and pleased that the ARC's work could provide the catalyst for this practical 'hands on' publication', Ms Segal said.

The Guide was developed by the Automated Assistance in Administrative Decision-Making (AAADM) Working Group, established in 2005 by the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO), part of the Department of Finance and Administration.

The AAADM Working Group drew on the expertise of a number of government agencies, including the ARC and the Commonwealth Ombudsman's office, to produce this Guide.

The ARC is created under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. The Council plays an important role in reviewing and advising the Attorney-General on the performance and enhancement of the administrative law system.

Building on the Council's report, the Better Practice Guide provides government agencies with a practical framework for the effective use of computer systems in administrative decision-making.

The release of the Best Practice Guide will be marked today with a seminar coordinated by the Institute of Public Administration Australia.