Mr Robert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 9 February 2010:

(1) What progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of Audit Report No. 31 2009-09 ‘Army Reserve Forces’ (The Auditor General, Australian National Audit Office, Canberra, 8 May 2009).
(2) What barriers exist to ease of movement between the Australian Regular Army and the Army Reserve (paragraphs 2.34 and 2.35 of the report in part (1)), and what is being done to remove them.

Mr Combet – The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1)        The Australian National Audit Office Audit Report No. 31 2008-09 Performance Audit Army Reserve Forces was released on 14 September 2009 and detailed the findings of an audit into Army Reserve Forces.  The audit’s four recommendations and Defence’s progress in responding to these are as follows:

• Considering the Army Reserve’s current role and the existing work being undertaken towards developing its 2016 Approved Future Force structure, the ANAO recommends the Army reviews its policies related to the location of Army Reserve units to take into account the cost of operating a dispersed organisation against the capability offered and the desire to maintain a public presence.

Defence status:
Army has completed the Army Reserve Approved Future Force and has grouped it under the ‘Rebalancing Army’ (RBA) initiative.  The implementation plan for the RBA initiative is currently being developed and has not yet been provided to Government. Upon completion and approval of the RBA initiative, changes will be implemented supported by a comprehensive change management and communication strategy.

• The ANAO recommends that Defence uses a periodic assessment of costs to bring together appropriate cost information related to the Army Reserve, to inform longer term decision making.

Defence status:
Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, in consultation with the Services and Chief Finance Officer Group, is currently developing a baseline data set to determine appropriate cost information of the Reserves to inform longer term decision making.  This data set will be the standard for future assessments as a means of calculating the cost of Reserves.  It is expected to be finalised by 31 December, 2010.

• The ANAO recommends that the Army:
• request current Reservists to provide relevant information relating to their civilian qualifications and skills;
• where this information is provided, record it on Defence’s existing personnel management database, PMKeyS; and
• streamline the approval processes for the recognition of civilian skills and qualifications

Defence status:

• This recommendation was included in the Defence Budget Audit and Defence White Paper 2009.  VCDF Group (specifically Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division) is the lead agency and is developing a PMKeyS solution on behalf of Defence.  Data entry is expected to occur in late 2010, and the project is expected to be complete by 31 December 2011.
• As per a)
• This recommendation is being considered on a limited basis as part of the civil skills database project.  However, the Army has commenced reviewing the most appropriate means for recognition and verification of civil skills.  Due to the complexities and variations in skill sets, determination on the process for recognition of civilian skills is not expected to be complete before 31 December 2010.
• Recognising the increased reliance on technology for communication, and the importance of accurate records, the ANAO recommends that:
• Defence ensures all Army Reservists have adequate access to the Defence Restricted Network; and
• Defence considers developing an internet portal or similar facility for Army Reservists to facilitate individual’s update of their personnel data.

Defence status:

• Reserve access to the Defence Restricted Internet is currently subject to projects being coordinated by the Information Communication Technology Stream of the Strategic Reform Program.  Reserve access to the Defence Restricted Internet will be significantly enhanced during the second half of 2010, with the procurement and release of additional Defence Remote Electronic Access and Mobility Services (DREAMS) tokens as an interim measure.
• As per a)

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