18 Constitution and Administration
among the three Secretaries of Departments available to deputise for the Chief Executive.
The Chief Secretary for Administration assists the Chief Executive in supervising the policy bureaux as directed by him and plays a key role in ensuring harmonisation in policy formulation and implementation. This is particularly important in areas which cut across policy bureaux.
The Chief Secretary for Administration also covers specific priority areas of the Chief Executive's policy agenda, and is responsible for forging a closer and more effective working relationship with the Legislative Council and for drawing up the Government's legislative programme. The Chief Secretary for Administration exercises statutory functions vested in him by law, such as those concerning certain public bodies and the handling of appeals.
Role of the Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary reports directly to the Chief Executive. Working closely with the relevant Directors of Bureaux, he oversees policy formulation and implementation in financial,. monetary, economic, trade and employment matters. He also chairs several important committees, including the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, and the Economic and Employment Council.
The Financial Secretary is responsible under the Public Finance Ordinance for laying before the Legislative Council each year the Government's estimates of revenue and expenditure. In his annual budget speech, he outlines the Government's vision and policies for sustainable economic development, and he presents budgetary proposals and moves the Appropriation Bill, which gives legal effect to the annual expenditure proposals contained in the Budget.
Central Policy Unit
The Central Policy Unit provides advice on policy issues to meet the special requirements of the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary and reports direct to them.
The unit consults widely with business and professional circles, political organisations and concern groups, and the academic community. It undertakes in- depth examination of complex policy issues, including research on the Pearl River Delta, analyses options, takes soundings of community feedback and recommends solutions for the Government's internal consideration. The unit is responsible for coordinating the annual Policy Address exercise. It also provides secretariat support for the Commission on Strategic Development, which is chaired by the Chief Executive.
Efficiency Unit
The Efficiency Unit reports directly to the Chief Secretary for Administration and is tasked with pursuing the Government's commitment to transforming the management and delivery of public services so that the community's needs are met in the most effective and efficient manner. The unit works in partnership with bureaux and departments to identify opportunities for performance enhancement,
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