As noted in Chapter 4, preparation for handover typically occurs towards the end of the contract expiry period. However, in the case of the new Royal Children's Hospital project, the hand-over package is designed to assist the public partner's contract administrator in ensuring operations continue if the Project Agreement is varied or terminated (Clayton Utz 2007a: p.26). The package must therefore be regularly (at least annually) updated from the date of operational commencement (Clayton Utz 2007a: p.26).
Integral to the hand-over process is asset monitoring (Edwards et al 2004: p.123) to ensure assets are being properly maintained and the transfer of project documentation to ensure smooth transition to the public partner (Clayton Utz 2007b: p.266) or its nominee as well as uninterrupted delivery of services to users. As implied above, timing of transfer will depend on the size and complexity of the PPP. Nonetheless, such activity can lead to improved VfM outcomes for other PPPs, including for example, standardising training opportunities (Department of Treasury and Finance 2007b: p.4).