Duties of Accountable Authorities (RMG 200)

RMGs are guidance documents. The purpose of an RMG is to support PGPA Act entities and companies in meeting the requirements of the PGPA framework. As guides, RMGs explain the legislation and policy requirements in plain English. RMGs support accountable authorities and officials to apply the intent of the framework. It is an official’s responsibility to ensure that Finance guidance is monitored regularly for updates, including changes in policy/requirements. 

This guide supports you, the accountable authority (Secretaries, Chief Executives and governing board), to fulfil the important role of governing your entity and contributing to the priorities and objectives of the government.

The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) covers 3 key areas that provide a strong foundation for a modern, streamlined and adaptable Commonwealth public sector:
 

Accountability, Governance & Practice, and Transparency

This guide outlines your duties and legal obligations under the PGPA Act, the actions you need to take, and the governance and accountability mechanisms you need to establish and maintain. 
 

Your duties as an accountable authority

Sections 15 to 19 of the PGPA Act prescribe the following duties imposed on you as an accountable authority:

Duty to govern your entity (section 15), Duty to establish and maintain systems relating to risk and control (section 16), Duty to encourage cooperation with others (section 17), Duty in relation to requirements imposed on others (section 18), Duty to keep your responsibly minister and the Finance Minister informed (section 19).

General duties

You are an official under the PGPA Act and subject to the general duties of officials as well as the duties as an accountable authority of a Commonwealth entity. 
 

Duty of care and diligence (section 25), Duty to act honestly, in good faith and for a proper purpose (section 26), Duty in relation to use of position (section 27), Duty in relation to use of information (section 28), Duty to disclose interests (section 29).

 


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