ENG-2011 — Page 60

24 Constitution and Administration

About 5000 members of the public are serving on some 450 advisory and statutory bodies. They include people who are representatives of the relevant professions or the community, and appointees by the Government mainly because of their expertise, knowledge or experience, and contribution to the work of the bodies concerned.

The Government oversees the running of the advisory and statutory bodies to make sure they operate efficiently and that they meet the needs of the community. The practice of bringing in a reasonable number of new members is maintained to ensure a continuing inflow of fresh and different ideas to these bodies. The Government will continue to broaden community participation in advisory and statutory bodies and make their operations more visible.

Structure of the Administration

The Chief Executive is the head of the Government of the HKSAR. The Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary or the Secretary for Justice deputises for the Chief Executive during his temporary absence.

There are currently 12 bureaux, each headed by a Director of Bureau. Together, they form the Government Secretariat. There are 57 departments whose heads are responsible to the Directors of Bureaux for the direction of their departments and the efficient implementation of approved policies. The Audit Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Office of The Ombudsman report directly to the Chief Executive.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Justice and the 12 Directors of Bureaux (Bureau Secretaries responsible for different policy portfolios) are politically appointed Principal Officials. They are appointed for a five-year term which will not exceed the term of the Chief Executive who nominates them for appointment. They are all Members of the Executive Council (equivalent of Cabinet in Hong Kong). These Principal Officials are accountable for matters falling within their respective portfolios. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office is also a politically appointed official, with the same terms of employment as those of a Director of Bureau.

Two additional layers of politically appointed officials Under Secretaries and Political Assistants were created in 2008 to provide the Principal Officials with stronger support in carrying out political work. As at December 31, 2011, the political tier comprises 40 positions, of which 32 are filled.

Role of the Chief Secretary for Administration

The Chief Secretary for Administration is the leading Principal Official in the HKSAR Government. He is a member of the Executive Council and deputises for the Chief Executive when the latter is not able to discharge his duties for a short period.

The Chief Secretary for Administration supports the Chief Executive in administering Hong Kong and advises him on policy matters. He plays an important role in policy co-ordination, which is particularly important in areas that cut across.

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