A performance audit has found the Department Home Affairs’ management of its public communications and media activities have largely been effective.
In his report Department of Home Affairs’ Management of its Public Communications and Media Activities, Auditor-General Grant Hehir said the Department also largely effected the fit-for-purpose arrangements it had to manage in its public communications and media activities.
However, Mr Hehir said Home Affairs’ public communications and media outcomes were limited by the accessibility of its media and communication channels.
“Home Affairs has largely fit-for-purpose arrangements to manage its public communications and media activities,” Mr Hehir said.
“It has a strategic approach, guidance and processes in place to deliver these activities,” he said.
“Client feedback is not being processed within target timeframes.”
Mr Hehir said the Department could clarify its community engagement definition and develop further key performance indicators and expectations in its contract management process.
He said Home Affairs’ public communications and media outcomes were limited by the accessibility of its public communication channels.
“Home Affairs recognises these limitations and is addressing accessibility, including utilising service design when developing media and communication programs,” the Auditor-General said.
“Home Affairs has reviewed its public communications arrangements since December 2020, and reports on its activities to its senior executive.”
Mr Hehir made one recommendation to Home Affairs to regularly review its digital and non-digital content to ensure it was compliant with accessibility requirements.
The Auditor-General’s Report can be accessed at this PS News link and the 73-page pdf version at this link.
The audit team was Zoe Pilipczyk, Benjamin Harwood, Joanna Giang, Kathryn Longstaff, Glen Ewers and Alex Wilkinson.
