Functions and Workload Review

The AAT has undertaken reviews of its operations in 2006 and 2008-9. These reviews have revealed differences in the way in which the regional registries are staffed and structured. Inconsistent practices and procedures and disparate workloads have been identified. In some cases such inconsistencies are associated with unfairness. There are differences in the types of work done at particular APS levels within and across registries. There are also differences in staffing ratios, costs and resource allocations between the registries.

A staffing review was undertaken in 2006. That review identified some areas where particular roles should be upgraded, and proposed a structure for each of the registries, depending on the size of the registry. The review did not assess or quantify the workload in each registry and it did not address the issue of appropriate staffing levels. Until now, staffing levels have been decided according to the formulae developed in 1993 and 2006. These formulae are simplistic, out of date, do not take into account relevant variables and are inconsistently applied.

Inconsistent practices concerning a number of application processes have been identified. These include outreach services, listing processes, preliminary conference and ADR processes, financial administration and member support services. The service experience of users may vary from place to place.

The purpose of this Review is to address these inconsistencies and deficiencies in a timely and appropriate manner, properly considering and taking into account variables and trends that may impact upon the AAT’s operating environment and its future operations. It is expected that the Review will identify options to streamline management structures, functional allocations, work processes, workloads and resource allocations to minimise over allocations, inefficiency and unfairness, while maximising productivity, vitality and opportunities for development on a nationally consistent basis.

Reports from previous reviews will be made available to the successful tenderer.