15-E-17
5 February 2015
Brendon Mills
Dear Brendon,
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REQUEST
I refer to your official information request dated 13 January 2015 for the following:
What
functions/activities have been outsourced to the private (profit or non-profit) sector since
the department was established in 1987?
I regret that I am not able to provide you with the information over the 18 year period that
you seek because the information requested cannot be made available without substantial
collation or research (section 18(f) Official Information Act). I have borne in mind sections
18A and 18B of the Official Information Act but concluded that use of either provision would
not assist in this case. You are entitled to seek an investigation and review of my decision by
writing to an Ombudsman as provided by section 28(3) Official Information Act.
However, I am able to provide you with some general information regarding the
Department’s policy and practice. The Department employs permanent staff to deliver its
core activities and outsources a wide range of specialist services and backfills resource
shortfalls during certain periods of increased activities. Among the main services outsourced
are:
a) Construction of visitor assets that deliver frontline services
b) Aircraft/helicopter services for delivery of field operations
c) Weed and animal pest control services
d) Crown Law services for provision of legal advice and representation services affecting
the executive government
e) Management of the Department’s core Human Resources system
f) Research of environment, biodiversity, and sustainability projects
g) Provision of weather information services
h) Delivery of a system to track and monitor wildlife
i) Skilled resources to develop core information systems
j) Audit and business advisory services
k) SAP financial system consultancy and maintenance
l) Information technology helpdesk services to assist with system and technical issues
Yours sincerely,
Geoff Tilbrook
Director, Finance
for Director-General
DOCDM-1544934 - OIA 15-E-17-Outsourcing of DoC activities