Outcomes and planned performance

Section 2: Outcomes and planned performance

2.1 Outcomes and program performance information

The Australian Government requires agencies to measure their intended and actual performance in terms of outcomes. Government outcomes are the intended results, impacts or consequences of actions by the Government on the Australian community. Agencies are required to identify the programs which contribute to Government outcomes over the Budget and forward years.

Each outcome is pursued though investment in programs which are described below and include the performance indicators and targets used to assess and monitor the performance of Fisheries Research and Development Corporation in achieving government outcomes.

Outcome 1 Strategy

FRDC’s mission is to maximise economic, environmental and social benefits for its stakeholders through effective investment and partnership in research and development.

FRDC has defined four programs to address the diverse nature of the FRDC’s business environment and the range of demands of its stakeholders.

1. Natural resources sustainability
2. Industry development
3. People Development
4. Management, Communications and Accountability.

FRDC’s stakeholders will see another year where change is almost certain. Three key issues—the fallout from the global financial crisis (including fuel prices and exchange rates), potential global food crisis and climate change will continue to heavily impact on the sustainability and profitability of the industry. The recreational sector will continue to be scrutinised and will need to work collaboratively with other sectors to ensure access to recreational fish stocks and fishing areas. In 2009–10 the key drivers and issues for the fishing industry are likely to be:

• Fallout from the global financial crisis (reduced access to capital, lower interest rates, reduced demand for premium seafood, reduced export markets)
• Climate change (changes in recruitment patterns, increased sea temperature, volatile weather patterns)
• Resource access (new aquaculture developments, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) etc)
• Pressure on fish stocks
• Skilled labour shortages
• Aquatic animal health and biosecurity
• Value adding and market promotion
• Increased competition in world markets (tariffs and trade barriers)
• Price competition in the domestic market
• Rising import costs.

FRDC will invest in activities that address the above issues for each sector of the fishing industry so that they become more productive and sustainable.

The Circumstance of the Australian Fishing Industry

The commercial fishing industry is Australia’s sixth most valuable food-based primary industry with a landed value of more than $2.1 billion a year (ABARE—Fishing Industry Statistics 2007). In addition more than 3.4 million Australians recreationally fish each year spending an additional $1.5 billion (DAFF—National Recreational and Indigenous fishing industry survey). For indigenous communities, the fishing industry not only provides a significant role in culture and subsistence, but also a way of generating income. Key issues affecting recreational fishing rates include access to the resource (body of water) and environmental conditions. For indigenous communities, the fishing industry not only provides a significant role in culture and subsistence, but also an avenue for income.

 
Outcome 1 Budgeted Expenses and Resources
Table 2.1 provides an overview of the total expenses for outcome 1 by program.

Contributions to Outcome 1

Program 1.1:  Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Program objective

• The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation provides research and development services to meet the demands of industry, federal, state and territory government agencies for knowledge and information, assist with managing fisheries and aquaculture activities and to increase production and value, and take advantage of future opportunities; particularly by increasing business profitability and international competitiveness.
• This program has a collective focus operating through a service mechanism. The program undertakes advising/informing and assisting/educating activities through direct service delivery.

Program expenses 

Program 1.1 Deliverables

Natural Resources Sustainability

Provide investment in research and development that addresses:

• Fisheries management and industry adaptation to climate change, to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
• Fisheries to become co-managed
• The development of socio-economic assessments for incorporation into fisheries resource allocation processes within a sustainability framework
• The development of information on spatial management.

Industry Development

Provide investment in research and development that helps industry to:

• Adapt to climate change
• Deliver increased aquaculture production
• Develop value-added seafood products
• Implement cost reduction technologies, including fuel efficiencies.

People Development

• Invest in a bursary program to support personal and professional development activities, including support for indigenous development
• Sponsor the development of fishing industry people, students and researchers through the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program, the Australian

Rural Leadership Program, and other programs

• Ensure research and development results are disseminated to key stakeholders and the community.

Management, Communications and Accountability

• Meet statutory and Australian Government requirements
• Undertake benefit cost analyses to quantify the effectiveness of the FRDC’s investments
• Provide access to information through website, publications and reports
• Support workshops, forums and conferences to encourage debate, discussion and adoption of research funded by the FRDC.

Program 1.1 Key Performance Information

KPIs will be measured by:

• reports on improvements in performance and adoption
• reports on the number of people participating in people development activities and media/industry reporting on the FRDC’s investments
• reports on performance against requirements and better practice.
   

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