Minister's foreword
Welcome to the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) Sustainability Report 2005–06. This report showcases the department’s performance throughout the year in an environmental, social and economic context.
In 2003, the then Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS), produced a triple bottom line report which was the first of its type for an Australian Government department. This year, FaCSIA continues to provide one of the most comprehensive sustainability reports in the Australian Government.
The merger in 2006 between FaCS and the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) to form the new FaCSIA significantly increased the department’s property holdings and staff numbers. This expansion created a greater challenge for the department in maintaining its commitment to sustainable performance.
I am particularly pleased that:
- my department has continued to increase its use of energy-efficient vehicles
- the successful implementation of a co-mingling waste system in selected national office sites has ensured material previously going to landfill is now recycled
- a new certified agreement has improved staff conditions and productivity
- FaCSIA has significantly increased its on-time payment of suppliers and improved its performance against government procurement guidelines.
I would like to thank the Secretary and his team for their commitment to sustainability reporting. I know readers will find this report both useful and informative.
The Hon. Mal Brough, MP
Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs