The purpose
of this guide is to summarise the requirements for implementation plans that are required to be lodged
with the Cabinet Implementation Unit.
a joint ANAO-PM&C Better Practice Guide, was launched by Peter Shergold
and Ian McPhee on Monday 16 October.
Print this pageImplementation Plan Guidelines
- What is an Implementation Plan?
- How will the Implementation Plan be monitored?
- Who is responsible for implementation?
What is an Implementation Plan?
An Implementation Plan is a detailed project management tool for a specific policy measure or package of measures, designed to assist agencies to manage and monitor implementation effectively.
For measures being monitored by the Cabinet Implementation Unit, departments and agencies are required to lodge an Implementation Plan with the Unit within two months of the Cabinet decision.
At a minimum, plans should reflect the project management standards outlined in the Guide to Preparing Implementation Plans (see document below) and the Better Practice Guide on the Implementation of Programme and Policy Initiatives. Implementation plans should assist in responding to the Commonwealth’s Gateway™ project assurance methodology.
Implementation Plans are intended to be scalable and flexible, reflecting the degree of urgency, innovation, complexity and/or sensitivity associated with the particular policy measure. Agencies are expected to exercise judgement in this area; however, the level of detail should be sufficient to enable the agency to effectively manage the implementation of a policy measure.
Subject to these expectations, agencies are encouraged to use their existing project and programme management methodologies.
The Cabinet Implementation Unit is happy to help with the development of plans and to provide confidential comments on drafts.
TopHow will the Implementation Plan be monitored?
Monitoring progress against the Implementation Plan is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the agency or department that prepared it. To ensure implementation is successful and policy objectives are achieved, it is important that implementation plans are maintained as ‘living’ documents by agencies to use in managing their policy responsibilities. Agencies are required to ensure that their implementation plans are actively monitored and regularly reviewed.
The implementation plan, including any formal modifications to it, will be used by both agencies and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as a basis for assessing the progress and success of policy implementation.
CIU will work closely with agencies to ensure implementation is being effectively managed, including the extent to which key milestones are being reached on time and within budget, and to ensure risks are being appropriately monitored and reviewed.
Who is responsible for implementation?
Responsibility for implementation remains with relevant agencies and their ministers.
Consultation on, and lodgement of, an implementation plan with the CIU does not constitute agreement by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to the approach being taken or consequent responsibility should any implementation issues arise. Should such issues arise agencies are encouraged to alert the Unit so that we can assist where possible in overcoming any implementation impediments.
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