State of Secrecy – outsourcing: promise and performance

Abstract

Not enough is known about the real impact of the outsourcing revolution in South Australia because the information needed to fully evaluate major contracts, like the United Water and EDS contracts has been shrouded by commercial confidentiality. While some minor disclosure reforms have been introduced by the State Government a state of secrecy remains. Notwithstanding these difficulties ithis report goes some way in examining experience of outsourcing and to put the case for greater transparency and disclosure in government wherever public monies are involved.