Asset Management Accountability Framework

Di Scheepers was our Guest Speaker for the evening and presented information on the Asset Management Accountability Framework (AMAF) introduced in Victoria in 2016.

 

The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) published guidelines to support Departments and Agencies to achieve compliance with the AMAF. They also established an inter-departmental working group to drive its' implementation. Compliance is mandatory!

(Refer: http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/infrastructure-investment/asset-management-accountability-framework) 

 

Asset management is a coordinated activity over the 4 lifecycle stages of planning, acquisition, operation & disposal, with leadership and accountability  at the centre.   Di was able to link her talk to the Rotary Club of Berwick's shed equipment audit and cleanup over the next weekend!  This is an example of good asset management!

 

In terms of assessment against AMAF, Departments approached the assessment in different ways, some opting for a self-assessment approach and others for an independent assessment.   However, self-assessment does lack some objectivity.  Once the gaps were known, actions can be taken to address the gaps.

Di explained that the journey hasn't been easy and there are still improvements to be made. However, the AMAF has focussed attention on how Departments manage their assets.  

 

She has worked in three government portfolios, Public Housing, a short stint in Health Services and most recently in Court Services Victoria. Her role has been a combination of asset planning and program formulation.

 

The Public Housing portfolio involved asset management of 65,000 houses and the Health Services portfolio covered 76 health services with a $24 million budget.

 

The need and budget are the starting points in formulating a program, and ensuring all stakeholders are consulted and the service needs of the client are identified.

 

Some activities are able to be planned and more accurately budgeted for i.e. upgrade or renovation and acquisition. A responsive maintenance budget is allocated on demand. 

 

The Asset Management Council of Victoria provided essential training for staff (http://www.amcouncil.com.au/).  Di volunteers for this organisation as the lead for Victoria's Women in Asset Management.

 

David Grant mentioned he was a little uncertain about this 'AMAF', so Di presented him with an Asset Management Council pen, which includes pull out instructions on good asset management.