Australian public sector performance management: success or stagnation?

Purpose - Australia has been a leader in public sector performance management for around three decades yet there have been persistent weaknesses in the quality and use of performance information since the system was established. This paper seeks to identify and explain the key factors affecting the success of Australia's public sector performance management system. Design/methodology/approach - The study distils six key influences on public sector performance management from academic and practitioner literature. It examines the data available from official documents, reviews and performance audits to identify and analyse the factors that have shaped the Australian system. Findings - Australia's public sector performance management arrangements have been defined by strong external (political), structural and technical factors. These have been a very positive feature in achieving a stable and sophisticated system. This paper suggests that more emphasis on management, behavioural and cultural factors could be more beneficial than continuing to focus on purely technical refinements for further reform. Practical implications - The results can contribute to refinement of policy and implementation in Australia. The diagnostic framework can be used for further analysis of public sector performance management in Australia or other countries. Originality/value - The study draws on existing literature and information on the quality and impact of public sector performance management to develop a diagnostic framework and analyse Australia's experience. It identifies key attributes of Australia's success and factors that may be limiting further improvements.