Part 2 - Strategic Objectives 2005-2008

The Western Australian Government has developed a strategic planning framework (Better Planning: Better Services) for the Western Australian public sector that articulates the Government’s desired strategic direction for the public sector in this State.  Five State goals underpin the framework.  These are:

1. People and Communities
To enhance the quality of life and well-being of all people throughout Western Australia

2. The Economy
To develop a strong economy that delivers more jobs, more opportunities and greater wealth to Western Australians by creating the conditions required for investment and growth

3. The Environment
To ensure that Western Australia has an environment in which resources are managed, developed and used sustainably, biological diversity is preserved and habitats protected

4. The Regions
To ensure that regional Western Australia is strong and vibrant

5. Governance
To govern for all Western Australians in an open, effective and efficient manner that also ensures a sustainable future

The work of the DCA aligns with Goal 1 – People and Communities.  This goal aims to:  “enhance the quality of life and well-being of all people throughout Western Australia”. 

Our strategic objectives have been developed with this overall goal in mind.

1. Encourage and support a vibrant and sustainable culture and arts sector.
2. Foster an environment in which culture and arts is recognised and valued as essential to community well-being.
3. Deliver and maintain infrastructure to sustain culture and arts.
4. Develop a strong and coordinated culture and arts portfolio that strengthens and supports the delivery of Government objectives.
5. Develop a highly skilled, motivated and flexible workforce.

Strategic Objective 1

Encourage and support a vibrant and sustainable culture and arts sector.

We will achieve this objective by:

• Reviewing existing culture and arts policies and programs to ensure alignment with resource allocations.
• Developing and growing partnerships and programs that encourage diversity in culture and arts practice.
• Maintaining culture and arts grants and development programs that support the ‘whole of life cycle’ of artists and cultural practitioners.

We will measure the achievement of this objective by:

• Extent to which there is alignment between policy objectives and resource allocations.
• Extent to which culture and arts programs engage our diverse community.
• Number of grants supporting the culture and arts sector.
• Diversity of grants supporting the culture and arts sector.

Strategic Objective 2

Foster an environment in which culture and arts is recognised and valued as essential to community well-being.

We will achieve this objective by:

• Achieving recognition for the culture and arts sector as a leading contributor to community well-being.
• Increasing recognition of Western Australia’s key culture and arts attractions, experiences and leaders.
• Developing and strengthening the relationship between culture and arts and other non-government and government sectors including education, tourism, health, disability services, justice, and industry and resources.

We will measure the achievement of this objective by:

• Extent to which the DCA supports participation and audience development initiatives in the community.
• Extent to which the DCA is working with government and non-government sectors to promote culture and arts.

Strategic Objective 3

Deliver and maintain infrastructure to sustain culture and arts.

We will achieve this objective by:

• Developing a Strategic Asset Management Framework.
• Implementing a framework for the management of culture and arts facilities.
• Building, redeveloping and acquiring facilities.

We will measure the achievement of this objective by:

• The creation of a framework for strategic asset management.
• Extent to which culture and arts facilities are managed within an agreed Framework.
• A completed and new performing arts theatre, which will be operational by December 2008.

Strategic Objective 4

Develop a strong and coordinated culture and arts portfolio that strengthens and supports the delivery of Government objectives.

We will achieve this objective by:

• Developing and improving shared systems and technologies that benefit all portfolio organisations.
• Facilitating the operation of portfolio organisations.
• Identifying and implementing opportunities for cross-portfolio collaboration in relation to whole of Government initiatives.

We will measure the achievement of this objective by:

• Enabling systems and technologies are improved.
• Extent to which whole of Government initiatives are collaboratively addressed.
• Removal of barriers to the delivery of whole of Government initiatives.

Strategic Objective 5

Develop a highly skilled, motivated and flexible workforce.

We will achieve this objective by:

• Attracting quality people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Involving our people in creating programs that enhance professional and personal development to meet organisational needs.
• Encouraging professionalism, leadership and management excellence.
• Creating an environment that optimises the performance of our people.

We will measure the achievement of this objective by:

• Staff turnover rates.
• Extent to which management report a sufficient pool of candidates to fill key positions.
• Extent to which EEO and Diversity objectives are met.
• Formal people development program.
• Training investment per employee.
• Extent to which employees report satisfaction with the support and leadership by their manager or immediate supervisor.
• Widely used performance management system.