Project Assurance Framework
The Project Assurance Framework (PAF) sets the foundation for ensuring that project evaluation, procurement and delivery activities are undertaken effectively and efficiently across the Queensland Public Sector, and that the State Government achieves value for money from its investment in projects.
The framework defines generic project stages and includes guidance material to support each stage. It also includes a Gateway Review Process that promotes independent reviews at the completion of key project stages providing quality assurance that projects are positioned to successfully progress to the next stage.
Illustration of the key project stages under the Project Assurance Framework
In delivering certain projects, there may be significant opportunities for Main Roads to drive value for money through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). A PPP is a risk sharing relationship between the public and private sectors to deliver timely public infrastructure and related non-core services. The specific nature of each partnership will be defined through a contractual agreement covering the delivery of infrastructure facilities over a period of time.
The potential for the infrastructure and /or service provision component of a project to be delivered as a PPP project is determined during the preliminary evaluation stage of the PAF, after:
- the service requirement has been identified as a priority
- the set of options generated to meet the service requirement strongly indicates an infrastructure solution.
Prior to the development of the Project Assurance Framework, the Queensland Government had previously released its PPP policy (PDF, 197 KB)* in September 2001 with the Value for Money (VfM) Framework and related guidance materials being launched in December 2002. These documents are available from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
The objectives of the State's PPP policy are to:
- deliver improved services and better value for money through appropriate risk-sharing
- encourage private sector innovation
- optimise asset utilisation
- integrate whole-of-life management of public infrastructure.
The VfM framework supports existing project evaluation, procurement and delivery processes through each stage of a project being progressed as a potential PPP to ensure the objectives of the Government are delivered by the procurement mechanism best able to deliver value for money.
All project proposals, whether developed by government or the private sector, must be consistent with the government's planning principles.
The Strategic Infrastructure Policy (SIP) branch is responsible for ensuring that Main Roads complies with the PAF and Value for Money Frameworks in relation to the evaluation, procurement and delivery of major infrastructure projects. SIP branch also contributes policy, financial and commercial advice to project teams undertaking PAF and Value for Money Framework evaluations.
For further advice on the PAF and Public Private Partnerships, please contact Strategic Infrastructure Policy branch on +61 7 3306 7155.
Last updated: 18 June 2009
