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Annual Report - Outcome 7: Hearing Services > Part 2 Performance Information

Performance Information for Administered Items


Administered Funding – Hearing Services Program:
  • Hearing Services.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Increased level of access to hearing services by eligible clients through maintenance of, or addition to, the number of sites registered to provide audiological services under the Hearing Services Program. The number of sites registered under the Hearing Services Program.   1,613 registered sites.
Indicator met. As at 30 June 2007 there were 1,813 sites registered under the program compared to 1,713 at 30 June 2006.
Clients benefit from the Hearing Services Program.   The number of clients who access services available under the Hearing Services Program. 500,000 clients receive services in 2006–07.  
Indicator substantially met.   The total number of clients to receive services through the program in 2006–07 was 480,728, a 4.1% increase on last year. This includes 461,976 voucher clients and 37,819 Community Service Obligation clients.
Maintenance or increase in the proportion of fitted clients who use their device/s for 5+ hours per day. Annual Office of Hearing Services client survey.   70.0% of clients use their devices for 5 or more hours per day.  
Indicator not met.   Data collected in the June 2006 Office of Hearing Services Client Satisfaction Survey indicated that approximately 56.0% of clients used their hearing device for 5 or more hours per day. Comparisons with results of previous surveys are difficult due to survey sample design and questionnaire design.

 

52.6% of clients responded to the 2005–06 client survey. A survey was not undertaken in 2006–07, due to a redesign of the client survey which will improve the measurement of client satisfaction.
Timely issuing of vouchers to eligible clients. Application processing statistics. On average, eligible clients are issued with a voucher within 14 days from receipt of a completed application.
Indicator not met.   Eligible clients were issued a voucher within an average of 15.11 working days of the receipt of their application.

 

Delays in application processing can be attributed to the increase in demand for the Hearing Services Program. In 2006–07, 213,377 vouchers were issued compared to 204,382 in 2005–06.

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Performance Information for Departmental Outputs


Output Group 1. Policy Advice , including:
  • Hearing Services; and
  • 2006–07 Budget measures.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Quality, relevant and timely advice for Government decision-making. Ministerial satisfaction. Maintain or increase from previous year.
Indicator met.   Ministers were satisfied with the quality, relevance and timeliness of advice provided for Government decision-making.
Relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.   Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.   Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.
Indicator met.   The Department produced a range of papers on policy options to improve the Hearing Services Program in 2006–07 for the consideration of the Hearing Services Consultative Committee. These papers helped form the basis of recommendations from the committee for suggested program reforms.

Top of pageOutput Group 2. Program Management , including:
  • financial management and reporting;
  • development and management of grants and contracts; and
  • administration and revision of legislation as required.
Indicator Measured by Reference Point or Target
Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5% from budgeted expenses. Percentage that actual expenses vary from budgeted expenses.   Less than 0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
Indicator substantially met.   The Australian Government Hearings Services Voucher Program is demand driven and therefore subject to variances. Actual expenses were 1.1% less than budgeted figures.
Stakeholders to participate in program development. Opportunities for stakeholder participation through surveys, forums, meetings and invitation for written feedback. Opportunities for a broad range of stakeholders to participate in program development.
Indicator met.  

The Department consulted with service providers, manufacturers, Australian Hearing and the Hearing Services Consultative Committee in relation to service provider contracts, rehabilitation standards, device specifications, professional qualifications and advice on the Hearing Services Program. These included:

  • 4 Hearing Services Consultative Committee meetings;
  • Service Provider Forums conducted in 6 capital cities;
  • comments sought from industry during the August-September 2006 review of professional qualifications; and
  • the mid-term review of device specifications undertaken with industry from November 2006 to June 2007.


Produced by the Portfolio Strategies Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
URL: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/annrpt/publishing.nsf/Content/outcome-07-part-2-performance-information-3
If you would like to know more or give us your comments contact: annrep@health.gov.au