Marion Council in South Australia is not waiting for change to forced upon it. Determined to improve its efficiency, 18 months ago Council began to examine work practices throughout the organisation while negotiating its second enterprise agreement.
With the object of further improving the efficiency and contestability of operations, Council is now embarking on a process of benchmarking services against other organisations, both public and private.
“There is support for the program across the organisation,” said Janet Binder, Manager of Marion’s Organisational Development Unit. “Unions were particularly keen to see elements of contestability incorporated into the enterprise agreement.
“This way, Council staff will be in a good position should CCT legislation be introduced in South Australia. In addition, productivity gains that result will have direct benefits for workers and Council.”
By February 1997, Council will be able to assess whether its services are competitive or not, using three key criteria – quality, customer service and cost. Should a Council Unit be found to be not competitive, it will be given the opportunity to make necessary improvements. Should such improvements not take place, Council reserves the right to put the services provided by that Unit out for tender.
For further information contact Janet Binder, Manager Organisational Development Unit, telephone (08) 8375 6677.
