Information Systems

The Information Systems Branch is responsible for managing the Department's information systems infrastructure, including providing support for desktop PCs, servers, local and wide-area networks, and maintaining and developing business applications.

This year we completed an upgrade of all the desktop computers in Treasury. All Treasury staff now use Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003. This upgrade improved the performance and reliability of our desktop computers and allows us to manage our PC fleet more effectively.

We undertook a strategic review of our technology infrastructure based on a business-needs analysis that was completed in December 2007. We commenced the redevelopment of a number of Revenue and Liquor and Gaming forms so that they can be viewed and completed online via the internet. We standardised template fonts and trialled multi-function devices, to provide for improved business efficiency.

We also contributed to the Standard Business Reporting project, a Commonwealth Government initiative, and to the Payroll Tax Harmonisation project, in conjunction with other states.

Next year …

We intend to upgrade the servers that host the major corporate databases we use in Treasury. This will improve performance and capacity as well as our ability to recover quickly in the event of a disaster.

We intend to complete a review of the use of multi-function devices throughout the Department. It is expected that adopting these devices will reduce power consumption and operating costs.

We will continue our involvement with the Standard Business Reporting project, which aims to improve client interaction with the Australian Government and with other state jurisdictions. This project has a go-live date of 2010.

We will also be developing and implementing procurement processes for computer technology that comply with Treasurer's Instruction 1121 on climate change and environmental impact.

Finance and Administration

The Finance and Administration Branch provides financial and administrative services to the Department. This includes developing, managing and reporting of Departmental and branch budgets; preparing and submitting the Annual Departmental Financial Statements and other Statutory Returns; managing the Department's corporate financial information systems; managing the Department's accounts payable and accounts receivable activities; and the general management of facilities administration services, including building and reception services.

An upgrade to the Department's internal financial management system, Finance One, was commenced during the year. The upgrade of the test database has been completed, and it is planned to complete the upgrade and go live early in 2008-09. On completion, the upgrade will enable us to use the modules of Finance One more effectively, as well as providing a solution for integrating Finance One with the Business One budgeting system.

Finance and Administration Branch was instrumental in implementing climate change initiatives within the Department this year. Following a successful trial of container recycling, Branch staff arranged for the permanent introduction of this service to the major buildings occupied by Treasury staff. Water usage was reduced by purchasing more efficient and effective garden sprayers. Work has also commenced on the introduction of dual flush toilets throughout Treasury. All Branch staff now use double-sided printing as their default print setting.

Next year …

We plan to finalise the rollout of the upgraded financial management system and continue to investigate and implement climate change initiatives.

Our investigation into the introduction of centralised timers for air conditioners within Treasury will be completed early next year, following which we expect to install the timers. We will also examine the recommendations from the Tasmanian Government greenhouse gas emissions inventory, reduction, monitoring and reporting program that relate to Treasury and, where appropriate, implement those recommendations.