The contractualisation of government: Public accountability and performance

Contracting has changed the delivery of government services and infrastructure in Australia. This project examines how such 'contractualisation' has affected acccountability at federal level and how current practices may be improved. Four key research questions are addressed. First, what changes, if any, in public accountability wer expected from contractualisation? Second, through an analysis of case studies, how have public accountability practices altered in reality? Third, how might public accountabiluty be strengthened whilst maintaining the benefits of contractualism? Fourth, what kind of perfomance information would assist Auditors General to strengthen their role in supporting public accountability and good governance.