FIRST TENDERS AND APPOINTMENTS CALLED TO DELIVER ACCESS CARD

Minister for Human Services, Hon. Joe Hockey MP today announced a call for tenders to provide key advisory services to the Office of Access Card. This is the next stage in delivering a more convenient, efficient and secure system for obtaining Government health and social services benefits.

The Office of Access Card is currently being established within the Department of Human Services and is charged with implementing the recently announced health and social services access card.

These tenders are the first step towards the implementation of this important billion dollar Government programme.

’ÄòThe two key advisory roles will ensure that the initiative receives the best independent expert advice ’Äì in terms of both overall strategy and audit and assurance,’Äô Minister Hockey said.

The first tender will select a Lead Advisor to provide strategic and independent advice to the Department of Human Services and the Minister for Human Services on the overall delivery of the access card.

The second is for Program Monitoring and Assurance services to implement an assurance framework for the access card, monitor and audit progress and provide independent advice on risk management.

’ÄòThese appointments signal that the implementation of the access card is very much on-track and progressing according to plan.

’ÄòThe two key advisory roles will ensure that the initiative receives the best independent expert advice’Äîin terms of both overall strategy and audit and assurance’Äô, said Minister Hockey.

Minister Hockey also announced that he will be advertising for the position of Deputy Secretary to lead the Office of Access Card and manage the implementation of the initiative.

’ÄòI am also looking for a highly experienced senior manager to lead the implementation of the project and ensure it is delivered on time and on budget. I am looking forward to getting applications from a broad range of qualified people, from both the public and private sector.

’ÄòIn the coming weeks I will be issuing further tenders for other key advisory roles to the project, including Chief Technology Architect.

’ÄòThe access card is an important initiative for Australia and we are committed to ensuring we secure the right mix of internal expertise and external advice.’Äô

Applications for the two tenders will be available from AusTender on 15 May 2006.

Applications for the Deputy Secretary level position will be advertised nationally and close on 25 May 2006.

For more information, contact: Wendy Black, Media Advisor, 0437 978 028