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Financial performance indicators for Australian local governments

Ryan, Christine M. and Robinson, Marc and Grigg, Trevor (2000) Financial performance indicators for Australian local governments . Accounting, Accountability and Performance 6(2):pp. 89-106.

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Abstract

Australian public sector agencies at local, state and national levels have undergone a period of intense change as strategies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness and value for money of their services have been undertaken. In this light, performance measurement systems and the development of performance indicators are now receiving attention from regulatory authorities, governments, and other stakeholders. However, academic input and associated debate has been limited. This paper considers the key dimensions of financial status and performance of local governments. It is argued that the general purpose financial reports prepared under AAS 27 do not provide all of the information necessary to evaluate the financial performance of local governments. In particular, it is argued that the treatment of capital contributions, and the notion of intergenerational equity are elements which have been neglected in the published literature. This research would be of interest to local government regulatory agencies, practitioners, accounting standard setting bodies and all those interested in local government performance and accountability.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Keywords:Financial Performance Indicators, Australia, Local Government.
Subjects:360000 Policy and Political Science > 360200 Policy and Administration > 360201 Public Policy
360000 Policy and Political Science > 360200 Policy and Administration
360000 Policy and Political Science > 360200 Policy and Administration > 360202 Public Administration
ID Code:3601
Deposited By:Escobar, June
Deposited On:24 February 2006
Alternative Locations:http://www.gu.edu.au/school/gbs/afe/journal/home.html
Copyright Owner:2000 Griffith Business School Department of Accounting, Copyright Finance and Economics, Griffith University
Copyright Statement:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.