[LINK] Outsourcing Whitewash Announced

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Delving a bit further into the media release, this "outsourcing review" is
nothing of the sort. IMHO, it's a cynical political attempt to claim that
due attention has been paid to the ANAO report and associated criticism.

Key phrases from the report are:

<quote>
The specific focus of the Review is to identify and assess the
implementation risks (Implementation Risks) to be managed when
transitioning from in-house IT operations to an outsourced environment
managed by an external service provider

&

Given the potential for the findings of the Review to add value to the
remaining Initiative tender processes, ...

&

... once the Review has confirmed that these tender processes adequately
address identified Implementation Risks.

&

The Government believed the Review could only strengthen the outcomes
achievable in the remaining tender processes.
</quote>

This review appears to be focused on "implementation risks" only and may
not look at issues like value for money, proposed and/or actual savings,
Industry Development etc

And as the Australian also points out that:

<quote>
But the review will not examine the costs of advisers to the project, many
of whom are paid in US dollars, or the benefits to local companies.
</quote>

Most of the media reports have fallen into the trap and are claiming that
this is a review of IT outsourcing. It is nothing of the sort. When the
report is delivered it will make some recommendations about implementation,
Fahey adopt these and then will be able to say that he has addressed the
concerns in the ANAO report and will happily proceed with the initiative.

The best thing that can be said about this government is that it knows all
about politics. Its values, morals, ethics and competencies are something
else.

Anybody else think that the timing of the announcement has something to do
with fact that it is slap bang in the middle of two rather large media
events - the Melbourne Cup and the US election?

-- 
Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.
-- Jonathan Swift

Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Canberra Australia
brd@dynamite.com.au