This content is current only at the time of printing. This document was printed on 25 January 2021. A current copy is located at http://www.hungtuantextile.com/node/29576
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Annual Report 2015-16—Chapter 3: Annual performance statement
Introduction
The APVMA is an independent statutory authority responsible for the assessment and registration of agvet chemicals.
The 2015–16 annual performance statement of the APVMA is provided to meet the requirements under paragraph s39(1)(a) of the?Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013?(PGPA Act). The statements reflect the performance of the entity and comply with subsection 39(2) of the PGPA Act.
There have been no variations from the PBS in 2015–16.
About the annual performance statement
The Performance Indicators (PI) presented in this statement are drawn from:
- the APVMA portfolio budget statement
- the?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19
- the?APVMA regulator performance framework 2015–16.
These documents cover performance relating to:
- timely regulatory decision making
- removal of unnecessary impediments
- communication
- approaches to regulatory risk
- compliance and monitoring
- transparency
- enhancing regulatory frameworks
- regulatory science
- operating as a high-performing organisation.
Presented in this statement are the metrics underneath each performance indicator and a high-level summary of the outcomes for 2015–16. Cross-references to the APVMA regulator performance framework are provided.
Information is provided as required to provide further explanation of performance.
The individual activities the APVMA undertook in 2015–16, as contained in the operational plan, directly relate to the performance indicators discussed in this statement. A report on progress of the activities in the 2015–16 operational plan is in Appendix A.
Timely regulatory decision making
In 2015–16, the APVMA commenced assessment of 5106 applications covering:
- pre-application assistance
- pesticide and veterinary medicine products
- active constituents
- permits
- nominated agents and changes to holders (Items 8L, 8M and 8P)
- technical assessments under Item 25
- notifiable variations
- import consents
- certificates of exports.
Types of regulatory? decisions |
Commenced | Finalised/issued | In PRogress |
---|---|---|---|
Pre-application assistance | 175 | 145 | 42 |
Product registration—pesticides | 905 | 1029 | 408 |
Product registration—veterinary medicines | 701 | 704 | 316 |
Actives | 342 | 213 | 289 |
Permits | 562 | 599 | 179 |
Items 8L, 8M, 8P | 695 | 689 | 32 |
Item 25 | 15 | 24 | 12 |
Notifiable variations | 736 | 696 | 37 |
Import consents | 608 | 620 | 61 |
Certificates of export | 367 | 429 | 30 |
Total | 5106 | 5148 | 1406 |
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Timeframe performance met for 100% product registration* | 66% | 1.3.B |
Timeframe performance met for 100% active approvals* | 70% | 1.3.B |
Timeframe performance met for 100% permits* | 70% | 1.3.B |
90% of consents to import are processed within 14 days | 86% | 1.3.B |
100% of internal review requests addressed within the 90-day timeframe | 63% | 1.3.B |
100% of pre-application assistance timeframes? are met |
(old process) 36% (new process) 46% | 1.3.B |
Timeframes for chemical reviews are met | No chemical reviews were due for completion in 2015–16: however, the review of fenamiphos was completed? in July 2015 |
1.3.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16,?APVMA regulator performance framework?(RPF) 2015–16, 2015–16. *Also in Portfolio Budget Statement
Timeframes for products, actives and permits
The APVMA commenced assessment of 2510 applications for products, actives and permits and finalised 2545 applications between July 2015 and June 2016. Of the 2545 product, active and permit applications finalised, approximately 90.5 per cent were granted, with around 2.8 per cent refused by the APVMA and 6.7 per cent of applications withdrawn by the applicants.
The timeframe performance for applications finalised was 68 per cent within timeframe for the year.
Total product application timeframe performance was 66 per cent: pesticides 57 per cent, veterinary medicines 80 per cent, and 70 per cent of applications for actives and permits were completed within timeframe.
There was a significant improvement in timeframe performance for product applications over the last quarter (April–June) of 2015–16 reaching 78 per cent completed within timeframe.
Quarterly performance against timeframes is published on our website under 'Performance statistics' (www.hungtuantextile.com/node/19741).
Application type | Commenced | Finalised | Finalised within? timeframe |
In progress (end) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Products | Pesticides | 905 | 1029 | 57% | 408 |
Veterinary medicines | 701 | 704 | 80% | 316 | |
Subtotal | 1606 | 1733 | 66% | 724 | |
Actives | 342 | 213 | 70% | 289 | |
Permits | 562 | 599 | 70% | 179 | |
Total | 2510 | 2545 | 68% | 1192 |
Figure 3: Timeframe performance by application type, per quarter, 2015–16
?
The overall timeframe performance for the year was negatively affected by higher than expected unplanned staff leave in the September quarter, which caused backlogs for subsequent quarters. However, performance improved significantly towards the end of the year as a result of:
- the recruitment of staff to the registration management and evaluation program
- new capacity and improvements to our internal applications management software that reduced administrative burden on APVMA staff
- improvements to work processes.
Timeframe performance for import consents
The APVMA commenced assessment of 608 applications for import consents and finalised 620 applications between July 2015 and June 2016. Of the 620 applications finalised, 86 per cent were granted within their target timeframe of 14 days for the year, and 98 per cent of applications were issued with two per cent either refused or withdrawn by the applicant.
Quarter | Received | Finalised | Finalised within timeframe (%) |
Issued | In progress |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 150 | 147 | 89 | 144 | 37 |
2 | 115 | 128 | 96 | 126 | 10 |
3 | 138 | 133 | 96 | 130 | 6 |
4 | 205 | 212 | 71 | 205 | 8 |
Total | 608 | 620 | 86 | 605 (98% of applications received) |
61 |
Figure 4: Timeframe performance for import consents 2015–16
?
Timeframe performance for pre-application assistance
The APVMA received 175 applications for pre-application assistance, and finalised 145 applications between July 2015 and June 2016. Of the 145 applications finalised, 41 per cent were granted within their target timeframe.
Target timeframes changed during the year. For the period July–October 2015, the timeframe was one month for all applications. Following feedback from industry and other stakeholders, the APVMA undertook an independent review of the implementation and operation of pre-application assistance arrangements. The review highlighted that the pre-application assistance did not meet the standards required by our clients, and that we did not have adequate systems and processes in place to support it effectively.
The APVMA subsequently re-designed the pre-application assistance arrangements to better?
meet the needs of industry. The new arrangements commenced in November 2015 and now include timeframes and fees that directly relate to the complexity and effort required. There are three tiers of assistance and timeframes of one, two or three months, depending on the type of assistance sought.
Quarter | Received | Finalised | Within timeframe |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 48 | 38 | 39 |
2 | 33 | 37 | 38 |
3 | 63 | 27 | 77 |
4 | 31 | 43 | 23 |
Total | 175 | 145 | 41 |
Compliance, enforcement and licensing performance
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
GMP audit program implemented as per APVMA-approved schedule |
96 audits were completed? 80% of audits were completed within timeframe and a further 9% within one week of the due date—see 'Performance statistics'(www.hungtuantextile.com/node/19741) |
1.3.B |
100% of statutory notices issued by compliance are gazetted in accordance with legislative requirements |
The APVMA issued one statutory notice in 2015–16, which was gazetted in accordance with legislative requirements |
1.3.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16,?APVMA regulator performance framework?2015–16
GMP audits are run through an enforced self-regulation process in which manufacturers are responsible for commissioning their own audits via an authorised auditor. Reminders of audits are sent to manufacturers but audits may sometimes not occur on the due date due to factors such as the unavailability of auditors or delays on the manufacturers' part. In addition, the APVMA has less control over the timeframe where the audit is undertaken by one of our national or international regulatory partners, and some delays may occur.
Removing unnecessary impediments
As an operational regulator, the APVMA is committed to fulfilling its legislative obligations while minimising the burden on the entities we regulate. We do that by understanding the environment within which industry operates, using international data, guidelines and assessments where available, and being as efficient as possible.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Four stakeholder forums held each year to discuss issues affecting regulated entities |
The APVMA held more than four stakeholder forums and meetings with key industry associations throughout 2015–16 to discuss operational and other matters affecting agvet? |
1.1.A |
Three industry information and training seminars delivered each year |
Three industry information and education sessions were held:?
|
1.1.B |
Four industry awareness workshops conducted by APVMA staff each year |
The APVMA conducted more than four industry awareness sessions and workshops throughout the year, including a tailored workshop on the lifecycle of product development, and looking at the registration process from the applicant's perspective |
1.1.C |
Environmental scan published annually |
The environmental scan was published as part of the?APVMA operational plan 2016–17. See 'Corporate documents' at (www.hungtuantextile.com/node/11026) |
1.1.D |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Demonstrated application of the policy for use of international standards, guidelines, assessments and decisions |
There were 492 international guidelines adopted by the APVMA and published on our website. These are available at 'Adopted international technical guidance material—agricultural' and 'Adopted international technical guidance—veterinary' Two rounds of public consultation on our policy on the use of international standards, guidelines and decisions were undertaken in 2015–16, and implementation will be done in 2016–17 |
1.2.A |
Participation in Global Joint Reviews (GJRs) |
Completed: oxathiapiprolin and metacam Ongoing: bicyclopyrone, flupyradifurone and cyclaniliprole |
1.2.B |
100% of relevant international standards adopted for new chemical products and chemical review decisions |
The APVMA is continuing to apply international standards in risk assessments undertaken for product applications and chemical reviews |
1.2.C |
Documented justification for the non-adoption of international standards and guidelines |
There were no instances of non-adoption |
1.2.D |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
Metric | Results |
RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Satisfaction with APVMA online systems for submitting and managing applications |
The APVMA conducted a useability review of online systems in 2015–16 to better understand client needs and to inform improvements to the user experience Recommendations from the review will be delivered and prioritised in 2016–17 |
1.3.A |
Regulatory decisions are completed within timeframes |
The APVMA publishes quarterly performance statistics on regulatory decisions. See 'Performance statistics' |
1.3.B |
Average decision time for applications by item |
Average decision time for applications:
|
1.3.C |
Average decision time
The APVMA assesses applications against 29 item numbers across several categories, including product applications, actives and permits. The average decision time for each major category is provided in Table 10.
? | ? | Standard (months) | Extended (months) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of application | Item | Actual average duration | Legislated assessment period | Actual average duration | Legislated assessment period | |
Products | New product/active | 1 | N/A* | 18.0 | N/A | 25.0 |
2 | 9.8 | Variable (12.5*) | 12.9 | Variable (14.7*) | ||
New product (existing active) | 3 | N/A | 18.0 | N/A | 25.0 | |
4 | N/A | 18.0 | N/A | 25.0 | ||
5 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 15.0 | 12.0 | ||
6 | 14.1 | 8.0 | 12.2 | 12.0 | ||
7 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 7.6 | 5.0 | ||
8 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | ||
9 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 3.9 | 4.0 | ||
10 | 8.3 | Variable (7.4*) | 8.6 | Variable (8.8*) | ||
10A | 2.1 | Variable (2.0*) | N/A | Variable (N/A*) | ||
Variations | 11 | 13.7 | 10.0 | 21.7 | 15.0 | |
12 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 5.0 | ||
13 | 2.2 | 3.0 | N/A | 5.0 | ||
13A | 0.8 | 1.0 | N/A | N/A | ||
14 | 7.2 | Variable (6.7*) | 10.3 | Variable (10.8*) | ||
Actives | 15 | N/A | 14.0 | N/A | 20.0 | |
16 | 10.7 | 9.0 | N/A | 13.0 | ||
17 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 | ||
18 | 5.6 | 7.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 | ||
Permits | 19 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 5.0 | |
20 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | ||
21 | 5.2 | Variable (5.0*) | 9.3 | Variable (8.8*) |
||
22 | 1.1 | Variable (2.9*) | N/A | Variable | ||
23 | 3.3 | Variable (4.1*) | 7.4 | Variable (7.1*) |
||
112A | 0.5 | Variable (0.0*) | N/A | Variable |
N/A – no applications were received for that item in the reporting period.
* Some items have a variable legislated assessment period because they are modular in nature. Each individual application will have a different expected duration. The figure in brackets after the variable text shows the average expected timeframe for these items in this reporting period. This average expected timeframe may change each reporting period, depending on the nature of the applications evaluated by the APVMA.
Analysis of time to complete a product application
In 2015–16, the APVMA employed Oakton, APVMA's external auditors, to run an independent analysis of how long it takes us to complete a product application from the date it is received within the organisation to the date it is finalised.
The consultancy reviewed and compared data for product applications processed within the APVMA under the previous legislation (1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014) to product applications processed under the current legislation (1 July 2014 to 31 March 2016).
Two aspects of performance were considered:
- proportion of product applications finalised on time using the current 'elapsed time' method
- average time in months to finalise an application using the current 'elapsed time' method.
A summary of the results provided in the table below shows large improvements in both timeframe performance and average time to finalise after the introduction of the new legislation in July 2014. The report found that:
- if the same methodology used today was applied to applications prior to 2014, the proportion of applications finalised on time would drop from 91 per cent to 33 per cent. (The APVMA has averaged 69 per cent since 2014)
- the actual (or 'elapsed') time the APVMA takes to finalise applications has decreased by 70% since before 2014.
? | 1 July 2011 –? 30 June 2014 |
1 July 2014 –? 31 March 2016 |
---|---|---|
Proportion finalised on time (timeframe performance) |
||
'Clock time' |
91% |
- |
'Elapsed time' |
33% |
69% |
Average time to finalise from lodgement |
||
'Clock time' |
3.1 months |
- |
'Elapsed time' |
7.8 months |
4.6 months |
Number of applications processed |
7941 |
1806 |
Communication
The APVMA recognises the importance of communicating well with the entities we deal with in the course of performing our functions. We have a strong commitment to stakeholder consultation and we strive to improve the quality of our information, guidance materials and advice on regulatory decisions.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Feedback from stakeholders about the quality of guidance material |
There is a feedback mechanism on every web page containing guidance material All feedback is assessed and referred to business owners for action A useability review will be completed in 2016–17 and recommendations will inform further improvement to guidance material |
2.1.A |
100% of website content is reviewed by the nominated review date |
Individual pages and sections of our website were updated as required A content management system is in place and full automation to prompt business owners to review content will be operational in early 2016–17 |
2.1.B |
Usage of APVMA website |
There were approximately 180 000 unique visitors to the APVMA website in 2015–16 and almost 2 million hits on the chemicals database |
2.1.C |
Number of subscribers to the APVMA?regulatory update |
Almost 3000 subscribers are receiving the?APVMA regulatory update?by email |
2.1.D |
Website meets relevant Australian Government online and accessibility standards |
An online usability review conducted in June 2016 confirmed that the?APVMA website?is substantially compliant with Australian government online and accessibility standards |
2.1.E |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Feedback about the quality of pre-application assistance |
Of the voluntary feedback received on the pre-application assistance process: 90% of applicants were satisfied with the clarity of advice provided |
2.2.A |
Customer service? |
The APVMA enquiries team received around 10 000 calls and 12 000 emails in 2015–16 The APVMA implemented a help desk tool in 2015–16 to enable tracking and monitoring of email enquiries. The tracking tool provides the status of each enquiry and monitors response times against the service standards Phone messages were checked daily by the enquiries team and return calls were made within the one-day standard An account manager model will be implemented in 2016–17 to further improve customer standards |
2.2.B |
100% of correspondence provided to applicants and registrants assessed as comprehensive and easily understood |
A correspondence improvement project began in 2015–16 with a full audit of all outgoing letters, notices and emails Feedback from multiple sources and the recent useablity review confirms there is significant scope for improvement, and has identified priority products for action Implementation of improved correspondence products will commence in 2016–17 |
2.2.C |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan?2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?
framework 2015–16
A new customer relationship management tool is expected to be implemented in 2016–17, which will support regular reporting. This will improve the experience for applicants and registrants and will enable more quantitative measurement of customer service standards.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
100% of new or major changes to operational policies or guidelines provided to relevant stakeholders for consultation prior to finalisation |
The APVMA consulted on all major changes to operational policy and guidelines prior to finalisation |
2.3.A |
Feedback from key industry stakeholders about the quality of significant APVMA consultation |
There is an opportunity for feedback to be provided during all public consultations as part of the submission process Feedback can also be provided generally via the website and in response to targeted consultation and industry meetings The APVMA did not receive concerns about the quality of consultation on major changes that were the subject of public consultation in 2015–16 |
2.3.B |
ational plan 2015–16 and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
The APVMA undertook public consultation on a number of proposed changes to operational policy and development of guidelines in 2015–16, including:
- redesign of the pre-application assistance framework in conjunction with industry to provide greater certainty for applicants on requirements
- adoption and use of international standards, guidelines, assessments and data with specific guidance material developed for both agricultural and veterinary chemicals
- establishing a pilot for applicants to source efficacy assessments prior to application to trial increased contestability in assessments
- prioritising chemicals nominated for review in consideration of current scientific data and information to establish the forward work program
- establishment of crop groupings to support improved access to chemicals for minor use
- updating data guidelines on dairy sanitisers, aquatic exposure and teat disinfectants to improve guidance for industry
- scheduling and management of good manufacturing practice audits to provide increased flexibility for manufacturers.
Approaches to regulatory risk
The APVMA is focused on exploring ways to reduce the regulatory effort in relation to registration and compliance to ensure the resources of industry and the regulator are best targeted. We aim to have clear risk management frameworks, we actively seek to take a lower regulatory approach to registration and we take a risk-based approach to compliance.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Documented compliance and enforcement strategy, including options for graduated compliance,? |
The compliance and enforcement strategy, which is underpinned by a risk-based approach is available under 'Corporate documents' |
3.1.B |
Risk frameworks reviewed every three years |
The APVMA undertakes continuous improvement of its risk frameworks |
3.1.C |
Risk framework applied to registration decision and made accessible to regulated entities* |
A conceptual risk assessment framework was developed in December 2015 and discussed with industry at APVMA-run industry sessions In consultation with industry, the APVMA will undertake a staged implementation of the framework |
3.1.A |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16?(*Only RPF)
The APVMA is continuing to look at ways to reduce regulatory burden on industry when submitting applications for the registration of agvet chemicals. The goal is to develop new and more efficient registration processes, and the following initiatives fall within the scope of this work:
- profiling applications to identify those suitable for a low regulatory approach
- identifying alternative pathways for registration and approval of these applications
- using international assessments to streamline the scientific assessment process
- exploring contestable assessment services.
The APVMA has developed a plan for gradually introducing these alternative, more efficient pathways over the next two years. Further information on these initiatives are detailed on the APVMA website.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
100% of applications assessed as low regulatory risk processed according to risk-based assessment framework tools and mechanisms |
The APVMA is continuing to explore alternative regulatory mechanisms and processes to reduce regulatory burden on industry |
3.2.A |
Documented approaches in place to review level of regulatory effort applied to agvet chemical registration and approval |
Reports and progress updates for the lower regulatory approaches to registration project are available at 'Lower regulatory approaches to registration' |
3.2.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Compliance and enforcement strategy to be accessible to regulated entities |
The compliance and enforcement strategy, which was released on? |
3.3.A |
100% of allegations of non-compliance assessed and/or investigated according to APVMA compliance and enforcement strategy |
100% of allegations have been assessed or investigated under this strategy |
3.3.B |
100% of compliance allegations are risk-assessed prior to the start of enquires |
100% of the 204 allegations received during 2015–16 were risk-assessed as follows:
|
NA |
Documented policy for determining GMP audit schedules to be accessible by regulated entities |
The GMP audit policy is available at 'Risk-based scheduling of GMP audits' |
3.3.C |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
Compliance and monitoring
Compliance and monitoring is an important component of the APVMA's work to maintain and build the integrity of the regulatory system for agvet chemicals. We ensure that there is a range of regulatory responses that can be tailored to each circumstance, we are responsive to business needs and we do not create duplication or unnecessary impost on the entities we regulate.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
100% of allegations of non-compliance are? |
100% assessed on time:
|
4.1.A |
Usage of compliance tools |
|
4.1.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
100% of audit and inspection schedules designed to minimise overlap with audits from other government regulators |
100% of audits designed to minimise overlap. The APVMA coordinates audits with the:
|
4.2.A |
Evidence of compliance activities conducted jointly with other regulators |
|
4.2.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Average number of formal requests for information (including notices) provided for each registration application |
In 2015–16:
|
4.3.A |
Average number of compliance-related requests for information (including coercive notices) for each compliance action involving interaction with a regulated entity |
An average of three requests for information |
4.3.B |
Evidence demonstrates consideration of alternative means of information gathering before coercive information gathering powers are exercised during investigations into compliance of regulated entities |
Alternative approaches are included? |
NA |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19, APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance frame work 2015–16
Transparency
The APVMA is committed to being open and transparent with the entities it regulates. We actively seek feedback from clients and we publish a range of information to ensure stakeholders are fully informed of our performance.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Timeframe performance statistics published quarterly |
Statistics published as follows:
(www.hungtuantextile.com/node/19741) |
5.1.A |
Performance against customer service standards published quarterly |
The APVMA enquiries team received around 10 000 calls and 12 000 emails? The APVMA implemented a help desk tool in 2015–16 to enable tracking and monitoring of email enquiries The tracking tool provides the status of each enquiry and monitors response times against the service standards Phone messages were checked daily by the enquiries team and return calls were made within the one-day standard |
5.1.B |
Performance against RPF published annually |
Performance against the RPF is? The annual report against the RPF is scheduled to be published by the APVMA in late 2016 |
5.1.C |
100% of decisions to approve or register an agvet chemical published within 10 working days of decision being made |
|
5.1.D |
100% of enforceable undertakings accepted by the APVMA are published within 30 days |
Not applicable — no enforceable undertakings issued |
NA |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan?2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
The delay in publishing the first quarter performance statistics was due to changes in our internal software systems, and to difficulty in extracting the information in a timely manner. Because of this delay, we published the first and second quarter information together in February 2016.
The customer enquiry system did not include the functionality to publish quarterly data for 2015–16.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Demonstrated process to collect stakeholder feedback |
An online feedback mechanism is in place to enable users to report problems, suggest improvements, lodge complaints and provide feedback via the APVMA website |
5.2.A |
100% of feedback received through the online feedback system is assessed within five working days |
Feedback is monitored and assessed daily and referred for action as required |
5.2.B |
Source:?APVMA corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance framework 2015–16
Enhancing the regulatory system
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Documented procedures in place to facilitate engagement with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and relevant state and territory agencies |
The APVMA and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources meet monthly to discuss ongoing operational matters and proposed reforms The APVMA attended three reform sessions with industry hosted by the department in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne The APVMA has regular contact with state and territory coordinators for registration, permit issue and chemical review activities We held two face-to-face workshops with relevant state and territory agencies regarding chemical review prioritisation and ongoing operational matters The APVMA hosted a forum for state and territory coordinators to discuss regulatory approaches |
6.2.A |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Documented stakeholder consultation procedures in place |
Documented procedures for consultation on the registration or reconsideration of or amendments to active constituents, chemical products, MRLs and Standards are in place |
6.1.A |
100% of significant changes to APVMA regulatory frameworks involve stakeholder consultation |
There were no significant changes to APVMA regulatory frameworks in 2015–16 |
6.1.B |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16?and?APVMA regulator performance?framework 2015–16
Regulatory science
One of the keys to APVMA's success lies in the calibre of its regulatory scientists. The APVMA has a strong focus on improving its regulatory science capability.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Documented science strategy |
The APVMA science strategy is available under 'Corporate documents' |
NA |
Regulatory science activities are aligned with relevant activities of similar regulators |
The APVMA aligned its activities with other regulators by:
|
NA |
Regulatory science communication to external stakeholders improved by provision of targeted web-based information |
Science pages on the APVMA website enable information sharing, awareness raising, and greater transparency—building confidence in the quality of our science and our scientists. See 'Our science' |
NA |
Three staff seminars completed on regulatory science issues, including risk assessment methodologies and new technologies |
Staff seminars included:
|
NA |
Regulatory science projects undertaken according to agreed timeframes |
Regulatory science projects undertaken in agreed timeframes in 2015–16 included:
|
NA |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16
High-performing organisation
The APVMA is staffed by a team of highly qualified people, all focused on ensuring agvet chemicals are safe to use. Ensuring that our workforce is motivated and trained and that our systems can underpin an efficient and effective business is a high priority.
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Absenteeism rate at or below Australian Public Service (APS) average |
The APVMA unscheduled absence? |
NA |
Adherence to the code of conduct |
Following investigation and determination, one APVMA staff member was found to have breached the APS Code of Conduct in the 2015–16 financial year |
NA |
Number of corporate training days per full-time equivalent (FTE) |
During the 2015–16 financial year, staff participation in training averaged 5.1 training days per FTE |
NA |
80% of recruitment processes completed within 45 days |
35% achieved A total of 46 recruitment processes were completed in 2015–16 |
NA |
Ensure our people have the skills to do their job |
The Training Advisory Group, comprising representatives across all program areas, was established to identify and discuss learning and development needs for staff. Training has been delivered on a range of topics, including scientific analysis, use of spreadsheets, legal administration, leadership and management principles |
NA |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16
Absenteeism rate
Absenteeism was higher during 2015–16 than previous years, which was largely due to long-term non-compensable absences affecting a small number of APVMA staff. These absences were actively managed and support was provided to affected staff.
Recruitment activities
Recruitment activities were higher during 2015–16 year than previous years. Delays were experienced in progressing and finalising a number of processes for a range of reasons, such as selection panel member availability and candidate availability.
Metric | Results | RPF Reference |
---|---|---|
No significant findings from internal and external audits |
Six internal audits were conducted during the year No findings from these audits were considered significant by internal auditors or the audit committee An external audit of the 2015–16 financial statements did not result in any findings deemed significant by the auditors or the audit committee |
NA |
Audited financial statements cleared by due date |
The audited financial statements were cleared and lodged with the Department of Finance by the due date of 31 August 2016 |
NA |
Sound budget management |
Total expenditure for 2015–16 was within 3% of the initial budget published in the Portfolio Budget Statements |
Statement of comprehensive income |
No preventable health and safety incidents requiring notification to the regulator, Comcare |
No incidents requiring notification to Comcare arose during the reporting period |
NA |
Equity reserve targets managed |
The APVMA's equity level at 30 June 2016 was $7.3 million, which is above the target of $7.0 million |
NA |
Comply with government reporting requirements, legislation and standards |
All government reporting requirements were complied with |
NA |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16
Metric | Results | RPF reference |
---|---|---|
Maintain IT system uptime to 97% or greater |
98.6% system uptime with:
|
NA |
No significant security incidents |
No significant security incidents occurred |
NA |
Cyber intrusions defeated before damage occurs |
The APVMA receives an average of 70 cyber intrusion attempts per month 100% of cyber intrusion attempts were defeated before damage occurred |
NA |
Virus attacks defeated before damage occurs |
The APVMA blocks an average of 300 000 malicious email messages per month On average, 500 of these are identified as virus attacks 100% of virus attacks were defeated before damage occurred |
NA |
Source:?APVMA?corporate plan 2015–19,?APVMA operational plan 2015–16
N/A – no applications were received for that item in the reporting period.
* Some items have a variable legislated assessment period because they are modular in nature. Each individual?
application will have a different expected duration. The figure in brackets after the variable text shows the average expected timeframe for these items in this reporting period. This average expected timeframe may change each reporting period, depending on the nature of the applications evaluated by the APVMA.
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