GTE governance and oversight

The Department of Treasury’s Governance and Oversight Unit is reviewing the current governance arrangements of GTEs, and through broad stakeholder consultation, will create and implement a framework to strengthen their connection with other areas of the Western Australian Government.

The Program addresses recommendations made by the Special Inquiry into Government Projects and Programs and the Service Priority Review that highlighted the importance of a clear relationship between GTEs and Government to ensure well-informed decision-making and cohesive long-term planning across Government.

In Western Australia there are 27 possible GTEs and 16 of these are included in the first stage of the reform program. The following GTEs were selected because of their strong commercial focus, consistent legislation and their significant impact on State finances.

Energy corporations

• Horizon Power
• Synergy
• Western Power

Water corporations

• Aqwest
• Busselton Water
• Water Corporation

Port authorities

• Fremantle Port Authority
• Kimberley Ports Authority
• Mid-West Ports Authority
• Pilbara Ports Authority
• Southern Ports Authority

Other

• DevelopmentWA
• Forest Products Commission
• Gold Corporation
• Insurance Commission of Western Australia
• Western Australian Treasury Corporation

It is intended the final framework will be adaptable to any Government-owned entity to provide standardised governance, accountability and oversight structures.

Framework under development

The GTE reforms are a critical activity in the Western Australian Government’s Public Sector Reform Program. Strong engagement with relevant stakeholders (especially the in-scope GTEs) is essential to the reform’s success and delivery of a sustainable and appropriate governance framework. 
From September 2018 through August 2019, the project team undertook consultation with in‑scope GTEs, policy agencies, central agencies, industry regulators and other general Government stakeholders.

Following the conclusion of feedback forums with stakeholders, the Department of Treasury has been focused on developing a framework that strengthens how GTEs collaborate with other parts of the Western Australian Government.

The new framework will provide standardised governance, accountability and oversight structures, through a combination of legislative reform, administrative orders, ministerial responsibility and performance monitoring.

It will comprise new legislation that seeks to harmonise governance across GTEs, regulations to support the sustainability of the new legislation and a series of 'how to' guidelines and fact sheets.

The GOU continues to engage directly with in-scope GTEs during this period as it progresses the non-legislative aspects of the Framework in parallel to the legislative drafting process.

If you would like to stay informed of the progress of the GTE reforms, you can join the mailing list by emailing us.

The GTE Governance and Oversight Unit is undertaking close engagement with stakeholders to design a framework that meets the governance and oversight requirements of the Western Australian Government, while being fit-for-purpose for GTE, agency and Ministerial use.

The framework will be designed to achieve key principles, with a combination of legislative and administrative features considered to be within scope. The scope and principles provide the backbone of conversations with stakeholders to identify options for how GTEs and agencies can consistently and sustainably work together on operational activities for the benefit of the Western Australian community.

Read about the Principles and Scope of the GTE Reform Program.

Find out about the FAQs.