Description

Use and Management of NSW Government Purchasing Cards (the Policy) has been prepared by NSW Treasury to assist Agencies with managing the use and administration of purchasing cards (PCards).

The Policy sets out the responsibilities of both the Agency Head and the Cardholder as to the establishment and operation of a PCard framework and processes within an Agency, and the use and management of PCards within this framework.

PCards fall under the definition of ‘financial accommodation’ in the Public Authorities (Financial Arrangements) Act 1987 and support the effective and efficient delivery of government programs.  It is essential that a robust PCard program ensures that the risks associated with PCard use across the NSW public sector are minimised.

This Policy has been developed to encourage effective use and management of PCards across the NSW public sector, and to assist Agencies to protect the integrity of their financial management.

In 2013 the NSW Treasury committed to the Financial Management Transformation (FMT) program aiming to improve financial governance across the NSW public sector. One pillar of the FMT program is the development of new financial legislation establishing a single framework for public sector financial management.

This Policy applies to all Agencies as at 1 December 2017, however, we note the intended introduction of the new FMT legislation in the near future.  In this regard, while it is intended that the substance of the Policy will remain the same, the Policy will be reviewed to ensure consistency with the terminology used in the new FMT legislation when it is enacted.

This policy, Use and Management of NSW Government Purchasing Cards, is effective from 1 December 2017.