Module 1: Introducing the financial framework and the Budget

This topic will look at

• elements of the Australian Government’s financial framework
• the financial framework as it relates to the day-to-day operations of the Australian Government, including: prioritising, spending, reporting and reviewing its use of public money and Commonwealth resources
• a general understanding of the key elements of the Australian Government Budget process, and an awareness of why we budget and the key timeframes of the Budget
• an understanding that the Budget is part of the larger financial framework
• different types of appropriations and how they operate.

Module 2: External Reporting Frameworks and the Budget Balances

This topic will introduce

• financial reporting within the Australian Government, including discussion of departmental and administered items
• the reconciliation of GFS and AAS
• the Budget balances and how they are derived, with a case study to work through that will demonstrate the concepts of AAS and GFS reporting and their impact on the key Budget balances.

Module 3: Australian Government charging policy

This topic broadly follows the structure of the Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines, with particular emphasis placed on common areas of miscomprehension and confusion.

Participants will

• gain an understanding of cost recovery policy and become familiar with the associated guidelines
• recognise whether cost recovery should be applied to an activity
• learn how to ensure that the cost recovery policy is being applied appropriately
• understand the responsibilities as an officer within an agency that applies cost recovery.

Module 4: A closer look at appropriations

This topic will examine appropriations, including

• Where appropriations fit into the financial framework and the legislation and conventions that affect them
• Some of the key technical and process issues Australian Government entities should be aware of.