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Decision Memorandum for Australia

Decision Memorandum Template for Australia

A Decision Memorandum is a formal internal document used in Australian organizations to record, communicate, and seek approval for significant business or operational decisions. It provides a structured framework for presenting the context, analysis, and rationale behind organizational decisions, ensuring compliance with Australian corporate governance requirements and administrative law principles. The document serves as an official record of decision-making processes, supporting organizational accountability and providing a clear audit trail for future reference.

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What is a Decision Memorandum?

The Decision Memorandum is a critical governance document used in Australian organizations to formalize and document significant business decisions. It serves multiple purposes: documenting the decision-making process, ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements, and creating an auditable record of organizational choices. This document type is particularly important in the Australian context, where administrative law and corporate governance frameworks require clear documentation of decision rationales and approvals. A Decision Memorandum typically includes comprehensive information about the context, options considered, analysis performed, final decision, and implementation requirements. It's commonly used for strategic initiatives, policy changes, major investments, or operational modifications that require senior management or board approval. The document must align with various Australian legislation, including the Corporations Act 2001 and the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, particularly when used in government or regulated sectors.

What sections should be included in a Decision Memorandum?

1. Header Information: Document title, date, reference number, and distribution list

2. Subject Matter: Clear statement of the topic or issue being decided

3. Executive Summary: Brief overview of the decision and its key implications

4. Background: Context and history of the issue requiring decision

5. Current Situation: Description of the current state and why a decision is needed

6. Analysis: Evaluation of options considered, including pros and cons

7. Decision: Clear statement of the final decision made

8. Rationale: Justification for the decision, including key factors considered

9. Implementation Requirements: Actions needed to execute the decision

10. Approval: Signature block and approval details

What sections are optional to include in a Decision Memorandum?

1. Financial Implications: Detailed cost analysis and budget impact, used when decision has significant financial consequences

2. Risk Assessment: Analysis of potential risks and mitigation strategies, included for high-risk decisions

3. Stakeholder Impact: Analysis of effects on different stakeholder groups, used when decision affects multiple parties

4. Timeline: Detailed implementation schedule, included for complex decisions requiring phased implementation

5. Communication Plan: Strategy for communicating the decision, used for decisions requiring broad organizational awareness

6. Monitoring and Review: Metrics and process for evaluating decision effectiveness, included for significant operational changes

What schedules should be included in a Decision Memorandum?

1. Appendix A - Data Analysis: Detailed statistical analysis or data supporting the decision

2. Appendix B - Financial Models: Detailed financial calculations or projections

3. Appendix C - Consultation Summary: Summary of stakeholder consultations and feedback

4. Appendix D - Reference Documents: List of relevant policies, procedures, or external documents referenced

5. Appendix E - Implementation Plan: Detailed project plan for implementing the decision

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Memorandum

Sector

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions























Clauses




















Relevant Industries

Government and Public Sector

Financial Services

Healthcare

Education

Mining and Resources

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Technology

Retail

Construction

Telecommunications

Non-Profit Organizations

Energy and Utilities

Relevant Teams

Executive Leadership

Legal

Finance

Operations

Risk and Compliance

Corporate Governance

Strategy

Project Management Office

Business Analysis

Policy and Procedures

Internal Audit

Corporate Affairs

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Department Director

Project Manager

Legal Counsel

Corporate Secretary

Risk Manager

Policy Officer

Business Analyst

Operations Manager

Program Director

Compliance Officer

Board Member

Executive Manager

Strategy Manager

Industries







Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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