The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced its new strategic plan, which sets out its direction and focus for the next three years.

“The DIAC Strategic Plan 2009-12 is a framework written for all people in the department,” DIAC Secretary Andrew Metcalfe said.

“It will guide the work we all do in our nation-building role, serving as a reminder that the work the department does today will have ongoing economic and social benefits that will grow and develop over many years.

“The plan reinforces the importance of our DIAC values, ensuring that all staff act on these with colleagues, clients and stakeholders,” Mr Metcalfe said.

Under the new plan, DIAC will report to parliament against six performance outcomes instead of two. This reflects outcomes from the launch of Operation Sunlight last year, a government reform initiative to improve the openness and transparency of public sector budgetary and financial management, and to promote good governance practices.

“DIAC’s six performance outcomes include border management, protecting refugees and contributing to international humanitarian policy, promoting the benefits of Australian citizenship, making fair and reasonable decisions about how people leave and enter Australia, and supporting migrants and refugees as they settle into communities and participate in Australian societies,” the secretary said.

”This increase in key performance outcomes will ensure the department remains focused on its accountability to the government, the parliament and the people of Australia.”

The DIAC Strategic Plan 2009-12 is available on the department’s website at www.immi.gov.au/about/department/diac-plan/

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