Corporate governance

The role, functions and operation of the
Essential Services Commission (Commission) are governed by the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 (and
certain other Acts relevant to the public sector in South Australia).
The Commission has a Corporate Governance
framework, and supporting policies ensure the Commission complies with its
legislative responsibilities and manages the allocation of responsibilities
between itself and staff of the Commission.
The Commission’s overall objective is to ensure
that it complies with all of the legislation which governs its operations, and
that it operates ethically, efficiently and effectively.
This Corporate Governance Framework is the means
by which this overall objective can be achieved. It describes clearly to
Commissioners, staff and stakeholders what should be expected in terms of
processes, accountability, values and behaviours.
Key policies, covering areas such as
culture and regulatory approach, strategy and planning, Commission decisions and
determinations, delegation of authority, budget and financial reporting, risk
management, involvement of Commissioners and human resource management, form the
basis of the governance documents.
Further supporting documentation exists which
together create a comprehensive governance framework which includes a Charter of consultation and regulatory practice.