MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
AusAID
AusAID significantly reformed the use of advisers by the aid program in 2011, and these reforms are delivering clear results.
A new report, the Adviser Stocktake: Report 2–1 July to 31 December 2011, released on 26 March, shows that average rates of pay for advisers have fallen markedly following the introduction of a standardised adviser remuneration framework in February 2011.
Since the introduction of the framework, the average daily fee for short-term international advisers has fallen 41.1 per cent and the average monthly remuneration package for a long-term adviser has fallen 34.1 per cent.
The adviser remuneration framework sets structured and benchmarked professional fees and a restricted set of allowances that apply to all commercially-engaged international advisers.
It was introduced to ensure better value for money and better results from the use of advisers in the aid program.
It is estimated that the framework will save the aid program up to $30 million over the next two years, which is being reinvested in high priority areas such as basic health and education service delivery.
The report confirms that the introduction of benchmarking and more stringent performance standards has delivered a more rigorous approach to AusAID's use of technical expertise.
Adviser Stocktake Reports are part of AusAID's ongoing commitment to transparency and are published twice a year.