This year has seen the Mint face many challenges: some planned, some unexpected.
The speed and impact of the global financial crisis caused the Mint to reassess a number of strategic and operational priorities, higher level projects and strategic planning objectives. Our ability to work through these challenges and to continue to focus on our vision in striving for excellence as a sustainable world class Mint was assisted by the Mint's Senior Management Team and direction from our Advisory Board.
Dealing with these challenges required all Senior Managers and staff to consider new ways of doing business and required the testing of accepted practice. The challenges we faced have been unique in the history of the Mint, however I believe the Mint continued to deliver on its requirements to the Government and people of Australia.
Some of the challenges we faced this year will continue to impact on us into the future, however we are now better placed to deal with them. The major refurbishment of the Mint was completed during the second half of the year, with the exception of some minor works. The Mint is now truly a contemporary manufacturing work environment with base building services, workplace amenities and tourist facilities of a high standard. The challenges of maintaining a fully functional work environment and tourist attraction while having a major refurbishment being undertaken around us was a major undertaking.
We will continue to commission refurbished or replacement plant and equipment into the next financial year. This will require detailed production planning to ensure integration with our manufacturing and information technology systems.
Modernisation of the Mint has also included the staged implementation of our Materials Handling and Warehousing System (MHWS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Both of these projects are progressing well although they have provided us with many challenges. Through the use of established governance and project planning structures, and leveraging off the experiences and skills of Mint staff, we have added value in the implementation of these systems.
A large number of Mint staff have contributed to the success of these projects, and assisted in addressing or mitigating risks faced by the Mint over the previous year. Many have undertaken these tasks in addition to their normal duties — I remain grateful for their commitment and contributions.
Planning remains on track for the XXVI Mint Directors Conference (MDC) to be held in Canberra during September 2010. The Mint was chosen to host this conference in 2008 with the support of the Australian Government.
Australia, Canberra and the Mint will have a unique opportunity to demonstratze to the international minting community our standing as a world class mint and Australia as a first class tourist destination.
While we will endeavour to use the conference to strengthen or gain new business opportunities, the flow-on effects to Australia and Canberra as a business and tourist destination should not be undervalued.
Outlook for 2009-10
While being mindful of the need to finalise the implementation of new processes and systems arising from the completion of the refurbishment and modernisation programs, we will be looking for new business opportunities both domestically and internationally. The Mint will endeavour to leverage off the gains made through the implementation of our MHWS modernisation programs and the MDC to pursue these opportunities.
The Mint will need to be flexible in its thinking and business planning to adapt to movements in domestic or international markets stemming from financial market forces or changing consumer sentiment.
The personal growth, development and safety of staff will remain a high priority. The identification of training needs of staff through the Mint's Performance Development Scheme (PDS), and the requirements arising from the use of new technologies will require a commitment from both staff and management to improve or enhance their skills.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) will always be the number one priority for the Mint. One key focus during the year will be the development of enhanced education and awareness training for all Mint staff.
Management Framework
As a prescribed agency the Mint continues to operate under a Charter endorsed by the Secretary of the Treasury, Dr Ken Henry AC, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and reflects the relationship between the Treasury and the Mint. It sets out the scope of the roles and accountabilities of the principal stakeholders in producing circulating coins and like products for Australia. The Mint Advisory Board provides strategic advice and reviews Mint performance against key indicators and strategies in the Mint's Strategic and Business Plans. As at 30 June 2009 the Advisory Board comprised:
- Ms Deidre Gerathy, General Manager, Corporate Services Division, Treasury (Chair)
- Mr Ross McDiarmid, Chief Operating Officer, Dyesol Limited
- Mr Michael Del Gigante, Managing Director, Defence Housing Authority, and
- Mr Geoff Miller, General Manager, Corporations and Financial Services Division, Treasury.
Management of the Mint rests with the Senior Management Team. The team comprised the following members at 30 June 2009:
Figure 3 Organisation at 30 June 2009
