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Section 2: Outcomes and planned performance

2.1 Outcomes and performance information

The Australian Government requires agencies to measure their intended and actual performance in terms of outcomes. Government outcomes are the results, impacts or consequences of actions by the government on the Australian community.

The NCC's outcome is described below, specifying the performance indicators and targets used to assess and monitor the performance of the NCC in achieving government outcomes.

The NCC has a single outcome being the achievement of effective and fair competition reforms and better use of Australia's infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Following the end of the National Competition Policy (NCP) and the April 2007 decision of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) about the function of the NCC, the NCC has revised its outputs. The changes are to amend output 1.1.1 so that the output focuses on advising on infrastructure access issues and to remove entirely the former output 1.1.2, under which the NCC provided public information on competition policy. The NCC now has a single output 1.1.1 that reflects the current role of the NCC in relation to third party access regulation and the contribution of this to outcome 1.

The NCC does not administer any activities on behalf of the Australian Government.

2.1.1 Outcome 1: The achievement of effective and fair competition reforms and better use of Australia's infrastructure for the benefit of the community

Outcome 1 strategy

The NCC will provide comprehensive, objective and transparent advice to governments on applications received for the declaration of services and the certification of access regimes and on applications for the coverage/revocation of coverage and form of regulation of natural gas pipeline systems, in line with indicative best endeavours timeframes.

The NCC will continually seek to improve its processes, published guidelines and the structure of recommendation reports, and mechanisms for providing information to interested parties in relation to access regulation matters.

In 2008‑09 and beyond, the NCC will liaise with governments as prospective applicants for the certification of access regimes, including regimes in the energy sector, to maximise opportunities for certification.

Outcome 1 resource statement

Table 2.1 provides additional detail of Budget appropriations and the total resourcing for outcome 1.

Table 2.1: Total resources for outcome 1

Contributions to outcome 1

Output group 1.1 — National Competition Council
The component of output group 1.1 is: Output 1.1.1 — Advice provided to governments infrastructure access issues Advice provided to governments on infrastructure access issues, including in particular on: applications for declaration of services provided by monopoly facilities; applications for certification and applications in relation to natural gas pipelines under the National Gas Law.
Output 1.1.1 — Advice provided to governments infrastructure access issues
Key performance indicators	2008‑09 target
NCC recommendations on applications for declaration of services provided by monopoly facilities meet statutory requirements (including target time limits) and the advice requirements of decision making Ministers.	Recommendations on applications are provided within statutory time guidelines (target of 4 months). Recommendations meet the advice requirements of decision making Ministers.
NCC recommendations on applications for certification meet statutory requirements (including target time limits) and the advice requirements of decision making Ministers.	Recommendations are made within statutory time guidelines (target of 6 months). Recommendations meet the advice requirements of decision making Ministers.
NCC recommendations and decisions under the National Gas Law are made in accordance with the processes and criteria provided for in that law and related rules.	Recommendations and decisions are made within specified time limits. Recommendations meet the advice requirements of decision making Ministers.
The NCC develops and maintains informative and up to date information resources for applicants, infrastructure owners and other interested parties in relation to all matters for which it is responsible.	A new NCC website is launched to provide accessible information on all access regulation matters for which the NCC is responsible. Updated guidelines on declaration and certification under Part IIIA of the TPA are available on the NCC website by 31 December 2008. Initial guidelines relating to the NCC's areas of responsibility under the new National Gas Law are available on the NCC website within three months of that law coming into effect. Case law developments, legislative amendments and developments in NCC processes or policies are reflected in NCC information resources within 30 days.
The NCC provides timely advice on the operation of the National Access Regime (including by way of the reporting required by s29O(2) of the TPA which requires reporting on time taken to make recommendations, court or Australian Competition Tribunal interpretation of key provisions, matters impeding the operation of the regime, benefits and costs (including any disincentives for investment) resulting from the regime's operation, and implications for the future operation of the regime).	The NCC's Annual Report to Parliament includes a comprehensive report on the National Access Regime that meets the requirements of s29O(2) and is provided by 31 August 2008.

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