Role and functions
As a central agency of the Australian Government, the Department of Finance plays a vital role in helping the government shape and deliver its priorities to ensure that public expenditure programs are sustainable and reflect best value to government and the Australian community.
Finance delivers a range of support and services, including:
- providing policy and financial advice on government expenditure to the Minister for Finance, other senior ministers and Cabinet’s Expenditure Review Committee
- supporting the government in its budget preparation, delivery and ongoing management through the budget process
- advising the government on strategic priorities such as advancing public sector reform through the Public Service Modernisation Fund
- fostering leading public sector practice through the public sector resource management, governance and accountability frameworks
- providing advice to the government on optimal arrangements for the management and ownership of public assets—including the sale of assets
- administering the government’s general insurance fund, investment funds and superannuation schemes
- managing the government’s shareholding in a number of government business enterprises and other public non-financial corporations
- providing a range of facilities and services to parliamentarians, their staff and former senators and members
- delivering whole-of-government information and communication technology services
- developing and maintaining the government’s procurement policy framework
- managing the government’s special claims, insurance and risk management operations
- administering discretionary compensation mechanisms.
