4.  Governance Structure

The Treasurer is the Minister responsible for PPPs. In this role, the Treasurer is responsible for:

•  overseeing the setting, implementation and application of Western Australian whole‑of‑government policy in relation to PPPs;

•  endorsing, in consultation with the Portfolio Minister, adoption of the PPP approach for delivery of specific projects and key PPP milestones; and

•  holding agencies accountable for performance against the key milestones.

The Minister responsible for the procuring agency (Portfolio Minister) is responsible for the outcomes of each PPP project in Western Australia.

The DTF is the Relevant PPP Authority as defined in the National Guidelines.

There is a specialist PPP function in Treasury, its responsibility includes:

•  developing and maintaining whole-of-government PPP policy and guidelines;

•  supporting and reviewing PPP projects at all stages from procurement options analysis to contract management; and

•  advising the Treasurer on PPP policies, issues and projects, including the achievement of value-for-money.

In line with the State's Works Reform program, the DTF's Strategic Projects (SP) unit is responsible for project oversight of PPP projects during the contract development, tender and design‑and‑construct phases for non-residential building projects in the general government sector. SP will work in close consultation with the procuring agency to fulfil this role. SP's involvement in other general government projects will be determined on a project-by-project basis.

Consistent with the National Guidelines, project delivery is undertaken by a project‑specific steering committee set up for each project. Project steering committee membership will include senior members of the procuring agency, the DTF and the State Solicitor's Office. Where appropriate, other agencies such as the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, may also be represented on the project steering committee.

The procuring agency is responsible for management of the operational phase of PPP projects.

Procuring agencies should consult with the DTF and the State Solicitor's Office to determine the procurement powers to enter into a contract.   

The Auditor-General will have full and complete access, as required, to information on any Western Australian PPP project.