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Responsible body's declaration

Responsible body’s declaration

Hon Jacinta Allan MP
Premier
The Hon Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier
The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples
Ingrid Stitt MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Dear Ministers,

In accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, I am pleased to present the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s annual report for the year ending 30 June 2024.

(signed)
Jeremi Moule
Secretary
2 October 2024

Secretary's Foreword

Jeremi Moule, Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet

The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) demonstrated leadership across the Victorian public sector in 2023–24 through our commitment to policy and service delivery.

We welcomed back the Multicultural Affairs portfolio from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and have helped champion our state’s rich cultural diversity with support for festivals, events and grants programs. DPC is also contributing to Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, with work on this important strategy continuing in 2024–25.

We bid farewell to Industrial Relations Victoria, which joined the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) in February.

Significant progress has been made toward negotiating a Treaty with Victoria’s First Peoples, with formal negotiations set to commence in late 2024. The State and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have agreed and established all the elements required under the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act 2022 and the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018, including a Treaty Authority, Self-determination Fund, Treaty Negotiations Framework and a dispute resolution process.

DPC has coordinated the whole-of-government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first ever truth-telling inquiry into the historic and ongoing systemic injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation. The Commission’s final report is scheduled to be published in 2025.

We also led the implementation of the Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework, in response to one of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The Framework was published on the Victorian Government website in December 2023.

We have provided impartial policy and legal advice to the Victorian Premier and DPC’s Ministers, as well as administrative support to the Cabinet and — where required on Executive Council matters — the Governor of Victoria. DPC had a key role in supporting the inauguration ceremony for the 30th Governor in August 2023. We also helped facilitate the commencement of the Hon Jacinta Allan MP as the 49th Premier of Victoria, following the resignation of former Premier Daniel Andrews on 26 September 2023.

DPC delivered a number of events of state significance in 2023–24 on behalf of the Victorian Government, while providing whole-of-government advice on communications, protocol matters, research and advertising governance. One of the key events we organised, in conjunction with DFFH, was the Parliamentary Apology to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care. We also coordinated official visits from a range of international dignitaries, providing policy and protocol support, and assisted the Commonwealth-led ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in February 2024.

We are leading the implementation of Victoria’s Housing Statement, working with other departments and agencies to boost housing supply across the State.

Finally, DPC has worked alongside DTF to provide advice on the State Budget process and Victoria’s fiscal strategy, as part of the public service’s efforts to reduce administrative burdens while still providing key services to the Victorian community.

I am proud of our achievements and our adherence to the core public sector values of integrity, accountability, human rights, respect, impartiality, leadership and responsiveness. I welcome the release of our 2023–24 Annual Report.

(signed)
Jeremi Moule
Secretary

Section 1: Strategic framework and governance

Vision and strategic objectives

Our vision

DPC’s vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole of government policy and performance.

Our mission

DPC’s mission is to support the people of Victoria by:

• helping government achieve its strategic objectives

• providing leadership to the public sector to improve its effectiveness

• promoting collaboration across government to drive performance and improve outcomes.

Our values

DPC upholds the public sector values as enshrined in the Public Administration Act 2004 by demonstrating:

Responsiveness

Our employees demonstrate responsiveness by:

• providing frank, impartial and timely advice to the government

• providing high-quality services to the Victorian community

• identifying and promoting best practice.

Integrity

Our employees demonstrate integrity by:

• being honest, open and transparent in our dealings

• using powers responsibly

• reporting improper conduct

• avoiding any real or apparent conflicts of interest

• striving to earn and sustain public trust of a high level.

Impartiality

Our employees demonstrate impartiality by:

• making decisions and providing advice on merit without bias, caprice, favouritism or self-interest

• acting fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts and applying fair criteria

• implementing government policies and programs equitably.

Accountability

Our employees demonstrate accountability by:

• working to clear objectives in a transparent manner

• accepting responsibility for our decisions and actions

• seeking to achieve best use of resources

• submitting ourselves to appropriate scrutiny.

Respect

Our employees demonstrate respect to their colleagues, other public officials and members of the Victorian community by:

• treating them fairly and objectively

• ensuring freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying

• using their views to improve outcomes on an ongoing basis.

Leadership

Our employees demonstrate leadership by actively implementing, promoting and supporting these values.

Human rights

Our employees respect and promote the human rights set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities by:

• making decisions and providing advice consistent with the human rights

• actively implementing, promoting and supporting human rights

Additionally, our employees adhere to the behaviours in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees demonstrating our commitment to these values.

Departmental objectives

The objectives that DPC seeks to achieve over the medium term are:

Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria

• Lead whole-of-government economic and social policy delivery and reform.

• Lead the public sector response to significant state and Commonwealth issues, policy challenges and projects.

• Deliver policies and programs that promote fairness, inclusion and participation of Victoria’s culturally diverse communities.

First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining

• Improve outcomes and services for First Peoples through prioritising actions to enable self-determination, including advancing Treaty, protecting and promoting cultural rights, recognising land and native title rights, and responding to and engaging with the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

• Address trauma, support healing and stop systemic injustice.

• Provide culturally safe systems and services and transfer power and resources to communities.

Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service

• Foster and promote a high-performing public service.

• Ensure effective whole-of-government performance and outcomes and support the effective administration of government.

• Protect and promote the values of good governance, integrity and accountability across the public service to foster and maintain public trust in government.

• Maintain compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines to support effective financial management, probity, and accountability of government advertising.

Governance and organisational structure

Portfolio ministers

Hon Jacinta Allan MP

Premier

Hon Jacinta Allan MP

The Hon Jacinta Allan MP became the Premier of Victoria on 27 September 2023 and is Victoria’s head of government. DPC advises and supports the Premier and her portfolio to lead whole of government policy delivery and reform and to improve public administration.

The Premier is the main channel of communication between the Governor, as Head of State, and Cabinet, and between the Victorian Government and other state and territory governments.

The DPC administrative offices, the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, are also part of the Premier’s portfolio.

The Hon Daniel Andrews served as the Premier of Victoria for the first part of the 2023–24 financial year.

Contact details

Level 1, 1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: (03) 9651 5000
Email: jacinta.allan@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Hon Ben Carroll MP

Deputy Premier

The Hon Ben Carroll MP

Mr Carroll became the Deputy Premier of Victoria on 27 September 2023.

In addition to his

responsibilities, Mr Carroll is also the Minister for Education and the Minister for Medical Research.

The Hon Jacinta Allan MP served as the Deputy Premier for the first part of the 2023–24 financial year.

Contact details

Level 3, 1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: (03) 9651 1233
Email: reception.carroll@minstaff.vic.gov.au

The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples

The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP

Ms Hutchins was reappointed as the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples on 2 October 2023, having previously served as the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs from December 2014 to December 2018.

DPC’s First Peoples – State Relations group supports the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples to advance self-determination, progress Treaty and truth, and ensure the protection and recognition of cultural heritage and land rights for First Nations communities across Victoria.

In addition to her DPC responsibilities, Ms Hutchins is also the Minister for Jobs and Industry and the Minister for Women.

Gabrielle Williams MP served as the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples for the first part of the 2023–24 financial year.

Contact details

121 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9095 4301
Email: minofficehutchins@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Ingrid Stitt MP

Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Ingrid Stitt MP

Ms Stitt was appointed as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on 2 October 2023.

DPC advises and supports the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in promoting fairness, inclusion and participation of Victoria’s culturally diverse communities, ensuring Victorians of all cultural and religious backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of a multicultural society.

In addition to her DPC responsibilities, Ms Stitt is also the Minister for Mental Health and the Minister for Ageing.

The Hon Colin Brooks MP served as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs for the first part of the 2023–24 financial year.

Contact details

50 Londsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9096 8587
Email: minister.multicultural@dpc.vic.gov.au

Other members of parliament

Steve McGhie MP, Cabinet Secretary

Mr McGhie has been the Cabinet Secretary since July 2022. DPC’s Cabinet Office provides support to the Cabinet Secretary for the operations of the Cabinet process and coordinating the work of the Cabinet.

Contact details

Email: Stephen.McGhie@parliament.vic.gov.au

Nick Staikos MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Mr Staikos supports the Premier with her portfolio responsibilities.

Contact details

Email: nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au

Chris Couzens MP, Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples

Ms Couzens has been the Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples since June 2022.

Contact details

Email: christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au

Organisational chart

DPC organisational chart as at June 2024

Department of Premier And Cabinet

Jeremi Moule, Secretary

Sarah Carroll, Director, Office of the Secretary

Delivery and Strategy

Marcus Walsh, Executive Director

Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol

Fin Bird, Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Protocol

Housing Statement Implementation

Jeroen Weimar, Deputy Secretary

Joshua Puls, Deputy Secretary

Governance

Jane Gardam, Executive Director

Cabinet Office

Rach Cowling, Executive Director

General Counsel

Miriam Holmes, Executive Director and General Counsel

Social Policy & Intergovernmental Relations

Brigid Sunderland, Deputy Secretary

Justice, Community Security and Emergency Management, and Multicultural Affairs

Lucy Toovey, Executive Director

Families, Fairness and Housing and Health

Ross Broad, Executive Director

Intergovernmental Strategy, Education

Lauren Kaerger, Executive Director

Economic Policy and State Productivity

Jason Loos, Deputy Secretary

Economic Development and International

Rob Holland, Executive Director

Economic Strategy

Alana Macwhirter, Executive Director

Energy, Resources and Environment

Stephanie Niall, Executive Director

Infrastructure, Planning and Major Projects

Andrew Witchard, Executive Director

First Peoples - State Relations

Terry Garwood, Deputy Secretary

Self Determination, Policy and Transformation

Charlotte Frew, Executive Director

Community Relations and Heritage

Matthew Lloyd, Executive Director

Treaty Negotiations and Strategy

Shen Narayanasamy, Lead Negotiator

Traditional Owner Rights and Land Justice

Dean Cowie, Executive Director

Portfolio entities

Office of the Chief

Parliamentary Counsel

Office of the Governor

Victorian Electoral Commission

Victorian Public Sector Commission

Victorian Multicultural Commission

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

Group functions

In 2023–24, DPC delivered its core programs and services through the following five groups:

• Cabinet, Legal and Governance

• Economic Policy and State Productivity

• First Peoples – State Relations

• Industrial Relations Victoria

• Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations.

The Office of the Secretary includes other key functions:

• Delivery and Strategy

• Housing Statement Implementation

• Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol.

The Cabinet, Legal, and Governance group delivers public sector legal, legislation and governance expertise and combines the Cabinet Office, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Governance Branch.

Through the Cabinet Office, this group provides timely and practical guidance on the operation of Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and the Executive Council. This work supports government decision making and considers the issues that are most relevant to the State and the Victorian community.

OGC provides legal and policy advice, including in the areas of administrative, constitutional and corporate law. OGC’s policy focus is on issues in the Premier portfolio, principally in relation to Victoria’s public sector, electoral system and subordinate legislation. OGC advises on the government’s legislative agenda and supports DPC in developing legislative and regulatory proposals. It also manages the department’s freedom of Information and privacy functions.

Governance Branch unifies DPC’s efforts to promote good governance and public administration, high-quality decision and policymaking, government integrity and accountability, and trust in public institutions.

Economic Policy and State Productivity

The Economic Policy and State Productivity group leads the provision of economic policy advice to the Premier. The group collaborates with relevant departments and agencies to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to policy and projects in the areas of economic development, including in fiscal policy; regional and suburban development; local government; regulatory reform; consumer affairs; gambling and racing; WorkSafe and TAC; insurance; government services; creative industries; community sport, tourism, sport and major events; outdoor recreation, jobs and industry; industrial relations; small business; employment; skills and TAFE; international engagement; medical research; economic growth; infrastructure; planning; public transport; roads; agriculture; resources; energy, climate action; and water and the environment.

First Peoples – State Relations

The First Peoples – State Relations group is responsible for an extensive program of nation-leading work in the areas of cultural rights, land justice, self-determination, Treaty and truth with First Peoples. The group recognises Victoria’s First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria and is committed to building ongoing, just and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State. The group is also committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership.

Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations

The Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations group is responsible for providing the Premier with advice on social policy matters, including health; mental health; alcohol and other drugs; education; and families, fairness and housing. The group also leads and manages the Multicultural Affairs ministerial portfolio and oversees and coordinates whole-of-government intergovernmental relations.

Office of the Secretary

Delivery and Strategy

The Delivery and Strategy branch tracks and supports delivery of priority government initiatives and works with policy branches to support strategic policy development of cross-portfolio issues. The branch comprises Delivery Tracking, which monitors implementation of government priority initiatives and commitments, and supports identification and resolution of risks and blockages; Strategy, a project-based team that works closely with DPC’s policy branches and delivery agencies, employing consulting and strategy approaches to resolve priority policy and delivery issues; and the Behavioural Insights Unit, which collaborates across the public sector to deliver behaviourally-informed policy, communications and services.

Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol

The Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol branch provides specialist communication and protocol advice and support for the department, the Premier and ministers for the Multicultural Affairs and Treaty and First Peoples portfolios. The branch’s work includes leading a coordinated approach to communication policy and practice across government; advising on communication, digital and engagement strategies, media and issues management; coordinating government advertising; advising on protocol matters and delivering major events of state significance; providing photography and video production services; and providing research, media monitoring services, media strategy and insights.

Housing Statement Implementation

The Housing Statement Implementation function has been established to oversee and coordinate the delivery of the Housing Statement—a bold and ambitious plan to deliver the housing that a growing Victoria needs. This function works with departments and agencies to implement initiatives that support industry to increase the supply of homes for Victorians.

Portfolio entities

DPC has obligations to its portfolio entities, which are listed in this section, under the Financial Management Act, associated Standing Directions 2018, and the Public Administration Act.

DPC is classified as a public service body under the Public Administration Act, along with administrative offices and the DPC portfolio entity—the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC).

Administrative offices

Administrative offices are established in relation to a department. DPC is responsible for the general conduct and the effective, efficient and economical management of the functions and activities of these administrative offices:

Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel —

The Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel transforms policy into legislation, advises the government on its legislative program and drafts legislation for the government and the Parliament of Victoria. The office is responsible for ensuring up-to-date public access to authorised Victorian legislation and is also the Government Printer for Victoria, responsible for publishing Victorian legislation.

Office of the Governor —

The Office of the Governor provides support to the Governor of Victoria in carrying out all aspects of their official duties for the benefit of the Victorian community and maintains Government House and grounds as a unique heritage community asset. The Governor’s role as the constitutional Head of State of Victoria includes constitutional and ceremonial duties, community and international engagement, as well as official municipal and regional visits.

Public entities and special bodies

DPC also supports its ministers in their responsibilities for the following public entities and special bodies:

Public entities — includes statutory authorities, state-owned enterprises, state-owned corporations and formally constituted advisory boards that perform functions outside of the VPS. DPC supports the Premier, the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in their responsibilities for the following public entities:

• Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

• Victorian Multicultural Commission

• VITS LanguageLoop.

Special bodies — operate with a high degree of independence from government departments and are created under separate legislation. DPC supports the Premier in her responsibilities for the special body, the Victorian Electoral Commission, which includes the Electoral Boundaries Commission.

Senior executives

Secretary and Deputy Secretaries at DPC

DPC is led by the Secretary who reports to the Premier and acts as the head of the VPS. The department is managed by a senior executive group comprising the head of each of DPC’s groups. The administrative office heads are also key senior executives of the DPC portfolio.

Secretary

Jeremi Moule was appointed as the Secretary of DPC in October 2020. Before this role, Jeremi was Deputy Secretary of Governance Policy and Coordination at DPC, a position he held from August 2018.

Jeremi has held various executive positions in the Victorian and South Australian public services over a 17-year period. He started his career as a journalist and was the CEO of a registered training organisation. Jeremi lives in Bendigo and has worked extensively in regional Victoria.

He holds a journalism degree from the University of South Australia and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Joshua Puls MVO commenced as Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance in August 2023.

Josh’s previous role in the Victorian Government was Official Secretary to the Governor of Victoria between 2016 and 2022. Prior to this appointment, Josh was Executive Director of the Cabinet Office in DPC, after having overseen the Anzac Centenary when he was Director of DPC’s Veterans Branch.

Josh holds qualifications in law, arts, education and theology as well as the degree of Executive Master of Public Administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government and the University of Melbourne. He has a Certificate IV in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Miriam Holmes was Acting Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance from 1 July to 8 August 2023. Miriam’s substantive position is Executive Director and General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, DPC.

Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity

Jason Loos PSM commenced as Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity in June 2023.

Previously, Jason was Deputy Secretary at the Department of Treasury and Finance, where he was responsible for providing strategic commercial, financial and risk management advice to the Victorian Government.

Jason has over 20 years’ experience in the commercial structuring and delivery of infrastructure projects, including extensive experience in delivering Public Private Partnerships and the corporate governance oversight of significant Victorian Government business enterprises.

Jason has a Master of Business Administration from RMIT and an honours degree in economics from Monash University.

Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations

Terry Garwood PSM commenced as Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations in July 2023.

Terry has been an officer of the Victorian and Australian public services for over 40 years. Previously, Terry was the Deputy Secretary, Land Services in Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning.

Terry has been responsible for health, aged care, disability services, child protection, public housing programs, Freight and logistics, and Aboriginal Affairs.

Terry has served on the board of the Museum of Victoria for 9 years and the Centenary of Federation Committee for 5 years and is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia. He was appointed as a Director of the Ports Victoria Board on 1 October 2022.

Terry was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2018 for distinguished public service. He was also inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2018. Terry was recognised for his leadership, passion and commitment to community.

Elly Patira was Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations until July 2023, when she was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation.

Deputy Secretary, Housing Statement Implementation

Jeroen Weimar commenced as Deputy Secretary, Housing Statement Implementation in February 2024. He is responsible for driving forward the Victorian Government’s ambitious Housing Statement, working closely with the housing construction industry to deliver the homes that Victorians can enjoy for generations to come.

Jeroen has held various senior positions across the Victorian Public Service, including as Commander of Victoria’s COVID Response and CEO for Public Transport Victoria and VicRoads. With a post graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the London School of Economics, Jeroen began his career in management consulting, working with clients in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

He then held several high-profile roles over ten years with Transport for London including as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer (Surface Transport). Following his time with Transport for London, Jeroen served as Managing Director, UK Transport for Serco Group plc, and then Chief Operating Officer — UK Bus at FirstGroup plc.

Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Interdepartmental Relations

Brigid Sunderland commenced as Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations in April 2024. Brigid has had an extensive public sector career with a strong emphasis on social policy and service delivery reform and outcomes.

Prior to joining DPC, Brigid was Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and before that served in executive positions in the Youth Justice division of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).

Brigid has previously held senior positions in both the public and private sectors including the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department. Prior to joining the public sector, Brigid practised as a lawyer in several international and Australian law firms.

Brigid’s notable achievements include leading the statewide roll out of the Family Violence Support and Safety Hubs, overseeing the design and implementation of Victoria’s best practice multi-agency risk assessment framework and leading significant reforms to Victoria’s youth justice system.

Brigid holds degrees in Law and Political Science and a Masters of Public Policy and Management. In 2017 she was named as part of the Top 50 Public Sector Women by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria) and in 2022, a Victorian Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia.

Emma Cassar PSM was Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations during the reporting period until 22 March 2024.

Lucy Toovey was Acting Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations during the reporting period from 1 to 21 July 2023. Lucy substantively serves as an Executive Director with Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

Jayne Atkins commenced as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel of the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel on 19 January 2022. From 2013 she was Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel and Subordinate Legislation Manager, having joined OCPC in March 1991 after 4 years at the State Trustees as a solicitor. Jayne has over 30 years' experience drafting bills and drafting, settling and advising on subordinate legislation, where she has a particular interest.

Official Secretary of the Office of the Governor

Jonathan Burke commenced as the Official Secretary of the Office of the Governor in August 2022. Jonathan’s experience spans the government, not-for-profit and tertiary education sectors. His government experience includes several appointments in DPC and DJCS.

Jonathan has served four Governors of Victoria, including as Deputy Official Secretary and now, Official Secretary.

Jonathan holds degrees in Arts and Law from Monash University and has an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) and the University of Melbourne.

Governance committees

Board of Management

The Board of Management comprises DPC’s senior-level executive officers who:

• provide organisation oversight

• provide strategic direction

• ensure DPC is operating in a fiscally and environmentally sustainable manner

• ensure DPC is meeting changing community needs and government priorities.

As of 30 June 2024, DPC’s Board of Management members were:

• Jeremi Moule, Secretary

• Joshua Puls, Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance

• Jason Loos, Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity

• Terry Garwood, Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations

• Brigid Sunderland, Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations.

In 2023–24 the Board of Management fulfilled its mandate to provide organisational oversight and strategic direction, meeting 10 times.

The Board of Management has the following subcommittees:

Budget and Finance — acts as an advisory body for DPC’s Board of Management and provides strategic oversight of DPC’s budget and finances, and identifies priorities and challenges. The subcommittee promotes DPC’s drive for improved financial sustainability through the effective oversight and allocation of financial resources.

Self-determination and Reform — supports DPC to progress the significant reform underway in the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio. The subcommittee also performs a key role in improving internal systems, policies and processes to enable self-determination, including facilitating action across their areas of the department in line with whole-of-government commitments.

Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Audit and Risk Management Committee provides independent assurance and advice on the effectiveness of DPC’s financial management systems and controls, performance, stability, compliance with laws and regulations and risk management. It also oversees the department’s internal audit program.

The committee reports to DPC’s Secretary and is established in line with the Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act.

During 2023–24, the committee met 5 times to acquit its legislative charter obligations to the Secretary by:

• monitoring the quality of reporting on financial performance

• reviewing the quality of DPC’s annual financial report and report of operations and providing attestations to the Secretary

• monitoring the outcomes of the external audit process of the annual financial report

• monitoring DPC’s responses to the outcomes of VAGO performance audits

• appraising the effectiveness and efficiency of DPC’s systems and controls for financial management, performance and sustainability

• reviewing processes designed to ensure that DPC complies with the requirements of the Financial Management Act, Standing Directions and instructions, including updates on the resolution of any reported non-compliances

• endorsing the internal audit plan, monitoring delivery of the internal audit programme and reviewing reports on completed internal audit reviews

• monitoring progress on completion of recommendations arising from internal and external audit activity

• monitoring the effectiveness of DPC’s risk management program.

As of 30 June 2024, the committee comprised the following independent members:

• Geoff Harry (chair)

• Andrew Whittaker

• Rachel Thomson

• Katie Williams.

Executive Remuneration Committee

DPC’s Executive Remuneration Committee’s role is to ensure that a consistent and rigorous approach is taken to setting and adjusting executive remuneration across DPC. The committee reviews all appointments to executive roles within DPC, manages the executive officer cap for DPC and ensures fairness and budget considerations are considered in determining the remuneration of DPC executives.

The specific responsibilities of the committee are to:

• manage DPC’s Senior Executive Service (SES) remuneration

• ensure the remuneration of all DPC executives is appropriate to DPC business needs and are in line with DPC’s executive gender pay principles and recommends adjustments to assure transparency and fairness

• ensure that DPC has sustainable executive staffing levels that are appropriate to DPC business needs and meet labour sustainability cap targets within its funding envelope

• ensure all processes and information related to recruitment and executive remuneration adhere to the public sector values, particularly concerning merit, equity and transparency

• report to the VPSC annually (and on request) details of executive employment in DPC and its portfolio entities in the form and format advised at the time.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee is a consultative committee made up of DPC’s health and safety representatives and may also include first aid officers.

The committee has been established in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to:

• facilitate cooperation between the employer and employees in instigating, developing and carrying out measures designed to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace

• assist formulation, review and dissemination to employees of policies and procedures relating to health and safety that are to be implemented and complied with at DPC

• investigate any matter that may be a risk to the health and safety of people at DPC

• review reported accidents and incidents and maintain DPC’s Occupational Health and Safety Risk Register, including risk ratings and controls

• attempt to resolve any matter or request for DPC to conduct a review of the matter where no resolution can be determined

• establish designated working groups to reflect the DPC working environment

• ensure elections are conducted to fulfil the health and safety representative requirement across the department.

Inclusive and safe workplace policies

Occupational health and safety management

DPC is committed to operating in a safe and responsible manner that respects the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.

The commitment includes complying with applicable laws, regulations, standards and codes as well as fostering an environment that enables staff to contribute to the continuous improvement of health and safety in their workplace.

A culture committed to high safety standards, incorporating the Victorian public sector Leading the Way framework encourages DPC
to take a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting physical health and mental wellbeing at work.

Vision: A workforce that demonstrates both physical and psychosocially safe practices in all aspects of our work.

Mission: To develop a holistic, values-aligned, integrated approach to health, safety and wellbeing.

DPC has moved into having a supportive and robust safety culture that strives to promote optimal physical and psychosocial safety within the workplace for all employees. In supporting its safety culture, DPC is focused on psychological workplace safety and reducing psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace.

During 2023–24, DPC reviewed and implemented health, safety and wellbeing measures and initiatives that have contributed to maintaining the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff. Measures focused on supporting staff wellbeing through the machinery of government changes, and promoting physical health and wellbeing. A review of all health, safety and wellbeing policies and procedures was launched to ensure they align with the Corporate Shared Services operating model and identify any gaps that need to be addressed. In addition, new policies, procedures and supporting documentation were created to assist in the management of fatigue, workload and workplace emergency management requirements.

During 2023–24 DPC supported mental wellbeing through initiatives and training in managing mental wellbeing in the workplace, with strong support from DPC’s employee assistance program provider, Converge International.

Incident management

There were no notifiable incidents across DPC in 2023–24. Notifiable incidents are those that require the occupational health and safety (OHS) authority (WorkSafe Victoria) to be notified if they occur.

Reported incidents across DPC increased by 50.3 per cent per 100 FTE staff in 2023–24, with 30 incidents reported. This is demonstrated in the chart below. The increase in incidents equates to 12 more incidents reported compared with the previous year. Incidents include injuries, ‘near misses’ and detected workplace hazards.

The most common incidents reported were exposures to the COVID-19 virus, with 13 incidents (43 per cent of the total). The remaining incidents can be broken down to physical injuries, chemical exposure, two acts of violence incidents and one psychological injury. The increase in the number of incidents reported this year is attributed to improved employee awareness of reporting incidents, as well as an increase in staff transitioning back into the office environment.

A graph showing that Reported incidents across DPC increased by 50.3% per 100 FTE staff in 2023–24, with 30 incidents reported.
Figure 1. Number of incidents in and rate per 100 FTE

DPC’s performance against OHS management measures is outlined in Section 6, Appendix 3: Occupational health and safety data.

Commitment to public sector values and workforce integrity

The Public Administration Act 2004 established the VPSC to enhance public sector efficiency, effectiveness, and capability, while advocating for professionalism and integrity within the sector.

In alignment with the VPSC’s employment standards, DPC has implemented policies and practices that ensure fair treatment, provide career opportunities, and facilitate the early resolution of workplace issues. DPC actively educates its employees on avoiding conflicts of interest, handling offers of gifts, and addressing misconduct.

DPC is dedicated to upholding principles of merit and equity in staff appointments. Our selection processes are designed to ensure that all applicants are assessed and evaluated fairly and equitably, based on key selection criteria and other relevant accountabilities, without discrimination. Additionally, employees are accurately classified in workforce data collections.

For a detailed breakdown of DPC’s workforce data, please refer to Section 6, Appendix 2: Workforce data.

Workforce inclusion policy

DPC is committed to creating a workforce that is genuinely inclusive and better reflects the diversity of the communities served and reports on progress of these initiatives below. The Department of Government Services’ (DGS) Corporate Shared Services supports DPC in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on aspects of DPC’s commitments under workforce inclusion.

Gender equality

DPC recognises the importance of gender diversity within its workforce and remains committed to developing strategies that promote opportunities for all employees, including those who identify as gender diverse.

Aligned with the principles of Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy, DPC has a target to ensure a minimum representation of 50 per cent of women in executive-level officer roles. As at 30 June 2024, the representation of women in executive-level roles was 52.5 per cent.

In compliance with the Gender Equality Act 2020, DPC has a Gender Equality Action Plan. The plan outlines strategic initiatives and measures aimed at advancing gender equality throughout DPC, and underscores DPC’s commitment to addressing intersectional gender inequalities and promoting a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion.

DGS Corporate Shared Services supports DPC in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on aspects of DPC’s commitments under gender equality, and in 2023–24 has continued to support DPC’s membership of the Champions of Change Coalition, applied gender principles in executive remuneration decisions, and embedded gender and other diversity considerations in manager tools, learning and supports.

Disability inclusion and employment

In line with the Getting to Work: Victorian Public Sector Disability Employment Action Plan 2018–2025, DPC has set a target of 12 per cent employment of people with disabilities by 2025. This goal is supported by DPC’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021–2025, which contains initiatives focused on attracting, supporting, and promoting people with disabilities through inclusive recruitment, retention, and promotion practices.

DPC has continued to develop, implement, monitor and report on aspects of its commitments under disability inclusion and employment. In 2023–24, DPC has continued to support the growth of the Enablers Network for staff with disability, carers and allies; reviewed recruitment policies with an inclusive lens; and embedded disability and other diversity considerations in manager tools, learnings, and supports.

Despite these efforts, the Workforce Inclusion Policy progress table indicates that DPC fell short of this target in 2023–24, with 2.5 per cent of employees disclosing a disability in the workforce data, an increase from no employees disclosing a disability in the workforce data in 2022–23. However, the 2024 People Matter Survey reported that 11 per cent of DPC staff identified as having a disability, up from 9 percent in the previous year. This discrepancy likely resulted from the survey's anonymity.

DPC remains committed to fostering a culture where staff feel comfortable sharing diversity information to inform future workplace inclusion strategies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff inclusion and employment

DPC is committed to improving the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff by creating a culturally safe workplace, strengthening cultural capability and providing flexible and progressive career opportunities.

Barring Djinang is the Victorian public sector’s five-year Aboriginal employment strategy. The strategy adopts an Aboriginal employment target of 2 per cent for the Victorian public sector. DPC met this target in 2023–24, with 2.8 per cent of staff identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Workforce inclusion policy progress

The table below outlines the progress DPC has made against key workforce inclusion targets relating to gender profiles at the executive level, people with disability, and employees who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Workforce Inclusion Policy initiative1Target

2023–24 actual
%

(headcount)

2022–23 actual
%

(headcount)

Gender profile at executive levelsRepresentation of at least 50 per cent women in executive officer roles52.563.0
People with disabilityPeople with disability at DPC increases to 12 per cent by 20252.520.0
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staffBarring Djinang has adopted an Aboriginal employment target of 2 per cent for the Victorian public sector2.833.3

Compliance with the Carers Recognition Act

DPC has taken all practical measures to comply with its obligations under the Carers Recognition Act 2012. These include considering the care relationship principles set out in the Act when setting policies and providing services such as:

  • ensuring flexible work arrangements are embedded as part of the DPC working culture (in line with requirements under the Gender Equality Act) and are available to all staff for any reason, including supporting employees with family and caring responsibilities
  • embedding a hybrid working model to support diversity, inclusion and a more equitable workplace
  • providing the Parental Leave Transition Support Coaching Program.

Compliance with the Act is also undertaken by ensuring DPC staff have an awareness and understanding of the care relationship principles set out in the Act. This is achieved through:

  • championing the DPC Enablers Network, a network run by people with disability for people with disability, with an executive sponsor, open to all staff including carers
  • providing support to all staff through the Peer Support Program and the Employee Assistance Program.

DGS Corporate Shared Services has continued to support DPC during 2023–24 in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on aspects of DPC’s commitments under the Act.

Notes

1 This table excludes Yoorrook Justice Commission staff.

2 While ‘headcount’ is based on payroll system data, DPC’s 2024 People Matter Survey results indicate that 11 per cent of DPC’s survey respondents identify as a person with disability.

3 While ‘headcount’ is based on payroll system data, DPC’s 2024 People Matter Survey results indicate that 4 per cent of DPC’s survey respondents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Section 2: Key initiatives and performance measures

Progress towards achieving departmental objectives

This section highlights DPC’s achievements over the past year, in alignment with our overarching departmental objectives. The key initiatives are primarily derived from the DPC Corporate Plan 2023–27. They are grouped by output to demonstrate the contribution of that output in meeting the departmental objective.

Achievements against departmental objective indicators are also provided in this section, offering insight into DPC’s overall effectiveness in delivering services.

Departmental objectives, indicators and outputs

DPC’s medium-term objectives, objective indicators and linked outputs as of 30 June 2024 are:

ObjectivesIndicatorsOutputs
Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria

· Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to economic and social outcomes, intergovernmental relations, and emergency management.

· Decrease experiences of discrimination.

Economic policy advice and support

Social policy advice and intergovernmental relations

Multicultural affairs policy and programs

First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining· First Peoples in Victoria have increased control over decisions that impact their lives.

Self-determination policy and reform advice and programs

Traditional Owner engagement and cultural heritage management programs

Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service

· Support for Cabinet, committee members and Executive Council is valued and informs decision making.

· Agency compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines.

· Victoria’s electoral system is supported by an accurate and secure electoral roll, electoral services, and conduct of fair and impartial elections.

· Provision of high-quality legislative drafting and publication services.

· Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to public sector governance.

Executive Government advice and services

Public sector administration advice and support

Chief Parliamentary Counsel services

State electoral roll and electoral events

Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria — progress

This objective leads whole-of-government economic and social policy delivery and reform. It leads the public sector response to significant state and Commonwealth issues, policy challenges and projects. It delivers policies and programs that promote fairness, inclusion and participation of Victoria’s culturally diverse communities.

Key initiatives

DPC has delivered the following key initiatives in 2023–24, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the ‘Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria’ departmental objective.

Output: Economic policy advice and support

Provided advice on current and future economic challenges and opportunities

In 2023–24, DPC continued to work closely with DTF and other departments to support the delivery of the government’s fiscal strategy and policy priorities in a challenging economic climate. This included advising on budget and fiscal strategy, industry and economic growth opportunities, employment, training and skills, higher education, consumer affairs, local government, industrial relations, building reform, and transport policy and infrastructure delivery.

Alongside DTF, DPC actively supported the delivery of the government’s Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Reform to progressively abolish stamp duty and replace it with a more efficient commercial and industrial property tax. Additionally, in response to the failure of liquidated builders to take out domestic building insurance on behalf of their customers, DPC worked alongside departments to introduce penalties for builders who fail to take out insurance for customers before accepting money under a Major Domestic Building Contract and to deliver the Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme.

DPC remains committed to supporting the government to navigate both current and future economic and social challenges and is focused on supporting the government’s priorities of improving financial sustainability, managing economic pressures, and ensuring Victorians have the opportunity to prosper.

Provided advice to support the efficient operation of markets, while maintaining appropriate protections for consumers

DPC has worked with other government departments to improve the design of government regulations to protect consumers, while minimising the costs to businesses and the community. In 2023–24 DPC supported:

  • the development of reforms to protect renters’ rights and to reduce gambling-related harms, while supporting affected venues and stakeholders
  • strengthening the regulatory framework for the casino following the regulator decision that Crown Melbourne is suitable to hold the Melbourne Casino Licence.

Provided advice to deliver a renewable energy transition and emissions reduction, the government’s environmental and agricultural priorities, and the sustainable use of Victoria’s natural resources

With the Victorian Government bringing forward the end to commercial native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests to 1 January 2024, in 2023–24 DPC worked with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to support workers and the industry to transition to new opportunities. DPC has been monitoring the implementation of the Future Forests program which will guide the future use and management of Victoria’s over 1.8 million hectares of forest to ensure shared benefits across the community.

In 2023–24 DPC supported the development and release of the new Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy, with biosecurity and animal disease preparedness key priorities of the government. The strategy, released in November 2023, outlines clear priorities for strengthening Victoria’s biosecurity systems, supported by greater community collaboration to prepare for and respond to future biosecurity threats.

Other achievements in 2023–24 against this initiative include:

  • supported legislating Victoria’s interim emissions reduction targets, to cut emissions by 45–50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and 75–80 per cent by 2035, as well as targeting net-zero emissions by2045
  • supported legislating Victorian energy storage targets for at least 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage capacity by 2030 and at least 6.3 GW by 2035, and offshore wind targets of at least 2 GW of offshore generation capacity by 2032, 4 GW by
    2035 and 9 GW by 2040
  • supported the introduction of new legislation to establish the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework, enabling a new approach to planning and developing major electricity transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy
    Zones in Victoria
  • worked with DEECA and the State Electricity Commission (SEC) to make the SEC’s first investment. On 30 November 2023, the Premier and the Minister for the SEC announced the $245 million investment into the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub near Melton. The hub will store enough energy to power up to 200,000 homes during peak
  • collaborated with DEECA to release the updated Gas Substitution Roadmap. The roadmap is guiding Victoria towards achieving net-zero emissions while offering more choices and lower energy bills.

Supported delivery of the government’s infrastructure program and coordinated a range of reforms to improve the safety, liveability and sustainability of Victoria’s built environment

DPC continued to monitor the implementation of the government’s infrastructure agenda in 2023–24, including for the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, Suburban Rail Loop and North East Link projects. DPC has provided advice to the government on delivery challenges that have impacted infrastructure delivery, including material cost increases and labour supply shortages. DPC has also worked with DTP in the transition of major transport service contracts, including the new Public Transport Ticketing contract commencement, and the re-contracting of operations and maintenance for Melbourne’s tram franchise.

In 2023–24, DPC coordinated the delivery of Victoria’s Housing Statement in response to challenges in delivering new homes and rental stock. The Housing Statement coordination brought together work from DTF, DTP, DGS and DFFH. Following the announcement of the Housing Statement, DPC has monitored and coordinated the implementation of the statement, which is being delivered by relevant ministers and their portfolio departments.

During 2023–24 DPC undertook precinct prioritisation to help achieve the government’s jobs, housing and infrastructure agenda through sequencing development of precincts and as priority locations for growth close to existing infrastructure and services. In 2023–24, DPC coordinated and helped to facilitate land acquisition across government to support infrastructure delivery. In response to the Housing Statement, the Precincts and Land Coordinator General function transferred to DTP.

Supported delivery of the government’s industry and innovation agenda

DPC, alongside DTF, has worked closely with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) to refresh priorities and approaches for industry and innovation. Some key works have included strategies for approaching trade and investment; and for industry, the progression of election commitments to strengthen the Fair Jobs Code and Local Jobs First Act.

DPC has also continued to support the monitoring, oversight and governance of broader investment attraction and business supports through the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund. DPC has worked with DJSIR on delivering and monitoring significant projects, particularly in the Defence and Health and Life Sciences sectors. Major projects have included the BioNTech mRNA Facility at La Trobe University, Hanwha Defence in Avalon East, Moderna mRNA Facility at Monash University and work related to AUKUS, space, quantum, artificial intelligence and other defence efforts.

In 2023–24 DPC has also worked closely with DTF and DJSIR to respond to local skills and workforce needs, and progress reforms to improve Victoria’s Skills and TAFE system. This has included providing strategic support to finalise a new National Skills Agreement, maintain an effective Free TAFE for priority courses initiative and enable effective cross-jurisdictional collaboration in response to critical skills and workforce needs. DPC has provided strategic guidance on how Victoria’s Skills and TAFE system can better support workforces in government priorities, such as clean energy and housing.

And finally, in 2023–24 DPC has supported the government’s industry and innovation agenda by facilitating strategic engagement in significant potential reforms to higher education, in response to the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Universities Accord process.

Facilitated engagement with international stakeholders in Victoria and overseas, particularly by the Premier and the Governor

DPC supported whole-of-government cooperation with key international partners to promote trade, investment and cultural and education ties that benefit Victorians, including by facilitating engagement between international dignitaries and the Premier, Governor(s) and other Victorian leaders.

The department also collaborated with civil society partners, particularly Asia Society Australia and the Australia-India Institute, to enhance Victoria’s connections to, engagement with and knowledge of Asia.

Output: Social policy and intergovernmental relations

Ensured strategic-decision makers are supported in their efforts to undertake key reforms to the justice system and strengthen disaster resilience and security

In 2023–24, DPC continued to support implementation of reforms across the Victorian justice system, including changes to bail laws,
a ban on the intentional display or performance of Nazi salutes or gestures in public, and strengthening unexplained wealth laws to disrupt organised crime.

DPC has also supported key reforms in the justice system to better protect victim-survivors, including new standalone non-fatal strangulation offences, the removal of barriers faced by victim-survivors when reporting crimes, and strengthened parole restrictions for prisoners convicted of murder, killing children and serious sexual offences.

DPC also continues to support reforms to the youth justice system with the development
of a new legislative framework to reduce
re-offending and improve community safety,
as well as reforms and initiatives to modernise the adult prison system and open the Western Plains Correctional Centre in 2025 to better support staff and people in custody.

Responding to, and delivering on, the ESTA Capability and Service Review, DPC supported reforms resulting in new legislation. The Triple Zero Victoria Act 2023 improves governance, accountability and oversight of Victoria’s triple zero services and ensures Victorians calling triple zero receive the highest quality service.

DPC has developed a whole-of-government framework to guide decision makers when activating relief and recovery supports following major emergencies. The framework leverages lessons from recent statewide natural disasters (such as the 2019–20 bushfires, the June 2021 storm and flood event and the October 2022 floods) to improve the timeliness, consistency and sustainability of relief and recovery funding decisions, ensuring Victorian communities are well supported to recover from future major natural disasters.

DPC facilitated ‘Exercise Malevolent’ for the State Crisis and Resilience Council in 2023–24. The exercise simulated a critical, statewide cyber security incident with respect to critical infrastructure. As part of the exercise, the council was tasked with discussing possible consequences and consider advice for the State Emergency Management Committee on the management of the incident.

In ensuring the safety of Victorians, DPC facilitates the Foreign Interference Community of Practice which builds capacity across the Victorian Government regarding foreign interference, mis and disinformation and cyber threats. During the reporting period community members have received presentations from the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs, the Commonwealth’s Strengthening Democracy Taskforce, and DGS.

DPC continues to provide protective security measures for government personnel through coordinating VPS personnel vetting and the Member of Parliament Residential Security Program.

DPC also provided support to the government (with Industrial Relations Victoria) to undertake negotiations for a new Victoria Police Enterprise Agreement.

Supported the delivery of critical social policy reforms to improve outcomes for Victorians experiencing disadvantage

In 2023–24, DPC continued to advance the safety and wellbeing of Victorian children and families, supporting their life trajectories through stable housing and across strong communities.

In February 2024, the Premier made a formal apology in Parliament House to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care on behalf of the Victorian Government.

DPC played a lead role in supporting the Premier’s delivery of this apology to an estimated 90,000 children who were placed
in care in Victoria prior to 1990, where many experienced various forms of abuse. This was followed by a reception at Parliament House. The apology was live streamed in Geelong, Ballarat and Sale.

DPC also supported key preparations across 2023–24 for the launch of the Social Services Regulator on 1 July 2024. As an independent statutory authority, the Social Services Regulator will strengthen protections for social services users to safeguard people from harm, abuse and neglect as established under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021.

In 2023–24, DPC led whole-of-government work to support the design of Foundational Supports for people with a disability, to enable an expanded service system outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

DPC also continued to support the delivery of significant reforms to increase social and affordable housing supply. DPC engaged in key governance forums to ensure appropriate monitoring and oversight of the Big Housing Build, which is increasing social housing supply by 10 per cent. In 2023–24, DPC also supported advice on Victoria’s Housing Statement high-rise public housing towers redevelopment project, which will also boost social housing across the sites by 10 per cent.

In 2023–24, DPC supported the development
of reforms under the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package to address high rates of violence against women. This package builds
on work undertaken to respond to all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Supported the Victorian Government to deliver key commitments to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians

DPC has continued to support delivery of the government’s key commitments to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. Highlights in 2023–24 included:

  • delivery of record investment in hospitals, including planning for projects under the Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund
  • investment into women’s health, including establishing the Inquiry into Women’s Pain, the rollout of additional women’s health clinics, and an expansion to public fertility care for Victorian families
  • rolling out a pilot for community pharmacists to provide treatment for straight forward urinary tract infections, common skin conditions, and to reissue contraceptive prescriptions
  • supporting the next generation of paramedics and system wide improvements to support timely emergency care, including through the expansion of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
  • investments in Victoria’s health workforce, including scholarships for nursing and midwifery students.

In 2023–24, DPC continued to support constructive discussions with the Commonwealth on reforms to Australia’s health system, including funding for Priority Primary Care Centres.

DPC has also continued to support the Department of Health in negotiating with the Commonwealth on the National Health Reform Agreement ahead of the agreement expiring
in June 2025.

Supported the Victorian Government to deliver critical education policy reform

In 2023–24, DPC continued to support the delivery of critical education policy reforms, strengthening the education system for children and young people. These reforms include delivering:

  • the $400 School Saving Bonus for every student enrolled at a government school and eligible families at non-government schools
  • the Victorian Government’s school capital investment, including delivering 100 new schools by 2026
  • scholarships to support secondary teaching degree students and more flexible working options for school leaders and principals
  • options to help more young people finish their education, including if they want to complete their secondary education at

DPC also supported the Minister for Education to negotiate and sign the National School Reform Agreement Variation Agreement, which extended Victoria’s agreement with the Commonwealth for 12 months to
31 December 2024.

During 2023–24 DPC continued to inform the design and ongoing implementation of the Best Start, Best Life early childhood education agenda. This includes rolling out universal Three-Year-Old Kinder across Victoria, as well as delivering Free Kinder for families with 3- and 4-year-olds.

As part of this reform, DPC continued to support the establishment of 50 government-owned and operated Early Learning and Childcare Centres in areas of unmet demand. The first 4 childcare centres are on track to open in 2025.

Supported the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

In 2023–24, DPC continued to advance mental health reform in supporting delivery of key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to create a mental health system that delivers timely, community-based care for all Victorians.

Key achievements for DPC in 2023–24 included leading implementation of the Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces initiative (Recommendation 16 of the Royal Commission).

This culminated in the successful launch of the Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework, and associated tools and resources, including translated fact sheets. All materials were published in December 2023 and can be accessed at: www.vic.gov.au/victorian-mentally-healthy-workplaces-framework.

The framework reflects best practice and serves as a guide for Victorian workplaces to be mentally healthy. This is supported by four tools:

  • a guide to create a strategy and action plan
  • supporting recovery and return to work
  • supporting workers in short-term, casual, insecure and irregular roles
  • a small business self-assessment tool.

DPC also fostered the commitment of employers to create mentally healthy workplaces by supporting the:

  • Mentally Healthy Workplaces Advisory Group, co-chaired by the Premier; Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO; and Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary; and comprising senior membership from keysector partners, industry and unions among
  • Mentally Healthy Workplaces Consultative Committee, which provided the diverse perspective of employees and employers on mentally healthy workplaces — particularly those in high-risk industries.

In addition, DPC also supported mental health and alcohol and other drugs services and reform including:

  • implementing the landmark Public Intoxication Reform agenda
  • supporting people living with eating disorders through a $31 million package that includes early engagement intervention and treatment
  • supporting announcement of the government’s $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm
  • continuing to support key mental health workforce initiatives to address workforce shortages through the government’s $15.8million mental health graduate

Advocated for Victorian interests in intergovernmental relations including on health reform and productivity enhancing proposals

In 2023–24, DPC led advice to the Premier and senior departmental officials to support their participation at National Cabinet, the Council for the Australian Federation and other senior officials’ forums. In the 12-month period, DPC supported Victoria’s engagement with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions at more than 70 intergovernmental meetings.

DPC also provided strategic policy advice and collaborated across government on national reform matters and priority agreements including on disability reform and the development of a Foundational Supports system, housing, education, gender-based violence, Closing the Gap and energy, advocating for Victorian priorities and maximising benefits to the Victorian community.

During the year DPC co-led work on behalf of the Council for the Australian Federation for energy transition and explored opportunities to address gender-based violence through strengthening national approaches and drive best practice across jurisdictions, including relating to risk assessment and responses to sexual assault.

And finally, DPC supported departments and ministers in the negotiation of many significant intergovernmental agreements to secure appropriate Commonwealth investment in areas such as the National Health Reform Agreement, the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.

Output: Multicultural affairs policy and programs

Worked with communities to prevent and address racism

In 2023–24 DPC supported the Victorian Anti-Racism Taskforce, which met to continue guiding the department in its development of a statewide anti-racism strategy.

Co-Chaired by Sheena Watt MP and Nick Staikos MP, the Taskforce includes representation from 9 community members, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria.

DPC’s work to finalise Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy will continue in 2024–25. The strategy will be a statewide roadmap for addressing and preventing racism and faith-based discrimination, with a range of supporting actions.

Celebrated Victoria’s rich cultural diversity through multicultural festivals and events

DPC recognises the importance of celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion. The Multicultural Festivals and Events program supports Victorians to celebrate, preserve and share traditions, and for the broader community to further understand and participate in shared cultures and traditions.

In 2023–24, DPC distributed $5.6 million in government grant funding to multicultural community organisations to help them deliver 678 festivals and events. This includes 73 regional events supported through the 2023–24 Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund and $1.9 million in grant funding supporting 30 state significant festivals and events across Victoria.

Developed multicultural community infrastructure

DPC supports Victoria’s multicultural communities to upgrade, renovate and build their facilities and places to celebrate and share their histories and traditions, build connections and thrive.

In 2023–24, the government invested more than $18.0 million in grants funding through the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund program benefiting 83 multicultural community organisations. DPC administered this funding, helping communities to maintain, upgrade, and build their community infrastructure.

Supported multicultural media organisations

DPC recognises the importance of media outlets in showcasing the diverse voices and experiences of Victoria’s multicultural and faith communities.

In 2023–24, the government invested $0.6 million to deliver the Multicultural Media Grants program to support multicultural media organisations to improve their reach and better serve their communities through print, radio, broadcasting and digital media platforms.

DPC distributed the funding to support 40 organisations to help foster a greater sense of belonging and connection, and enhance media service quality, coverage and organisational capacity to better reach Victoria’s diverse audiences.

Continued to deliver the Victorian African Communities Action Plan

Established in 2018, the 10-year Victorian African Communities Action Plan aims to improve social, economic and wellbeing outcomes for Victoria’s African communities. Initiatives DPC delivered under the action plan are guided by the voices of Victoria’s diverse African communities through the Victorian African Communities Committee, chaired by Pauline Richards MP.

In 2023–24, DPC delivered the Employment Brokers program which has assisted over 1,784 jobseekers of African heritage since 2020–21, with 700 people placed into employment or training opportunities.

The alcohol and other drugs initiative in the action plan was also continued in 2023–24, providing culturally tailored case management, education and outreach services to young people of African heritage and their families. Since 2020–21, the initiative has provided case management to 139 young people, and education sessions to over 2,283 members
of Victoria’s African communities.

Supported culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Victorians through VITS LanguageLoop

DPC is supporting the state-owned language services provider, VITS LanguageLoop, to implement its transition from a contractor-based model of workforce engagement to a primarily employment-based model.

In 2023–24, DPC supported VITS LanguageLoop to plan for and carry out the operational and financial changes needed to implement the new employment model. The transition will support a high-quality, professional and sustainable interpreting and translating sector in Victoria, and ensure CALD Victorians can access essential language services.

Supported newly arrived migrant communities

DPC has continued to support Victoria’s humanitarian arrival communities with programs to improve overall outcomes for newly arrived families and individuals. In 2023–24, key funding enabled DPC to continue delivering:

  • Strategic Partnerships Program which funded 12 partnerships in Victoria to provide tailored and place-based settlement supports for new, emerging and established multicultural communities
  • Strategic Engagement Coordinators initiative which funded 12 coordinators to work with multicultural communities to identify supports, programs and opportunities, facilitate collaboration and provide place-based solutions to address service gaps
  • targeted legal assistance for asylum seekers and temporary visa holders through Refugee Legal
  • Community Hubs Australia to continue connecting refugees and asylum seekers with key services
  • support with accessing early education pathways and nurturing of children’s bilingual skills through the Supported Playgroups for new arrivals initiative with support from VICSEG New Futures.

Reduced isolation and fostered social connections for multicultural seniors through multicultural seniors’ organisations

In 2023–24, the government provided DPC with $2.0 million to support 1,000 multicultural seniors’ organisations in 45 Local Government Areas to foster social connections and reduce social isolation. Funding supported more than 137,000 senior members to:

  • celebrate and honour multicultural seniors’ and seniors’ groups’ unique contribution to Victoria
  • preserve and pass on cultural heritage for future generations.

Progress towards the ‘Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria’ objective

The objective indicator, associated data sets and descriptions outlined below provide information to reflect the contribution of the following outputs to DPC’s ‘Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria’ departmental objective:

  • Economic policy advice and support
  • Social policy and intergovernmental relations
  • Multicultural affairs policy and programs.

Objective indicator: Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to economic and social outcomes, intergovernmental relations, and emergency management

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio ministers, and key governing boards and committees has continued to impact the government’s agenda in the medium to long term:

  • The Disability and Social Services Regulation Amendment Bill 2024 proposes a streamlined and efficient regulation system for disability services in Victoria, abolishing and merging the functions of Disability Services Commissioner with the new Social Services Regulator. This consolidation will create efficiencies for social service users to navigate previously complex regulator and complaint
  • Advice supported the development of Victoria’s Housing Statement, increasing access to housing for those who need it most.
  • DPC also continued efforts to support victim survivors of family violence, and to strengthen prevention of family violence through delivering the Strengthening Women’s Safety
  • DPC played a key role supporting Victoria’s negotiation of, and agreement to, several high value intergovernmental agreements with the Commonwealth. Of particular note were:
  • the endorsement of the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness and the Housing Support Payment, which ensures Victoria’s access to the Commonwealth’s $1.0 billion incentive payment on a population share basis
  • the signing of the National Skills Agreement in October 2023, which will see the Commonwealth invest up to $3.15 billion in Victoria to expand access to Victoria’s VET sector, which will support quality training, and address critical skills needs.
  • Further, in 2023–24 DPC’s policy advice has achieved stronger policy outcomes for Victoria in the planning, preparation, response and recovery of emergencies and natural disasters. Recovery and support after Victorian fires and floods during the summer months of 2023–24 has been informed and enhanced by the policy work done in response to reviews and inquiries, as well as the development of a relief and recovery framework.
  • The Victorian response to the avian influenza outbreaks in 2024 and coordination with other states, territories and the Commonwealth, have been efficient and effective due to the planning, preparation and policy work of DPC and stakeholders across government. The successful reforms implemented to transform the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority to Triple Zero Victoria have ensured a sustainable and high-quality triple zero service to all Victorians.

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following economic data.

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Gross state product (real) growth1per cent–0.26.32.62.0 (est.)2
Employment growth — Victoria — seasonally adjusted3per cent-1.93.94.33.6

Objective indicator: Decrease experiences of discrimination

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio ministers, and key governing boards and committees has continued to impact the government’s agenda in the medium to long term by:

  • Enabling targeted consultations between DJCS and Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities on strengthening Victoria’s laws against hate speech and hate conduct.
  • Supporting Victoria’s engagement with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions on key matters impacting Victoria’s refugee, asylum seeker and migrant communities, including through whole-of-government submissions to the Commonwealth’s 2024-25 Humanitarian Settlement Program, and National Multicultural Framework Review.
  • Delivering a whole-of-government settlement network to ensure immediate and tailored supports for individuals and families fleeing humanitarian crises and arriving to Victoria.
  • Providing portfolio advice on a range of interdepartmental programs, policies and strategies, including through the LGBTIQA+ Strategy Interdepartmental Steering Group; Public Health and Wellbeing Interdepartmental Committee; and the Inquiry into Extremism Interdepartmental

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Consultations with communities on issues relevant to CALD communitiesnumber110857779

Notes

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022–23 financial year) Australian National Accounts: State Accounts (Catalogue number 5220.0; Table 1: Gross State Product, Chain volume measures and current prices; Series ID: A2336347R), ABS website, accessed 30 July 2024

2 2024–25 Victorian Budget Paper No. 2 — Strategy and Outlook (Table 2.1: Victorian economic forecasts)

3 Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force, Australia (Catalogue 6202.0; Table 5: Labour force status by Sex, Victoria; Series ID: A84423349V), ABS website, accessed 30 July 2024

First Peoples in Victoria are strong and  self-determining — progress

This objective focuses on improving outcomes and services for First Peoples through prioritising actions to enable self-determination, including advancing Treaty, protecting and promoting cultural rights, recognising land and native title rights, and responding to and engaging with the Yoorrook Justice Commission. It addresses trauma, supports healing, and addresses systemic injustice. It provides culturally safe systems and services and transfers power and resources to communities.

Key initiatives

DPC has delivered the following key initiatives in 2023–24, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the objective that First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining.

Output: Self-determination policy and reform advice and programs

Supported strong policy outcomes for First Peoples that promote self-determination and address injustice

In 2023–24, DPC continued to provide strategic policy advice to the Premier and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples in the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio. This includes promoting and facilitating policy which embeds self-determination and supports equitable outcomes aligned with the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018–2025 commitments, Treaty processes, engaging with and responding to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Coordinated implementation across government of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap

DPC has continued to support the Closing the Gap Partnership Forum as the Victorian Government’s formal shared decision-making forum for delivering commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This included supporting 4 meetings of the Partnership Forum.

In 2023–24 DPC worked closely with Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, the Koorie Caucus of the Partnership Forum, to action key commitments under the National Agreement including completing Victoria’s Expenditure Review, establishing a combined Place-Based Partnership and Community Data project, establishment work for the new Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, making a public submission to the Productivity Commission Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and alongside other government parties and the Coalition of Peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations, developed a Joint Council on Closing the Gap response to the Productivity Commission review.

Advanced Aboriginal self-determination and improved outcomes in line with commitments made by the Victorian Government

In 2023–24 DPC delivered the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2023, which considers how the government is tracking against commitments to improving outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, the Victorian Government Self-Determination Reform Framework and the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2021–2025.

Overall, performance against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework remains mixed with outcomes improving significantly against some measures but remaining stable or worsening against others. Over the shorter term, 27 measures improved, 27 worsened and 18 were stable. 28 measures did not have updated data available, and 11 were unable to be categorised. Over the longer term, 39 measures improved, 26 worsened and 7 were stable. 28 measures did not have updated or comparative data available, and 11 were unable to be categorised.

Preparing to commence formal negotiations with Victoria’s Traditional Owners and First Peoples

DPC has continued to work closely with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to operationalise the Treaty elements in readiness for negotiations commencing in late 2024.

In December 2023, 5 inaugural members were appointed to the Treaty Authority to serve during upcoming Treaty negotiations in Victoria. The historic appointments were recommended by an independent panel following a rigorous and competitive selection process. In its first year of operation, the main role of the Treaty Authority has been to operationalise the Treaty Authority and establish the Negotiations Database that will contain details of negotiating parties and the Treaties being negotiated.

The Self-Determination Fund is now fully operational, with grants to Traditional Owner groups to support Treaty preparations and negotiations. The Self-Determination Fund is administered by the First Peoples’ Assembly through an independent trustee.

DPC has led work across the Victorian Government to establish the governance and authorisation processes that will enable the State of Victoria to respond to Treaty matters in an efficient and coordinated way.

DPC has progressed meetings of the Minimum Standards and Additional Preparations, as specified in the Treaty Negotiation Framework, to meet the legal requirements to enter into Treaty negotiations. Once invited to enter into negotiations, the State will need to demonstrate to the Treaty Authority that it has complied with the Minimum Standards and is ready to begin negotiations.

DPC has prepared the Advancing the Victorian Treaty Process Annual Report 2022–23 as required under the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018. The report outlines the work of the State in advancing the Treaty process, ensuring the government is transparent in its work to advance Treaty in Victoria.

Both the State and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria are set to embark on the next phase of the landmark Treaty process and begin formal Treaty negotiations in late 2024.

Led the whole-of-government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the nation’s first truth-telling inquiry

In 2023–24 DPC continued to play a central role in coordinating the whole-of-government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission (the Commission). DPC progressed key activities to fulfil its role in meeting the State’s commitment to genuine, transparent and proactive engagement with the Commission including:

  • led the State response to the Commission’s second interim report, Yoorrook for Justice, which contained 46 recommendations to address systemic injustice in the criminal justice and child protection systems.
  • coordinated the State’s response to the Commission’s Land Injustice and Social Injustice lines of inquiry between October 2023 and June 2024, including:
  • produced more than 5,000 documents in response to over 80 Notices to Produce issued by the Commission
  • provided detailed responses to more than 500 Requests for Information issued by the Commission
  • prepared 24 state witnesses for public hearings which took place between March and June 2024, with witnesses including the Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Minister for Water, Minister for Health and Health Infrastructure, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Housing, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Education, the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, the Surveyor-General of Victoria, and numerous other senior departmental staff
  • coordinated legal representation for the State’s response to the Commission
  • provided secretariat support to coordinate the State’s response to the Commission through a whole-of-government working group and interdepartmental committee, which include members of all departments and VictoriaPolice
  • supported the appointment of a new Commissioner, former Federal Court Judge the Hon Anthony North KC who was appointed on 31 January 2024.

DPC will continue to engage with and respond to the Yoorrook Justice Commission as it continues to develop its further reform report and final report, for official public record by 30 June 2025.

Delivered the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in accordance with self-determined decision-making processes

In 2023–24 DPC continued its focus on delivering the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (the Centre), which is nearing completion and will be officially opened on 7 August 2024.

The Centre will drive economic growth in the Goulbourn-Murray region for both First Peoples and non-First Nations people. It will provide a fit-for-purpose, safe space from which Aboriginal community-controlled and led organisations and their partners can deliver culturally responsive education, employment, health and wellbeing initiatives. At the same time, the Centre will showcase and celebrate First Peoples knowledge, culture and entrepreneurship as a regional, state and national asset. The project has been delivered in line with best practice First Peoples engagement and principles of
self-determination.

DPC has also continued to provide advice to other government agencies in relation to infrastructure projects, including best practice design and construction engagement and procurement processes with First Nations communities.

Recognised the achievements of Aboriginal Victorians through Aboriginal cultural events and awards

In 2023–24, the Victorian Government committed $0.25 million to support significant First Nations cultural events and awards. Key initiatives included the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, recognising 11 First Nations leaders for their contributions to the State; the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, honouring First Nations servicemen and women; and the NAIDOC State Reception, which brought together over 250 guests to celebrate First Peoples’ achievements, cultures, and to connect the Victorian Government with notable community members.

The Victorian NAIDOC Committee was also funded to deliver a range of events for NAIDOC Week, including the Victorian NAIDOC Awards, NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony, NAIDOC Pride Gala, NAIDOC March and the Vic NAIDOC Ball. These events celebrated First Nations’ culture and history, and recognised the resilience of First Nations’ Elders, youth, sportspeople and LGBTQIA+ community members.

This program of First Nations’ cultural
events and awards underscores the Victorian Government's commitment to honouring First Peoples' cultures, excellence, leadership and histories.

Output: Traditional owner engagement and cultural heritage management programs

Drove strong cultural heritage management and protection under Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage system

In 2023–24 DPC continued to support the protection of Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage management system under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. DPC administers the regulatory, enforcement and approval processes under this system to protect Victoria’s significant Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The following statutory activities were delivered in 2023–24:

  • recorded 747 Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, bringing the number of Aboriginal places recorded to more than 41,000
  • made decisions on 62 cultural heritage management plans and two amendments to plans prepared in parts of Victoria where Traditional Owners have not been formallyrecognised
  • issued 16 cultural heritage permits
  • made decisions on 64 preliminary Aboriginal heritage tests, providing developers and land users certainty about whether a cultural heritage management plan is required for a proposed activity.

In 2023–24 DPC also supported cultural heritage management by:

  • Supporting Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to carry out their functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, delivering 16 capacity development projects to Traditional Owner organisations to support their protection and management of cultural heritage. This included training in identifying and recording archaeological sites and Aboriginal cultural places, and the delivery of a stone tool identification workshop, providing Aboriginal participants the skills to identify and record Aboriginal stone tools and artefacts.
  • Delivering the Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management to Aboriginal students, through its partnership with La Trobe University, and administering 2 cultural heritage management workshops to Aboriginal people interested in pursuing a career in Aboriginal cultural heritage management.
  • Supporting 2 RAP forums, providing RAPs with opportunities to share knowledge and improve protection outcomes for Aboriginal heritage across the State. DPC also continued to provide advice and support to RAPs carrying out their duties under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

DPC has undertaken its enforcement and compliance responsibilities during the reporting period. This included:

  • completing 109 investigations into reports of non-compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act across Victoria
  • two prosecutions for harming Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Other activities in 2023–24 under this initiative included:

  • driving a proactive enforcement and compliance strategy, preventing the occurrence of offences under the Act and supporting improved ongoing compliance and protection of Aboriginal heritage
  • supporting Traditional Owners to better protect Victoria’s most significant Aboriginal cultural heritage places, such as progressing the development of Ongoing Protection Declarations at significant Victorian cultural landscapes, as well as the ongoing management of places with existing Ongoing Protection Declarations.

And finally, in 2023–24 DPC has been working with Traditional Owners, partner agencies and the Commonwealth Government to consider how Aboriginal heritage values can be managed by proposed offshore development projects in the waters south of Victoria.

Supported non-formally recognised Traditional Owner groups to access independent legal and research services

In 2023–24, DPC entered into a second, 4-year $3.9 million funding agreement with First Nations Legal & Research Services (FNLRS) to continue their work with Traditional Owners to achieve legal recognition and prepare for Treaty negotiations. The agreement gives effect to the commitment of the 2023–24 State Budget initiative — Traditional Owner formal recognition support services — and enables forward planning by FNLRS in this important work. The agreement focuses FNLRS’ support for Traditional Owners in 4 areas of Victoria without any legal recognition — mid north-west, central north, northeast and far east Gippsland.

In 2023–24, FNLRS undertook a range of activities across four domains, including ‘knowledge’, ‘identity’, ‘rights’ and ‘Treaty’.

Knowledge: FNLRS convened in-person meetings and workshops with Traditional Owners (including engaging Elders and youth) and developed accessible communication materials and educational resources. This is to ensure that Traditional Owner groups have a strong knowledge base to inform and empower decision-making.

Identity: FNLRS engaged with Traditional Owners in genealogical and historical research processes.

Rights: FNLRS engaged with Traditional Owners across the four regions of Victoria where Traditional Owners had no formal recognition to enable Traditional Owner groups to exercise their inherent rights, including self-determination, and to ensure that these rights are upheld and respected.

Treaty: FNLRS engaged with Victoria’s key Treaty Bodies including the First Peoples’ Assembly, the Self-Determination Fund and the Treaty Authority to explore options for FNLRS’ role in the Treaty process.

The government previously provided funding of $2.4 million to FNLRS through the Traditional Owner Nation-building Support Package, comprising $1.0 million from the 2019–20 State Budget and $1.4 million from the
2021–22 State Budget.

Responded to native title claims made in the Federal Court of Australia

In 2023–24, the State of Victoria was the first respondent to the following native title determination applications in the Federal Court:

  • Boonwurrung
  • Eastern Maar
  • Gunditjmara
  • First Peoples’ Millewa-Mallee
  • Wamba Wemba
  • Wadawurrung
  • Dhudhuroa, Waywurru and Ngurai Illum.

In 2023–24, the second consent determination of native title for Eastern Maar People was made by the Federal Court. The first section 47C agreement under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) was executed with the Eastern Maar People to enable native title rights to exist on public land set aside for conservation purposes.

Negotiated and implemented agreements between the State and Traditional Owner groups

In 2023–24, DPC continued work to implement 4 existing Recognition and Settlement Agreements (RSAs) under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) with Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Gunaikurnai and the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples of the Wotjobaluk Nations.

RSAs seek to formally acknowledge the rights of Traditional Owners and establish a framework for the settlement of land and natural resource claims outside the court system.

In 2023–24, DPC:

  • continued negotiations to enhance the RSAs with the Gunaikurnai People
  • continued negotiations to enhance the RSAs with Dja Dja Wurrung
  • commenced preparatory work to commence the second stage of negotiations with the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples of the Wotjobaluk Nations to finalise the existing RSAs
  • commenced negotiations for an RSA with the Eastern Maar People.

Supported Aboriginal organisations to build, repair, refurbish or expand community infrastructure

In 2023–24, the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program (ACIP) successfully supported the completion of the construction of 15 projects under the ‘Repairs and minor works’ and ‘Capital works and upgrades’ categories. The government provided funding of $8.6 million (excl. GST) in 2023–24 for the 16 projects, with the total value of these projects being $17.1 million (excl. GST). Examples of completed capital works, upgrades, repairs and minor works projects in 2023–24 include:

  • Koori Heritage Trust (KHT) — $1.6 million

The ‘Making the Invisible, Visible’ project by KHT involved collaborating with First Nations designers and builders to refurbish and expand the Birrarung building at Federation Square. The design, which uses locally sourced and customised materials, is culturally sensitive and reflects Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung country and KHT’s proximity to the Birrarung River. The project created additional space for exhibitions and displays, allowing for the careful curation of artefacts and artworks that promote First Peoples’ culture. As a result, there has been an increase in visitor numbers and improved service delivery. In 2024, the project received several honours from the Victorian Architecture Awards, including the Award for Interior Architecture, Commendation for Public Architecture, and the Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize.

  • Connecting Home Limited (Connecting Home) — $0.083 million

Connecting Home refurbished their Epping property to enhance accessibility and safety for their clients, community visitors and staff. The upgrades were designed to comply with Australian standards for access and mobility, and included a new accessible entryway and door, as well as refurbished amenities such as toilets, new lighting and light switches.

  • Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (Rumbalara) — $0.297 million

Rumbalara transformed a newly purchased property in Mooroopna to serve as its corporate services hub, accommodating up to 50 staff who were previously in a leased building. The redesign focused on improved functionality and accessibility and incorporated culturally safe features. The space also includes a communal area for community to gather and connect. This project also received funding of $484,000 from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

  • Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC) — $0.638 million

GLAWAC designed and built the Wangun amphitheatre at their Kalimna West property, a unique and accessible space that can seat up to 100 people on Country. The amphitheatre features cultural design features that support the practice and celebration of Gunaikurnai cultural heritage and stories. It is a multi-functional space used for traditional dance performances, ceremonies, and community and educational programs throughout the year. This project also received funding of $995,000 from Regional Development Victoria.

In 2023–24, Aboriginal organisations also commenced construction on 11 more projects and submitted key documentation to demonstrate their readiness.

Before the opening of ACIP Round 7 applications, DGS, which administers ACIP grants on behalf of DPC, held 52 meetings with prospective applicants. ACIP Round 7 received 39 applications, and DGS conducted 39 due diligence checks and business unit assessments. DGS also held 4 meetings with special advisors and subject matter experts to review the applications, and 2 meetings with the moderation panel to finalise the Round 7 recommendations. Out of the 39 applications, 22 projects were approved for funding, totalling $11.2 million (excl. GST).

Supported self-governance and self-determination activities at the Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts

The Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 grants freehold title over two former reserves — Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts. The Minister for Treaty and First Peoples has administration and responsibility for the Act.

In 2023–24, the government invested $2.2 million (ex GST) for DPC towards strengthening self-governance and supporting self-determined activities at the trusts. This investment supported the delivery of municipal and essential services to satisfy the basic human rights of the trusts’ residents, including access to clean drinking water, maintenance of roads, bushfire management, and routine waste management. The funds also support effective governance and operational supports for Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust and strengthen the independence of the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust, to transition from administration to self-governance.

Further, DPC worked alongside each trust to progress legislative reform. Funding was provided to the trusts to prepare formal responses to the Aboriginal Land Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, which implements recommendations from the independent review of the Act.

Progress towards achieving the objective

The objective indicator, associated data sets and descriptions outlined below provide information to reflect the contribution of the following outputs to DPC’s First Peoples are strong and self-determining departmental objective:

  • Self-determination policy and reform advice and programs
  • Traditional owner engagement and cultural heritage management programs.

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio Ministers, and key governing boards and committees has continued to impact the government’s agenda in the medium to long term by:

  • Continuing to embed self-determination and support equitable outcomes, in alignment with the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018–2025 commitments, Treaty processes, engaging with and responding to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
  • Continuing to track and report on Government’s progress against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework through the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report
  • Continuing to maintain Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage management system, which is established under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 through the administration of regulatory, enforcement and approval processes under this system to protect Victoria’s significant Aboriginal cultural heritage.
  • Operationalising the Treaty elements, and ensuring that the State meets the legal requirements to enter into Treaty negotiations will enable negotiations to begin in 2024. Treaties will progress self-determination through the negotiated transfer of power and resources to First Peoples.
  • DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Objective indicator: First Peoples in Victoria have increased control over decisions that impact their lives

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Capacity-building activities provided for Traditional Owners to support the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural and intangible heritagenumber10161616

For further details on DPC’s performance in 2023–24, refer to the Performance against output performance measures section of this annual report.

Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service — progress

This objective fosters and promotes a high-performing public service. It ensures effective whole-of-government performance and outcomes and supports the effective administration of government. It protects and promotes the values of good governance, integrity and accountability across the public service to foster and maintain public trust in government. It maintains compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines to support effective financial management, probity, and accountability of government advertising.

Key initiatives1

DPC has delivered the following key initiatives in 2023–24, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the ‘Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service’ departmental objective.

Output: Executive government advice and services

Provided legal and policy advice to support the Premier, DPC’s ministers and the department

DPC’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal and legal policy advice in the areas of administrative law, constitutional law, corporate matters, First Peoples – State Relations legal matters, parliamentary committees, conventions and practices, subordinate legislation, electoral matters for state parliamentary elections, legislative and regulatory proposals, and legal policy matters pertaining to DPC more broadly, including on issues arising out of DPC's policy areas.

Key achievements in 2023–24 included:

  • assisted in the establishment of the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools
  • advised on the drafting and passage of the Service Victoria Amendment Act 2023 and Statute Law Revision Act 2024, and supported DPC policy areas on the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Bill 2024 and Aboriginal Land Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
  • advised on corporate and employment law matters, including through the establishment of the Event Management Suppliers Panel to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of state events andfunctions
  • advised DPC's Land Justice Unit on several native title claims, including a decision by the Federal Court to recognise Easter Maar's native title over parts of south-westernVictoria
  • advised DPC and the Premier in relation to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.

Provided clear, timely and practical guidance, expertise and support to our stakeholders in relation to Cabinet, Parliament, legislation, Executive Council and ministerial matters

In 2023–24 DPC provided expert guidance to support Cabinet, Parliament, Executive Council and ministerial correspondence matters. This included providing administrative support to the Cabinet, the Premier and DPC ministers, as well as other departments and the ministry where needed. DPC also provided high-quality administrative support for the Governor in relation to Executive Council matters.

Led and advised Victorian Government departments and agencies on best practice in advertising, research governance, strategic communications and media

As part of its strategic governance and central advisory role for all government advertising campaigns, in 2023–24 DPC ensured adherence to the Victorian Government Communication Guidelines and relevant legislation, supported the consistent development of campaign creative and media buying across government, and provided strategic advice on communicating with diverse and regional audiences.

Communications support was provided across the department and to DPC ministers on a number of priorities.

Key communications support was provided for:

  • the Board of Inquiry into the historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools
  • Victoria’s Housing Statement and its implementation
  • the Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework and toolkit
  • the introduction of the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Bill into the Victorian Parliament
  • business continuity for communications—whole-of-government principles and

Provided advice on protocol matters to the public service and delivered events of major state significance

DPC provided strategic advice and oversight of the protocol policies and functions of the Victorian Government and operational delivery of state-significant protocol events.

Key events and significant state services delivered in 2023–24 included:

  • Victoria’s Australia Day public events as part of the National Australia Day Council program.
  • the Parliamentary Apology to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care
  • significant state services for:
  • The Honourable Tom Roper
  • Ron Barassi AM
  • Les Twentyman OAM
  • Harold Mitchell AC
  • Aunty Fay Carter OAM.
  • supporting guests of government programs including visits by:
  • His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
  • His Excellency the Honourable Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Her Excellency Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
  • His Excellency Mr Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of The Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Her Excellency Mrs Vandara Siphandone.

Developed a whole-of-government communications strategy

DPC is building accessible communications capability and capacity across the VPS through an accessible communication project. A strategy focusing on leadership, education and governance has been developed and is being implemented in collaboration with other Victorian government departments.

Key initiatives in 2023–24 included:

  • providing plain language training which was attended by 1,790 VPS staff
  • an event series as part of Accessible Communications Month with 3,959 total registrations representing a 179 per cent increase in registrations from the 2023

Supported the Governor to carry out the role for the benefit of Victoria

Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC was sworn-in as the 30th Governor of Victoria at an inauguration ceremony at Parliament House on 9 August 2023. Since then, the Office of the Governor has supported the Governor across her constitutional, ceremonial, community and international duties.

Activities have included an expanded public tours program facilitating community access to Government House, and the introduction of the Understanding Victoria discussion series, examining key periods and themes in Victoria’s history. Two open days were held, including Australia Day, which saw more than 20,000 people visit Government House.

As part of her ceremonial duties, the Governor invested more than 580 Victorians across seven ceremonies with honours and awards in the Order of Australia.

Engagement with regional Victoria included official visits to the shires of Central Goldfields, Ararat, Moyne, Warrnambool, Murruninidi, Mildura and Swan Hill along with visits to flood-affected communities in Mitchell and Campaspe shires.

The Governor’s international duties included official visits to India, the United States and the United Kingdom, where the Governor was received by HM The King at Buckingham Palace. In March, as part of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, the Governor welcomed the heads of government or state and foreign ministers from 11 countries to Government House.

Other official visitors received at Government House included the Minister of Education from the People’s Republic of China, the Governor of the Aichi Prefecture in Japan, the Presidents of Lithuania, Hungary and Malta, the Governors of the US States of Washington, Minnesota and Indiana, and HRH Princess Astrid of the Kingdom of Belgium.

Output: Public sector administration advice and support

Enhanced public sector integrity and governance capability

DPC’s Governance Branch unifies the department’s efforts to promote good governance and public administration. The branch fosters high-quality decision-making and policy-making, government integrity and accountability, and trust in public institutions.

Key achievements in 2023–24 included:

  • supported the government to table a response to the Ombudsman’s December 2023 report, Alleged politicisation of the public sector: Investigation of a matter referred from the Legislative Council on 9 February 2022 — Part 2. This included working closely with the VPSC to include responses to recommendations directed to the Commission.
  • supported the government to introduce the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Bill 2024 to Parliament. The Bill will establish a Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission, a Parliamentary Ethics Committee and establish the existing Parliamentary Integrity Adviser in legislation. A broad range of stakeholders informed the reforms, including members of parliament, parliamentary committees, integrity bodies and other experts and public offices across law, workplace standards, human rights, equal opportunity and gender equality.
  • supported the government to implement the updated Ministerial Code of Conduct released on 1 December 2023. The code strengthens the focus on conduct, integrity and probity for ministers and parliamentary secretaries and makes training on their obligations and regular transparent reporting mandatory. This includes reporting on private interests and conflicts of interest, accepted gifts, benefits and hospitality and the publication of ministerial diaries. Diary summaries for the period of
    1 to 31 December 2023 were published on
    2 February 2024, and the period of 1 January to 31 March 2024 were published on 16 May
  • provided secretariat support to the independent Electoral Review Expert Panel established under the Electoral Act 2002. The panel reviewed the operation of the 2018 political donations regime amendments to the Electoral Act, other electoral process matters under the Electoral Act, and considered donations-related recommendations made in IBAC’s Special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying and Operation Sandon special report. The Premier tabled the Report on Victoria’s laws on political finance and electronic assisted voting on
    5 March 2024 and the panel provided its supplementary report to the Premier on 23 February 2024.

Provided guidance and advice on public sector executive workforce policies

DPC’s Governance Branch provides guidance and advice to ensure consistent and transparent executive employment and remuneration practices across government.

Key achievements in 2023–24 include:

  • leading whole-of-government consultation on, and development of, an updated Public Entity Executive Remuneration Policy
  • supporting the Victorian Secretaries’ Board to make a submission to the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal’s 2024 Determination of Remuneration Bands for Executives Employed in Public Service Bodies
  • re-establishing the whole-of-government Executive Employment Community of Practice to share information across departments and work through common and emerging issues relating to executive employment
  • substantively reviewed and refreshed public-facing guidance materials on public sector executive employment policy and remuneration matters.

Output: Chief Parliamentary Counsel Services

Continued implementing a new work management system

The Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (OCPC) has continued to engage in developing and implementing a new replacement work management and legislative database system. The new system will deliver efficiencies within the office and provide enhanced services to government, Parliament and industry and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

Drafted legislation to implement policy initiatives

In 2023–24, the OCPC drafted a variety of legislation to implement major government policy initiatives and reforms across a wide range of law. OCPC drafted 50 government bills in the reporting period. These included the Youth Justice Bill 2024 and the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Bill 2024. In addition, 132 statutory rules were made in the same period, including a suite of 4 statutory rules supporting the commencement of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.

Throughout 2023–24, OCPC provided drafting services to parliament to facilitate the passage of Victorian Government legislation, the preparation of House amendments and the drafting and introduction of Private Members’ Bills. The demand for drafting services for House Amendments and Private Members’ Bills from opposition and independent members of parliament continued to grow during 2023–24.

OCPC has taken steps to build the office's drafting capacity to ensure that it can continue to meet expectations and demands into the future.

Progress towards the ‘Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service’ objective

The objective indicator, associated data sets and descriptions outlined below provide information to reflect the contribution of the following outputs to DPC’s ‘Improved public administration and support for the Victorian public service’ departmental objective:

  • Executive government advice and services
  • Public sector administration advice and support
  • Chief Parliamentary Counsel services
  • State electoral roll and electoral events.

Objective indicator: Support for Cabinet, committee members and Executive Council is valued and informs decision making

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet and its committees, and Executive Council has supported decision making through augmenting departmental submissions, identifying risks and their management, and linking related work.

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Number of briefs supporting Cabinet and Cabinet committee decision makingnumber1,8061,4309131,149

Objective indicator: Agency compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio ministers, and key governing boards and committees has continued to impact the government’s agenda in the medium to long term by supporting the efficient development of campaign creative and media buying across government and providing strategic advice on communicating with all Victorians, including diverse and regional audiences.

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Relevant communication activity compliant with government advertising and communication guidelinesper cent100100100100

Objective indicator: Victoria’s electoral system is supported by an accurate and secure electoral roll, electoral services and conduct of fair and impartial elections

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Election events conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, including state elections and by-elections, local government elections, by-elections and countbacks, and statutory elections or pollsnumber10212624

Objective indicator: Provision of high-quality legislative drafting and publication services

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data:

Data setUnit2020–212021–222022–232023–24
Bills and statutory rules drafted or settled that meet the required standardPer cent979799100

Objective indicator: Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to public sector governance

Throughout 2023–24, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio Ministers, and key governing boards and committees has continued to impact the government’s agenda in the medium to long term.

For further details on DPC’s performance in 2023–24, refer overleaf for the ‘Performance against output performance measures’ section of this annual report.

Notes

1 Key initiatives of the VPSC (‘Public sector administration advice and support’ output) and the Victorian Electoral Commission are included in their respective annual reports.

Performance against output performance measures

This section details the outputs provided by DPC, with the performance measures and associated costs for each output. It presents the actual performance results against output targets over the year ending 30 June 2024. Explanations about DPC’s performance against output performance measures are provided where there are variances of more than 5 per cent between targets and performance measure results.

Output changes

DPC made the following changes to its output structure in the 2023–24 State Budget:

2022–23 outputsReason2023–24 outputs
Economic policy advice and supportRenamed to reflect the broader Land Coordinator General functions established in the department on 1 January 2023Economic policy advice and land coordination

Source: Victorian Budget 2023/24 — Budget Paper No.3: Service Delivery

Subsequent to the above output structure change, on 1 November 2023 the Precincts and Land Coordinator General functions transferred to the Department of Transport and Planning. The output has therefore reverted back to ‘Economic policy advice and support’ in the 2024–25 State Budget.

Other machinery of government changes during 2023–24 resulted in the movement of outputs between DPC and other departments:

OutputsOld departmentNew department
Multicultural affairs policy and programsDepartment of Families, Fairness and HousingDepartment of Premier and Cabinet
Industrial relationsDepartment of Premier and CabinetDepartment of Treasury and Finance

Source: Victorian Budget 2024/25 — Budget Paper No.3: Service Delivery

The full year performance of the outputs for which DPC was responsible at the end of the financial year are included in the performance results below. Correspondingly, the full year performance of the ‘Multicultural affairs policy and programs’ output is included, while the full year performance for the ‘Industrial relations’ output is reported in DTF’s 2023–24 annual report.

Economic policy advice and support

This output contributes to the delivery of strategic, timely and comprehensive analysis and advice on economic policy to support government decision making.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quality
Key stakeholder satisfaction with advice and support relating to economic policy and land coordinationper cent85850%*
Timeliness
Provision of economic policy briefings within agreed timeframesper cent85850%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million24.022.2-7.4%**

The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target due to the machinery of government transfer of the Precincts and Land Coordinator General functions to DTP on 1 November 2023, along with applied savings.

The variation from target was also influenced by the rephasing of some grant payments under the Driving Victoria’s International Agenda initiative. The rephase was made to better align payment milestones with the planned completion of activities in 2024–25, enhancing contract management. Additionally, some activities under the Delivering Victoria’s International Interests initiative were delayed, to meet offset requirements.

Social policy advice and intergovernmental relations

This output contributes to delivering strategic, timely and comprehensive analysis and advice on social policy to support government decision making. It also contributes to the strategic coordination of emergency management strategies and planning across the Victorian public sector.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Whole of government emergency management forums, meetings and exercises facilitatednumber203365%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to a greater number of State Emergency Management Committee meetings held than initially expected in response to emergencies during 2023–24.
Quality
Key stakeholder satisfaction with advice and support relating to social policyper cent85850%*
Timeliness
Provision of social policy briefings within agreed timeframesper cent85850%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million20.823.111.1%**
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to additional costs incurred since the 2023–24 Budget including for a Donation for the My Room Children's Cancer Charity and additional security for Members of Parliament.

Multicultural affairs policy and programs

This output provides policy advice on multicultural affairs and social cohesion in Victoria, including settlement coordination for newly arrived migrants and refugees and delivers a range of programs to directly support Victoria’s multicultural communities. It also supports Victoria’s whole-of-government approach to multiculturalism. The output includes monitoring of government departments’ responsiveness to Victorians from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Community participation in multicultural events (attendance at multicultural affairs events)number (millions)1.31.515.4%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to higher-than-expected attendance at two multicultural events in April 2024.
Consultations with communities on issues relevant to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communitiesnumber75795.3%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to additional meetings held with stakeholders between May and June 2024.
Number of people engaged through Cultural Diversity Week events and engagementnumber25,00036,11044.4%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to an increase in social media posts for Cultural Diversity Week. A total of 57 online posts were made, resulting in increased engagement across all social platforms.
Number of projects delivered in partnerships with CALD communitiesnumber30300%*
Quality
Proportion of approved grant funding provided to organisations in regional/ rural areasper cent202315%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to a higher-than-expected number of successful grant applicants from regional and rural areas.
Cost
Total output cost$ million61.658.4-5.1%**

The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target primarily due to:

· The deferral of the disbursement of some of the grants for the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) program, with the associated budget rephased from 2023–24 to 2024–25 due to minor delays in grants administration. Rephasing enabled robust and successful contracting and payments to the 2023–24 MCIF open round successful applicants, aligned with the objectives of the program.

· Funds transferred to DGS for shared services following the transfer of the multicultural affairs function from DFFH to DPC on 1 February 2024.

Self-determination policy and reform advice and programs

This output supports the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination for First Peoples and to improving long-term social and economic outcomes. This includes progress towards Treaty; engaging with the Yoorrook Justice Commission; and work to reform government to enable self-determination, as well as undertaking outcomes-focused reporting across the portfolio.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Number of Assembly and/or State Assembly meetings heldnumber405025%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to a greater number of meetings than initially expected. These additional meetings were necessary to support the operationalisation of the Treaty elements agreed under Victoria's Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act.
Meetings held to coordinate shared decision making with Aboriginal communities and WOVG implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priorities to improve outcomes for First Peoplesnumber440%*
Meetings with departments to support Minimum Standards and Additional Preparations, and engaging in Treaty negotiationsnumber40156290%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to the stronger than expected whole-of-government engagement. This increased participation supports preparations and planning to establish the governance and mechanisms necessary for the State's Treaty negotiations.
Minimum Standards and Additional Preparations the State can notify compliance with to the Treaty Authoritynumber440%*
Quality
Government stakeholder satisfaction with coordination of Victorian Government’s response to the Yoorrook Justice Commissionper cent808810%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to the greater increase in satisfaction than initially expected as DPC embedded and improved processes for coordinating the whole-of-government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Timeliness
Delivery of a public report on outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians to be tabled in Parliament by 30 June each financial yearnumber110%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million116.695.5-18.1%**

The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target primarily due to delays implementing the following initiatives, with the unapplied appropriations to be rephased/carried over from 2023–24 to 2024–25, subject to the Treasurer's approval:

  • Self-determination and delivery of Victoria's commitment to Closing the Gap — the underspend was due to ensuring we are working with our stakeholders in a self-determining way which has impacted the delivery to ensure the most appropriate delivery of programs.
  • Delivering a Victorian truth and justice process — the underspend was due to delays in the Yoorrook Justice Commission program/hearings delivery which has impacted DPC’s support provided to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Traditional Owner engagement and cultural heritage management programs

This output supports the government’s commitment to protecting Aboriginal cultural rights, including supporting Traditional Owners and First Peoples organisations to deliver self-determined initiatives for their communities. This includes the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage and strengthening Aboriginal community organisations.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Average weekly hours of case management provided to members of the Stolen Generationsnumber10085.8-14.2%***
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target primarily due to staffing shortages during the period, which affected the delivery of case management services.
Capacity-building activities provided for Traditional Owners to support the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural and intangible heritagenumber16160%*
Number of family history investigations conducted by the Victorian Koorie Family History Service on behalf of members of the Stolen Generationsnumber30049765.7%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to the significant increase in demand for the service, driven by more referrals from other services and requests directly from community members.
Removal of first mortgages on titles of property owned by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisationsnumber3433.3%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target because one Aboriginal organisation applied to remove first mortgages from two properties, while the other applicants applied to remove mortgages from only one property each.
Number of Recognition and Settlement Agreements that commencenumber20-100%***
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target due to delays in commencing negotiations for recognition and settlement agreements with Traditional Owners. However, four new or amended agreements are expected to commence in 2024–25.
Quality
Funding recipients report that the achievement of program objectives is supported by DPC’s role in the funding relationshipper cent80811.3%*
The service provision of the Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council enables the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council to undertake its statutory responsibilitiesper cent8079-1.3%**
Timeliness
Average days to process applications, to register an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Place (Cultural Heritage Management Plan related) on the Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register, meets or reduces days takendays604426.5%*
The 2023–24 actual was better than the target due to increased staffing levels for processing applications.
Proportion of native title negotiations progressed in accordance with the department’s annual work plan and timeframes monitored by the Federal Courtper cent10050-50%***
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target due to delays in commencing negotiations under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. Negotiations have since resumed. Note that all Federal Court orders were complied with on time.
Cost
Total output cost$ million59.949.2-17.9%***

The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target primarily due to timing delays for the following programs, with the unapplied appropriations rephased from 2023–24 to 2024–25:

· Gunaikurnai Interim Package — the underspend was due to continued engagement with Traditional Owners, with timelines for delivery consistent with expectations of Traditional Owners.

· First Mortgage Infrastructure Program — the underspend was due to the finalisation of the process and approvals to allocate the next round of allocation of funds; this program has progressed with support from Traditional Owners.

Executive government advice and support

This output contributes to the provision of strategic, timely and comprehensive support to Cabinet and Cabinet committees. This output also contributes to the provision of support to the Governor and maintenance of Government House and its collections as a heritage asset of national importance; the delivery of analysis and advice to support evidence based decision making across the public sector; and the provision of whole of government communications strategy and compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Number of briefs supporting Cabinet and Cabinet committee decision makingnumber1,2001,149-4.3%**
Number of projects and advisory support provided to departments facilitated by the Behavioural Insights Unitnumber3066120%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to DPC delivering more behavioural insights projects and advisory services to government departments and agencies than initially expected.
Office of the Governor: Increase in the annual number of guests and visitors to Government Houseper cent50.5-90%***
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target because essential capital works projects at the Government House complex restricted guest access for several months, particularly around the transition between Governors. On a pro-rata basis, the target was exceeded.
Whole of government forums, meetings and advisory groups chairednumber8572-15.3%***
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target primarily due to a reduction in the frequency of some meetings, the discontinuation of an interdepartmental committee and the transfer of chair to a different department.
Quality
Office of the Governor: Government House accessibility and useability meets standards in asset management strategyper cent79790%*
Office of the Governor: Government House gardens and grounds meet standards in asset management strategyper cent85850%*
Relevant communication activity compliant with government advertising and communication guidelinesper cent1001000%*
Satisfaction with services provided by the Behavioural Insights Unit to government agenciesper cent7010042.9%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to more of DPC's behavioural insights clients expressing satisfaction with the service than initially expected.
Timeliness
Office of the Governor: Support the Governor’s community engagement activities by arranging all internal and external events in a timely mannerper cent1001000%*
Timely delivery of state events and functionsper cent1001000%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million78.2137.175.3%***

The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target primarily due to:

· supplementation funding provided to DPC since the publication of the 2023–24 Budget to fund workforce separation packages, payroll tax surcharges, and for the government's Donation for the Good Friday Appeal 2024

· a funds transfer from DGS to DPC following the 1 January 2023 machinery of government change.

Public sector administration advice and support

This output provides advice and support to relevant stakeholders, including the public service, on issues relevant to public sector administration, Parliament, executive officer remuneration, governance, service delivery and workforce matters, as well as to public sector professionalism and integrity. It includes related research, determinations, data collection, reporting and dissemination of information.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
VPSC: Number of engagement and promotion activities undertaken by the Jobs and Skills Exchangenumber202840%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to the greater than expected use of the Jobs and Skills Exchange, by Victorian Public Service staff, during the Rapid Response Pilot.
VPSC: Percentage of new-to-VPS executives participating in the induction programper cent85939.4%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to an increased uptake of participants in the program with fewer program withdrawals or deferrals than expected.
Quality
VPSC: Overall satisfaction with engagement, consultation and responsiveness in relation to VPS graduate programper cent8583-2.4%**
VPSC: Percentage of VPS jobs advertised through the Jobs and Skills Exchangeper cent90933.3%*
VPSC: Satisfaction with responses to user queries on the Jobs and Skills Exchange platformper cent809417.5%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to staff training and process improvements.
Victorian Government agency stakeholder satisfaction with the quality of advice and support relating to public administration and whole of government governanceper cent90911.1%*
Timeliness
VPSC: Percentage of process completion of Victorian public sector annual workforce data by the end of February each yearper cent95950%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million19.523.118.5%***

The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target primarily due to:

  • the release of funding from contingency for the Electoral Review Expert Panel
  • supplementation funding provided to DPC since the publication of the 2023–24 Budget to fund workforce separation packages for the VPSC
  • unapplied appropriations from 2022–23, carried forward to 2023–24, for the Suburban Workplace Hubs which closed in June 2023 at the end of the trial period.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel services

This output provides bills for introduction in Parliament, including providing quality and timely legislative drafting services; hard copy and electronic publication of Acts and statutory rules; and maintaining a database of Victorian legislation and legislative information at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Acts and statutory rules published electronically and in hard copy without errorper cent961004.2%*
Formal advice provided on legislationnumber50057114.2%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to significantly more formal advices needed than initially expected, for several large and complex bills and a number of omnibus bills.
Number of sets of House Amendments drafted for Members of Parliamentnumber7568-9.4%**
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target because there were fewer House Amendments drafted than initially expected, which corresponds to fewer bills being introduced.
Statutory rules made and bills prepared and introduced into Parliamentnumber220204-7.3%**
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target due to fewer bills being introduced than initially expected, some bills being combined into larger omnibus bills, and fewer statutory rules made than was initially expected.
Quality
Bills and statutory rules drafted or settled that meet the required standardper cent971003%*
Timeliness
Bills and statutory rules drafted or settled within the required timeframeper cent97981%*
Electronically published versions of principal Acts and statutory rules published within three business days of coming into operation and new Acts and statutory rules published within 24 hours of makingper cent961004.2%*
Cost
Total output cost$ million8.47.9-6.2%**
The 2023–24 actual was lower than the target due to the reallocation of funding for the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel's database system from output to capital appropriation.

State electoral roll and electoral events

This output provides a high-quality electoral system that supports democracy in Victoria through administering an accurate and secure electoral roll, electoral services to ensure fair and equitable representation, the conduct of fair and impartial elections and encouraging greater participation in civic life through education and awareness activities and improving ease of access.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

Performance measureUnit2023–24 target2023–24 actualVarianceResult
Quantity
Election events conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, including state elections and by-elections, local government elections, by-elections and countbacks, and statutory elections or pollsnumber2524-4%**
Quality
Election events invalidated by a court of disputed returns as a result of a proven claim against the Victorian Electoral Commission’s conduct of that eventnumber000%*
Timeliness
Meets timeframes for application of elector-initiated enrolment, direct enrolment and close of roll enrolment activity in the maintenance and accuracy of the register of electorsper cent9599.85.1%*
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target due to the VEC's strong and ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Victorian register of electors is accurate.
Cost
Total output cost$ million42.666.455.9%***
The 2023–24 actual was higher than the target primarily due to additional special appropriation funding provided to the VEC and a component of the 2024–25 budget brought forward to 2023–24 to meet operational requirements; to undertake preparatory activities for the October 2024 local government elections; and for local government legislative activities and several unforeseen by-elections.

Section 3: Financial overview and expenditure highlights

Five-year financial summary

DPC’s five-year financial summary

The following table summarises DPC’s financial results for 2023–24, with comparative results for the preceding four reporting periods. The results are prepared on the same basis as DPC’s financial statements in Section 4. A summary of the significant changes in DPC’s financial position are noted in the table below.

Department-controlled activities

2023–241

$’000

2022–232

$’000

2021–223

$’000

2020–214

$’000

2019–205

$’000

Income from government453,975704,136650,501607,413726,920
Total income from transactions482,262732,602694,868642,804818,062
Total expenses from transactions(482,734)(730,538)(675,126)(632,174)(825,276)
Net result from transactions(472)2,06419,74210,630(7,214)
Net result for the period(359)2,42821,98613,048(7,666)
Net cash flow from operating activities3,99517,06229,70635,59717,883
Total assets412,004351,4361,118,658881,214866,022
Total liabilities112,86052,688106,85895,703116,514

Notes

1 The decrease in 2023–24 income and expenditure is due to a decrease in the overall level of operations. 2022–23 included the first six months of activities from major functions that transferred to DGS as a result of machinery of government changes effective 1 January 2023 along with increased election activities. The assets and liabilities increased due to the timing of payables associated with Multicultural Affairs functions that transferred from DFFH.

2 The increase in 2022–23 income and expenditure is due to expenses associated with the State Election incurred by the Victorian Electoral Commission. The assets and liabilities decreased as a result of the transfer of functions from DPC due to machinery of government changes effective from 1 January 2023.

3 The increase in 2021–22 income and expenditure is mainly due to new government initiatives delivered during the year, including digital vaccination certification, the business licensing initiative and the development of the Digital Victoria Marketplace. In addition, there is an increase associated with 2022 State Election readiness. Assets increased as a result of revaluation from formal valuation of property, plant and equipment. Departmental liabilities increased as a result of higher employee leave liabilities and provision for the early retirement packages announced during the year.

4 The decrease in 2020–21 income and expenditure is mainly due to machinery of government changes where Fairer Victoria transferred from DPC to DFFH on 1 February 2021, and Bushfire Recovery Victoria transferred to the Department of Justice and Community Safety from 1 July 2020. An increase in assets is driven by asset revaluations. Transfer of employee and supplier liabilities to the DFFH contributed to a decrease in liabilities.

5 The increase in 2019–20 income and expenditure is mainly due to bushfire recovery activities and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. DPC’s assets decreased due to reductions in financial assets from using funding received in prior financial years and due to machinery of government decisions where functions were transferred from DPC.

Financial performance

Overview and administrative arrangements

This section presents an overview of DPC’s financial results, detailing its operational and budgetary objectives. It includes an analysis of DPC’s operating results and financial position, highlighting significant factors that affect DPC’s financial information.

The results and information have been prepared on the same basis as DPC’s financial statements, which are available in Section 4 of this report.

As part of the Administrative Arrangements Order No. S 540 of Tuesday 10 October 2023, on 1 February 2024 the following outputs were transferred to other departments. These changes are also reflected in Note 4.2: Changes in departmental outputs, in the financial statements:

  • The ‘Multicultural affairs policy and programs’ output is included for the period 1 February 2024 until 30 June 2024. From 1 July 2023 to 31 January 2024 this output is reported by DFFH.
  • The ‘Industrial relations’ output is included from 1 July 2023 to 31 January 2024. From 1 February to 30 June 2024, this output is reported by DTF.

In addition, the Precincts and Land Coordinator General functions transferred to DTP.

Further details of the transfer of functions impacting DPC can be found in Note 8.6: Restructuring of administrative arrangements, in the financial statements.

Financial performance — operating statement

DPC recorded a net loss result from operations of $0.5 million in 2023–24. The result is primarily due to the timing of trust funds operations, where higher expenditure was incurred during 2023–24 compared to the revenue recognised.

The sources of income available to DPC during 2023–24 are demonstrated in the chart below. DPC’s main source of income in 2023–24 was from government appropriations, which accounted for 94 per cent of income. The balance was derived from resources received free of charge, government grants, and services

Sources of income with $28.3 million being income from government appropriations and $454 million from other income.

Compared with 2022–23, the decrease in DPC’s income in 2023–24 is primarily due to the transfer of major functions, including digital transformation and corporate services, to DGS following machinery of government changes effective 1 January 2023. In 2022–23, DPC’s income was higher because these functions were still with DPC for the period from 1 July to 31 December 2022.

The chart below shows the distribution of DPC’s expenses in delivering the department’s services.

A chart showing the distribution of  DPC’s expenses in delivering the department’s services. In 2023-24, 18% ($84 million) of expenditure was for other, 38% ($185.3 million) was for employee expenses, and 44% ($213.4 million) was for grant expenses.

DPC’s total expenses decreased in 2023–24 by $247.8 million compared with 2022–23. This was mainly due to six months of operating costs included in 2022–23 financials for the functions that transferred to DGS on 1 January 2023, along with higher election costs for the 2022 State Election.

Financial position — balance sheet

DPC’s assets and liabilities have increased in 2023–24 due to the recognition and timing of payments associated with the transfer in of the Multicultural Affairs functions from DFFH.

Cash flows

DPC had a net cash inflow from operating activities of $4.0 million in 2023–24. This is a $13.1 million decrease compared with 2022–23. This decrease is mainly due to an overall decrease in level of operational activity due to the transfer of major functions following the machinery of government changes, including the impact on working capital movements.

Subsequent events

Refer to the section on subsequent events at Note 8.10 in DPC’s financial statements.

Capital projects / asset investment programs

During 2023–24, DPC did not have any capital projects, reaching practical or financial completion,
that met the disclosure threshold of $10 million or greater.

Asset Management Accountability Framework maturity assessment

This section provides a summary of DPC’s assessment of its maturity level against the Asset Management Accountability Framework (AMAF) requirements.

The AMAF is a non-prescriptive, devolved accountability model of asset management that includes 41 mandatory requirements. These requirements can be found on the DTF website.

The key requirements that DPC must follow to implement effective asset management systems are Leadership and Accountability, Planning, Acquisition, Operation, and Disposal. DPC has met the target maturity rating of ‘Competence’, indicating that our systems and processes are fully in place, consistently applied and systematically meet the 41 mandatory AMAF requirements. This includes having a continuous improvement process to expand system performance above the AMAF minimum requirements.

Financial management compliance

Attestation for compliance with Ministerial Standing Direction 5.1.4

Department of Premier and Cabinet

I, Jeremi Moule, the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, certify that the Department of Premier and Cabinet has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions.

(signature)

Jeremi Moule
Secretary
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Melbourne

23 September 2024

Victorian Multicultural Commission

I, Vivienne Nguyen, the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, certify that the Victorian Multicultural Commission has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions.

(signature)

Vivienne Nguyen AM
Chairperson
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Melbourne

24 July 2024

Other expenditure and costs

Consultancy expenditure

In 2023–24 there were 8 consultancies engaged with a total approved value at $10,000 or greater. The total expenditure incurred during 2023–24 in relation to these consultancies was $0.76 million (excluding GST).

Details of consultancies (valued at $10,000 or greater)

ConsultantPurpose of consultancyTotal approved project fee $
(excl. GST)
Expenditure 2023–24 $
(excl. GST)
Future expenditure $
(excl. GST)
Arup Pty LtdMunicipal and Essential Services Infrastructure reviews for Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts$138,773$55,509$0
Asialink BusinessEvaluation and review of the Victorian Government’s approach to international engagement$125,000$124,461$0
Bree Gorman ConsultingDevelopment of a LGBTIQA+ Plan for DPC$29,091$23,273$0
Cathy WhelanChange management consulting services for the First Peoples – State Relations Group$56,000$20,961$0
Inside PolicyVictorian Aboriginal Expenditure Review$312,895$236,097$0
PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd / Scyne Advisory Pty LtdMentally Healthy Workplaces Framework and Tools$597,372$209,449$0
PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting Pty LtdEvaluation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Training Program 2014–2022$114,220$68,532$0
Whereto Research Based Consulting Pty LtdStrategic Partnerships Program — evaluation report and recommendations$189,660$21,300$0
Total $1,563,011$759,612$0

Details of consultancies under $10,000

In 2023–24 there were no consultancies engaged with a total approved value of less than $10,000.

Government advertising expenditure

During 2023–24, DPC did not deliver any advertising campaigns with a media spend of $100,000 or greater.

Grants and transfer payments

DPC has provided assistance through grants and transfer payments during the reporting period.
The financial assistance provided in 2023–24 is listed in Section 6, Appendix 4: Grants and transfer payments.

Information and communications technology expenditure

For the 2023–24 reporting period, DPC had total information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure of $10.2 million, with details shown below.

Expenditure
($’000)
All operational ICT expenditure
Business as usual (BAU) ICT expenditure (total)8,818
ICT expenditure related to projects to create or enhance ICT capabilities
Operational expenditure891
Capital expenditure488
Non-BAU ICT expenditure (total)1,379

ICT expenditure refers to DPC’s costs in providing business-enabling ICT services. It comprises BAU ICT expenditure and non-BAU ICT expenditure:

  • Non-BAU ICT expenditure relates to extending or enhancing DPC’s current ICT capabilities.
  • BAU ICT expenditure is all remaining ICT expenditure, which primarily relates to ongoing activities to operate and maintain the current ICT capability.

Major contracts

DPC is required to disclose, in accordance with the requirements of government policy and accompanying guidelines, all contracts greater than $10 million entered into during the financial year.

DPC did not enter into any new contracts greater than $10 million during 2023–24.

Reviews and studies expenditure

During 2023–24, there were 7 reviews and studies undertaken with a total cost of $610,154. Details of individual reviews and studies are outlined below.

Name of the review (portfolio/output)Reasons for review/studyTerms of reference/scopeAnticipated outcomesEstimated cost for the year
(excl. GST)
Final cost if completed
(excl. GST)
Publicly available (Y/N) and URL
Evaluation and review
of the Victorian Government’s approach to international engagement
(Portfolio: Premier)

The Victorian Government released country strategies for China and India in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Reviews of both strategies help to ensure that Victoria’s international approach with key partners remains fit for purpose in light of significant changes in the international landscape and the bilateral context since that time.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the current strategies and a forward-looking assessment of the strategic context, including relevant trends and forecasts.Evaluation of previous efforts, and recommendations regarding future prioritisation$124,461$124,461N

Patient attendance at planned surgery

(Portfolio: Premier)

Online quantitative research to understand the barriers to attending planned surgery and support accountable departments to identify opportunities to increase attendance rates.Online quantitative research and reportFindings to inform potential activities to increase attendance at planned surgery$24,850N

Evaluation of the Strategic Partnerships Program

(Portfolio: Multicultural Affairs)

To assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the program and provide evidence to inform future decision-making.Evaluate the Strategic Partnerships Program and present findings and recommendations in an evaluation report.

Findings and recommendations to inform future program design to advance settlement outcomes for new, emerging and established migrant communities in Victoria.

$21,330$189,660N
Change Management consulting services for First Peoples – State Relations Group (Portfolio: Treaty and First Peoples)To provide advice and support for the First Peoples State Relations staff.The provision of advice and support on the change/transformation process ahead of the First Peoples – State Relations Group staff, in their role supporting the State to negotiate Treaty.Facilitate an all-staff forum for FPSR to support staff in their roles through facilitating change and transformation in Treaty and supporting staff wellbeing.$20,961$61,600N
Evaluation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Training Program (Portfolio: Treaty and First Peoples)The purpose of this evaluation is to provide findings and recommendations which support future policy and decision making in relation to the program.Reviewing the structure, process, effectiveness, and outcomes delivered by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Training Program in the period 2014 to 2022.Evaluation report provides recommendations informed and supported for future budgeting, growth, and sustainability and impact both social and financial. A cost benefit analysis of quantitative data including financial data, activity and performance information is central to these recommendations.$68,532$113,077N
Municipal and essential services (MES) infrastructure review and outcome evaluation of MES program funding for Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts (Portfolio: Treaty and First Peoples)To provide an updated independent assessment of the condition of the Trusts MES assets and conduct an outcome evaluation of the Trusts’ lapsing MES program.Assess the Trusts’ MES assets against relevant standards and evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of the MES program.The MES infrastructure review identifies assets requiring critical upgrade to support the Trusts’ communities. The MES evaluation found that the program was successful in delivering efficient and effective outcomes for the Trust communities.$138,773$152,650

N

Victorian Aboriginal Expenditure Review (Portfolio: Treaty and First Peoples)To provide policymakers, Ngaweeyan Maar-oo and other stakeholders such as Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), with financial and non-financial data to inform future resource allocation.Review and identify current spending on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services.The 2 reports were provided to the Partnership Forum, Joint Council on Closing the Gap and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (First Peoples’ Assembly) to inform future decision making.$236,097$291,000N

Section 4: Financial statements

Accountable Officer's and Chief Financial Officer's declaration

The attached financial statements for the Department of Premier and Cabinet have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including Interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the comprehensive operating statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity and accompanying notes, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2024 and financial position of the department at 30 June 2024.

At the time of signing, we are not aware of any circumstance that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

We authorise the attached financial statements for issue on 23 September 2024.

(signature)

Anthony Bale
Chief Financial Officer
Department of Premier and Cabinet

Melbourne
23 September 2024

(signature)

Jeremi Moule
Secretary
Department of Premier and Cabinet

Melbourne
23 September 2024

Independent auditor's report

to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet

Opinion

I have audited the financial report of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (the department) which comprises the:

  • balance sheet as at 30 June 2024 comprehensive operating statement for the year then ended
  • statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
  • cash flow statement for the year then ended
  • notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information
  • accountable officer's and chief financial officer's declaration.

In my opinion the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the department as at 30 June 2024 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of Part 7 of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Australian Accounting Standards.

Basis for opinion

I have conducted my audit in accordance with the Audit Act 1994 which incorporates the Australian Auditing Standards. I further describe my responsibilities under that Act and those standards in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of my report.

My independence is established by the Constitution Act 1975. My staff and I are independent of the department in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to my audit of the financial report in Victoria. My staff and I have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.

The Secretary’s responsibilities for the financial report

The Secretary of the department is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Financial Management Act 1994, and for such internal control as the Secretary determines is necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of a financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the Secretary is responsible for assessing the the department’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless it is inappropriate to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report

As required by the Audit Act 1994, my responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on the audit. My objectives for the audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, I exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also:

  • identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
  • obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the department’s internal control.
  • evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Secretary.
  • conclude on the appropriateness of the Secretary’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the department’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion. My conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the department to cease to continue as a going concern.
  • evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

I communicate with the Secretary regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.

(Signed)

Andrew Greaves

Auditor-General

Melbourne

30 September 2024

Comprehensive operating statement for the financial year ended 30 June 2024

Continuing operations

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Income from transactions
Output appropriations2.1374,692562,989
Special appropriations2.179,282141,147
Grants2.114,93718,949
Resources received free of charge2.111,6737,460
Other income2.11,6782,057
Total income from transactions 482,262732,602

Expenses from transactions

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Grant expenses3.1213,402353,419
Employee expenses3.1185,332234,876
Depreciation and amortisation5.34,45814,055
Interest expense77112
Other operating expenses3.179,465128,076
Total expenses from transactions 482,734730,538
Net result from transactions (net operating balance) (472)2,064

Other economic flows included in net result

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Net gain/(loss) on non-financial assets8.1112316
Other gains on other economic flows8.1148
Total other economic flows included in net result 113364
Net result (359)2,428
Comprehensive result (359)2,428

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Balance sheet as at 30 June 2024

Assets

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Financial assets
Cash and deposits7.2.131,32329,874
Receivables6.1117,68856,686
Total financial assets 149,01186,560
Non-financial assets
Property, plant and equipment5.1260,299262,169
Intangible assets5.22,5522,229
Other non-financial assets6.3142478
Total non-financial assets 262,993264,876
Total assets 412,004351,436

Liabilities

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Payables6.274,75311,324
Borrowings7.12,8573,662
Employee benefits6.432,83035,233
Other provisions6.52,4202,469
Total liabilities 112,86052,688
Net assets 299,144298,748

Equity

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Accumulated surplus 85,71586,074
Physical asset revaluation surplus 211,755211,755
Contributed capital 1,674919
Total equity 299,144298,748
Net worth 299,144298,748

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Cash flow statement for the financial year ended 30 June 2024

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Receipts from government

402,805

720,456

Receipts from other entities

1,246

1,827

Goods and services tax recovered from the Australian Taxation Office

15,093

23,315

Interest received

70

21

Total receipts

419,215

745,619

Payments to suppliers and employees

(212,068)

(385,355)

Payments of grants expenses

(203,074)

(343,090)

Interest and other costs of finance paid7.1(b)

(77)

(112)

Total payments

(415,220)

(728,557)

Net cash flows from operating activities7.2.2

3,995

17,062

Cash flows used in investing activities

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Purchase of non-financial assets

(1,819)

(14,152)

Proceeds from disposal of motor vehicles

338

1,144

Total payments

(1,481)

(13,008)

Net cash flows used in investing activities

(1,481)

(13,008)

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

Notes

2024

$’000

2023

$’000

Appropriation for capital expenditure purposes

-

225,919

Special appropriations for capital expenditure purposes2.2.2

8,579

6,707

Cash transferred in — machinery of government changes8.6

861

2

Total receipts

9,440

232,628

Cash transferred out — machinery of government changes8.6

(104)

(27,572)

Capital grants to portfolio agencies

(8,579)

(231,707)

Repayment of leases

(1,822)

(2,885)

Total payments

(10,505)

(262,164)

Net cash flows used in financing activities

(1,065)

(29,536)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

1,449

(25,482)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

29,874

55,356

Cash and equivalents at the end of the financial year7.2.1

31,323

29,874

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Statement of changes in equity for the financial year ended 30 June 2024

Notes

Physical asset
revaluation surplus

$’000

Contributed capital

$’000

Accumulated surplus

$’000

Total

$’000

Balance at 30 June 2022 599,330241,469171,0011,011,800
Net result for the year --2,4282,428
Annual appropriations — capital2.2.1-225,919-225,919
Special appropriations — capital2.2.2-6,707-6,707
Transfer to accumulated surplus (387,575)-387,575-
Transfer to contributed capital -474,930(474,930)-
Administrative restructure — net assets transferred -(716,399)-(716,398)
Capital distributions to portfolio agencies1 -(231,707)-(231,707)
Balance at 30 June 2023 211,75591986,074298,748
Net result for the year --(359)(359)
Annual appropriations — capital2.2.1----
Special appropriations — capital2.2.2-8,579-8,579
Transfer to accumulated surplus ----
Transfer to contributed capital ----
Administrative restructure — net assets transferred in8.6-860-860
Administrative restructure — net assets transferred out8.6-(105)-(105)
Capital distributions to portfolio agencies1 -(8,579)-(8,579)
Balance at 30 June 2024 211,7551,67485,715299,144

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Notes

1 This comprises of capital funding on-passed to the portfolio agencies: Breakthrough Victoria — 2024: $nil (2023: $225.0 million); and the Victorian Electoral Commission — 2024: $8.6 million (2023: $6.7 million)

Notes to the financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June 2024

Notes

1The specific purpose of this supplementary funding has been disclosed in the State’s annual Financial Report. This funding has been fully applied in the current financial year.

2 The department is permitted under section 29 of the Financial Management Act to have certain income annotated to the annual appropriation. The department’s section 29 in the prior year related to Public Record Office of Victoria generating revenue from its reading room seminars, publications, and tenancy agreements until 31 December 2022.

3 Under section 30, the department may transfer an amount from one appropriation item to another in the current year. All expenses and obligations to which any section 30 transfer is applied must be reported in the financial year in which the transfer was made.

4 Section 32 constitutes the approved carryover of unapplied appropriations from the prior year to be applied against outputs in the current year.

5 Variances in output appropriations relate to unapplied appropriations for the outputs — Self-determination Policy and Reform Advice and Programs and Traditional Owner Engagement and Cultural Heritage Management Programs — that have been rephased and carried over from 2023–24 to 2024–25 for delivery next year.

6Payments to Victorian Government entities and other non–Victorian Government entities.

7 Payments to Victorian public non–financial corporations and other private businesses and individuals.

8 ‘Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria’ includes the impact of the transfer out of the Industrial Relations output and the transfer in of the Multicultural Affairs Policy and Programs output due to machinery of government changes effective from 1 February 2024.

9 Land at Government House was valued by the Valuer-General of Victoria as of 30 June 2022. The department does not hold any other land.

10 Buildings at Government House were valued by the Valuer-General of Victoria as of 30 June 2022. The department does not hold any other buildings.

11 Other heritage assets at Government House were valued by the Valuer-General of Victoria as of 30 June 2022. The department does not hold any other heritage assets.

12 This includes right-of-use assets relating to accommodation leases of the department (refer Note 5.1.1 (a) for further details.)

13 Carrying amount at the start of the 2022–23 financial year included public records and leasehold improvements which were transferred out of the department effective from 1 January 2023.

14Represents the balance of available appropriations relating to providing outputs as well as funds available for capital purchases for which payments had not been disbursed at the balance date and accordingly had not been drawn from the Consolidated Fund.

15 This relates to trusts transferred in and out of the department due to administrative restructures. Refer to Note 8.6 for details.

16 The Treasury trust was established under the Financial Management Act to record the receipt and disbursement of unclaimed monies and other funds held in trust.

17 The Intergovernmental Trust was established under section 19 of the Financial Management Act to record projects managed through interdepartmental fund transfers when no other trust arrangement exists.

18 The 2023 comparatives have been adjusted to exclude statutory officers and Administrative Office Heads and termination benefits to align with disclosure requirements of FRD 21.

19 The total number of executive officers includes people who met the definition of key management personnel of the entity under AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures and are also reported within the related parties note disclosure (Note 8.4).

20 The number of executives has decreased because of machinery of government changes that transferred out material functions in 2022–23 effective from 1 January 2023.

21 Annualised employee equivalent is based on the time fraction worked over the reporting period.

22 The net assets (liabilities) transferred were treated as a transfer of contributed capital provided by the State.

23 The State’s investment in its controlled entities is disclosed in the administered note of the Department of Treasury and Finance’s financial statements. This includes the investment in the department’s portfolio entities.

24 This includes funds in trust for the portfolio agencies held in the State’s public account.

25 This relates to Labour Hire Authority trusts transferred to the Department of Treasury and Finance due to administrative restructures taking effect on 1 February 2024.

27 This relates to timing of an upfront payment to Public Transport Victoria and receipt of amounts associated with the scheme by deductions from club members’ salaries

Section 5: Other disclosures

Statutory compliance

Compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act

Under section 192 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Secretary must report on the operation of the Act including:

  • the exercise and performance by authorised officers of their powers, functions and duties under the Act
  • any complaints received in relation to authorised officers
  • actions taken to address those

The Act establishes the role of authorised officers and makes provision for appointing authorised officers. The key functions to be carried out by an authorised officer include:

  • monitoring compliance with the Act
  • investigating suspected offences against the Act
  • directing the conduct of a cultural heritage audit to assess the impact of an activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage
  • issuing and delivering stop orders without formal approval if there are reasonable grounds for believing that Aboriginal cultural heritage is under threat from an activity

On 30 June 2024:

  • 22 authorised officers, all DPC employees, are appointed under the Act
  • 13 Aboriginal heritage officers, all employees of a Registered Aboriginal Party, are also appointed under the Act.

All appointees have successfully completed a Certificate IV in Government Investigations within the past five years and receive ongoing training about the operation of the Act. There were no complaints made about authorised officers during this period.

In 2023–24 authorised officers exercised their powers, functions and duties as set out on the following page.

Information on the exercise and performance by authorised officers of their powers, functions and duties under the Aboriginal Heritage Act

SectionFunction/powerExercised
83Cultural heritage audit must be conducted under the direction of an authorised officerNo cultural heritage audits were conducted
84Give a written report of the findings of a cultural heritage audit to the ministerNo written reports were provided to the minister
159(a)Monitor compliance with the Act75 inspections were carried out by authorised officers to monitor compliance with the Act
159(b)Investigate suspected offences against the Act109 investigations were carried out or are ongoing
159(c)Direct the conduct of cultural heritage auditsNo cultural heritage audits were ordered
159(d)Issue and deliver stop ordersNo stop orders were issued or delivered
159(e)Report to the SecretaryNo reports were required
165Present identification card for inspectionIdentification cards were presented for inspection on 46 occasions
166Enter land or premises with the consent of the occupierGeneral powers to enter land or premises were used 75 times
167Obtain consent to enter land or premisesGeneral powers to enter land or premises were used 46 times
168Enter land or premises open to the publicLand or premises open to the public were entered 29 times
169Enter land or premises for a cultural heritage auditNo land was entered for the purposes of a cultural heritage audit
170Search upon entrySearch powers on entering land were executed 75 times
171Seizure powers on entry without search warrantSeizure powers by consent were not exercised
172Seizure powers without consentSeizure powers without consent were not required
173Search warrantsNo search warrants were obtained
176Receipts for seized thingsNo receipts were issued
177Security of seized thingsNo seized things (records) were required to be secured
178(4)Return of seized objectsNo seized things were required to be returned
180Require the giving of name and addressNo one was required to give their name and address
181Require the giving of assistance and informationNo one was required to provide assistance or information
182Take affidavitsNo affidavits were taken
184Report to be given about entryNo reports about entry were required

Full details of all powers and functions exercised by authorised officers in previous years can be requested via email to the Director, Heritage Services, First Peoples – State Relations at aboriginal.heritage@dpc.vic.gov.au.

Competitive Neutrality Policy

Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to ensure that where services compete, or potentially compete, with the private sector, any net advantage arising from government ownership is accounted for if it is not in the public interest.

Government businesses are required to set a competitively neutral price, which accounts for any net advantage that comes from public ownership. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.

DPC continues to ensure Victoria fulfils its requirements on competitive neutrality reporting as required under the Competition Principles Agreement and Competition and Infrastructure Reform Agreement.

Compliance with the Building Act

During 2023–24 DPC complied with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993. An occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection endorsed by a registered building surveyor is obtained for all upgrades to existing facilities requiring a permit. Design consultants and building contractors engaged are registered practitioners, and registrations are maintained during the course of the work.

DPC manages the Office of the Governor and its outbuildings. There are several mechanisms for inspection, reporting and carrying out of maintenance works at this site including:

  • regular property inspections conducted by staff, tenants and external contractors
  • independent, formal condition audits undertaken every five years
  • site risk surveys undertaken at least biennially by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority
  • onsite facilities managers responding to and prioritising identified issues and managing breakdown, preventative and cyclical maintenance contracts.

In 2023–24, DPC completed the following major work projects:

Major works projects (greater than $50,000)

Office of the GovernorOngoing conservation, restoration and security building works at Government House

For the 2023–24 reporting period, no buildings were required to be brought into conformity with building standards. Across the period, for buildings DPC owns or manages, none of the following were issued:

  • building permits
  • occupancy or certificates of final inspection
  • emergency orders and building orders.

Compliance with the
DataVic Access Policy

Consistent with the DataVic Access Policy issued by the Victorian Government in 2012, DPC made 33 data sets available on the DataVic website in 2023–24. Information included in this annual report will also be available at www.data.vic.gov.au in electronic readable format.

Compliance with the Freedom
of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives the public a right to access documents held by DPC and DPC portfolio ministers. The purpose of the Act is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information held by government departments, local councils, ministers and other bodies subject to the Act.

An applicant has a right to apply for access to documents held by a department, which comprises documents both created and received by DPC. Other than regular electronic and paper records, applicants may also request access to documents such as maps, films, computer discs and tape recordings. Applicants may also request access to the official documents of a DPC portfolio minister.

The Act allows a department to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information. Examples of documents that may not be accessed include Cabinet documents, certain internal working documents, law enforcement documents, documents covered by legal professional privilege, documents containing personal information, documents containing certain commercial and financial information, and information provided to DPC in confidence.

Under the Act, the Freedom of Information (FOI) processing time for requests received is 30 calendar days. However, when external consultation is required under ss29, 29A, 31, 31A, 33, 34 or 35, a 15-day automatic extension applies. Processing time may also be extended by periods of up to 30 days, in consultation with the applicant. With the applicant’s agreement this may occur any number of times. However, obtaining an applicant’s agreement for an extension cannot occur after the expiry of the timeframe for deciding a request.

If an applicant is not satisfied with a freedom of information decision made by DPC, under section 49A of the Act they have the right to seek a review from the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.

FOI statistics

Requests received in 2023–24 included 91 requests for DPC documents and 11 requests for documents from the Office of the Premier.

No requests were received during this period for any other DPC portfolio ministers.

Of these requests to DPC and the Office of the Premier, 29 were from members of parliament, 35 from the media, and the remainder from the general public.

DPC made 90 access decisions on FOI requests made to DPC in 2023–24. Seventy-one per cent of access decisions were made within the statutory period, 12 per cent were between one and 45 days overdue and 17 per cent were overdue by more than 45 days. DPC also made 17 access decisions on requests for the Office of the Premier.

Fifteen DPC matters went to the Information Commissioner for review and 6 complaints about DPC matters were made to the Information Commissioner. One Office of the Premier matter went to the Information Commissioner for review and 5 complaints about the Office of the Premier matters were made to the Information Commissioner.

Making a request

Requests to access documents should be made in writing to DPC’s Freedom of Information Officer. The requirements of a request are set out in section 17 of the Act.

In summary, a request must:

  • be in writing
  • identify as clearly as possible the documents requested
  • be accompanied by the appropriate application fee (which may be waived if it would cause hardship to the applicant).

Requests for documents in DPC’s possession must be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer Department of Premier and Cabinet

GPO Box 4912
Melbourne VIC 3001

Requests can also be lodged via online.foi.vic.gov.au. Access charges may apply once documents have been processed and an access decision has been made.

For example, charges may be applied for costs associated with photocopying and for search and retrieval of documents.

More information about DPC’s FOI arrangements can be found at www.vic.gov.au/foi-part-ii-statements.

Compliance with the Local Jobs First Act

The Local Jobs First Act 2003 introduced in August 2018 brings together the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) and Major Project Skills Guarantee (MPSG) policy which were previously administered separately.

Departments and public sector bodies are required to apply the Local Jobs First policy
in all projects valued at $3 million or more in metropolitan Melbourne or for statewide projects, or $1 million or more for projects in regional Victoria.

The MPSG applies to all construction projects valued at $20 million or more

In 2023–24, DPC did not commence/complete any Local Jobs First Standard or Local Jobs First Strategic projects.

Compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act

The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 encourages and assists people in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The Act protects people who make disclosures in keeping with the Act and establishes a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and rectifying action to be taken.

DPC does not tolerate improper conduct by employees, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct. DPC is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.

DPC will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. DPC will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure to the extent it is legally possible.

Reporting procedures

Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by DPC or any employees may be made to any of the following departmental personnel:

  • the secretary of the department
  • a public interest disclosure coordinator
  • a director, indirect manager or supervisor of the discloser
  • a person acting in any of the above roles.

Alternatively, disclosures may also be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC):

Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 1300 735 135

Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au

Refer to this website for the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.

More information

The Guide to Making and Handling Public Interest Disclosures, which outlines the system for reporting disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by DPC or any of its employees and/or officers, is available on DPC’s website (www.vic.gov.au/dpc-public-interest‑disclosures).

Disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosures Act

In 2023–24, one assessable disclosure was made to DPC and notified to IBAC. This is a decrease from 2022–23 in which two assessable disclosures were made.

Email: info@ibac.vic.gov.au

Environmental performance

Environmental sustainability remains an important element of DPC's operational strategy, reflecting the department’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The Financial Reporting Direction (FRD) 24, which now includes 42 key reporting indicators, guides the department’s environmental performance tracking.

DPC’s commitment to sustainability in its operations is demonstrated through several key initiatives, including:

  • integrating environmental considerations into tender specifications to promote responsible procurement practices
  • utilising a tri-stream waste disposal system within offices (landfill, commingled, and organics) to encourage waste reduction andrecycling
  • prioritising energy efficiency using energy-saving appliances and sensor lighting
  • sourcing sustainable and locally produced furniture, with an emphasis on certifications like Global GreenTag
  • adopting responsible relocation practices with a focus on sustainable wastemanagement
  • recycling usable furniture and equipment during refurbishments or relocations to minimise waste
  • adopting digital solutions where possible to reduce paper usage and shift towards more sustainable practices.

DPC’s ongoing efforts aim to support the Victorian public sector in adopting technologies and practices that lower emissions and enhance environmental sustainability, contributing to a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

DPC’s environmental management system

DPC is committed to developing a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with the AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016 standard. As an interim measure while the EMS is developed, the department has integrated environmental considerations and embedded sustainable practices across its operations. These efforts lay the foundation for a robust EMS that will guide and mature DPC’s environmental management into the future.

Reporting boundary for environmental data

This report details DPC’s environmental performance for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, with data sourced from consumption reports, audits, and surveys. This data encompasses all sites where DPC conducts its operations, and the relevant activities of departmental staff (e.g. travel).

Where DPC staff are located within another Victorian Government entity’s facility, the entity who is the owner or primary lessee is responsible for FRD 24 reporting for all staff in the building.

Where consolidated data from DPC entities is included, it is noted in the footnotes of the corresponding tables below. Conversely, data from DPC sites housing minimal staff from other entities is included where relevant.

Some datasets may reflect inflated figures due to the inclusion of measures for other entities, with migration of reporting systems and data to the relevant entity to be completed in future periods. These instances are noted in the corresponding commentary.

For comparative analysis, certain data indicators have been normalised using full-time equivalents (FTE). This normalisation provides a clearer view of performance and facilitates trend analysis.

Certain environmental metrics, such as water, gas, and waste were not available for all DPC sites due to factors including landlord metering systems and data measurement methods. DPC will continue to improve its data collection practices over the coming year to address gaps in future reports.

DPC will continue to enhance its data collection processes by engaging with both internal and external data sources aligning with FRD24 requirements.

The Victorian Government has set ambitious goals to reach net zero emissions by 2045 and to build resilience to climate change.

The DPC Board of Management recognises its climate-related risk management responsibilities and the potential for climate change to impact the delivery of the department’s services.

At the operational level, DPC is working with other departments on coordinated actions to address climate-related risks to government operations.

Furthermore, DPC’s Economic Policy and State Productivity group provides policy advice on whole-of-government climate policy initiatives. DPC also contributes advice to a number of cross government climate action groups.

The DPC Board of Management is responsible for the organisation’s risk management framework and regularly reviews any changes to the risk environment and the effectiveness of risk mitigation activities.

DPC, along with other Victorian Government departments, established a baseline of its climate-related risk maturity through a self-assessment survey in July 2023. DPC provides six-monthly reports to the Victorian Secretaries’ Board on progress to increase this risk maturity. To further uplift DPC’s climate risk maturity, DPC will undertake climate risk assessments of physical assets.

DPC’s Audit and Risk Management Committee provides independent assurance to the Secretary that the department’s risk and control environment is operating effectively and efficiently. The committee monitors the department’s compliance with the Victorian Government Risk Management Framework. The internal audit program provides further assurance that the department’s key risks to the achievement of the department’s objectives are appropriately managed.

DPC receives accommodation and vehicle services from its shared services provider, DGS.

DGS applies relevant policies for DPC to improve the environmental performance of government buildings and vehicle fleet, in line with Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy.

While DPC’s physical assets are not greatly exposed to climate risks or hazards, DPC continues to build its understanding of the potential impacts of climate-related risks on its operations, workforce and financial planning. These include:

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from DPC operations in line with Victorian Government commitments
  • improving environmental performance monitoring, evaluation and reporting of DPC operations
  • supporting the continued uptake of renewable energy and other low-emissions technologies across Victoria
  • monitoring the impact of increased temperatures and extreme heat on DPC operations including the health and safety of staff that attend events outdoors.

DPC will also be completing portfolio emissions reduction plans to identify actions to reduce direct carbon emissions.

DPC’s Risk Management Framework requires consideration of the operating context to identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities. The framework is aligned to the Victorian Government Risk Management Framework and provides guidance for designing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and continually improving risk management in DPC.

DPC reports climate-related metrics in line with government reporting requirements set out in FRD 24.

Data is obtained from suppliers, equipment metering, reports and surveys and is used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities.

DPC works with internal and external stakeholders to support achievement of the whole-of-government targets established under Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy including:

  • The Victorian Government legislated interim targets to reduce emissions by 28–33 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025, 45–50 per cent by 2030, 75–80 per cent by 2035, and a net zero emissions target by 2045.
  • The Victorian Government emission reduction pledge which includes sourcing 100 per cent of electricity used in government operations from renewable sources by 2025.
  • From 2021, a requirement for all new Victorian Government buildings having embedded environmentally sustainable design. A minimum five-star energy performance rating applies to new office buildings and tenancy fit-outs. This will be increased to six-star (the highest rating for office buildings) in 2025.
  • Participating in planning to consolidate its workforce to a smaller office footprint, in line with whole of Victorian government strategy, which will contribute to emissions reductions.
  • Prioritising high NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) rated leased premises in line with the Victorian Government Green Lease

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions are categorised into ‘scopes’ consistent with national and international reporting standards:

  • Scope 1 refers to emissions from sources that DPC owns or controls, such as burning fossil fuels in vehicles or machinery.
  • Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the department’s use of electricity from the grid, which still relies on coal and gas-fired power generation.
  • Scope 3 refers to indirect emissions from sources DPC does not control but can influence. DPC’s scope 3 reporting includes corporate air travel and waste disposal.

DPC now includes data on fleet vehicle usage and subsequent vehicle fuel use within Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a reported increase against previous years.

DPC’s Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions decreased from 2022–23 to 2023–24. This decrease reflects a reduction in DPC’s workforce and corresponding accommodation requirements.

The department’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from corporate air travel and waste disposal increased from 2022–23 to 2023–24. This increase can be attributed to two factors:

  • an increase in air travel activities
  • Victorian Government entities, that once fell under DPC, continuing to be captured by DPC’s reporting systems.

Greenhouse gas emissions from corporate air travel were offset through the CTM Climate+ program, which supports initiatives such as rainforest conservation, sustainable livelihoods, wildlife protection, and renewable energy. DPC is now fully covered by this program and has backdated its involvement to cover the 2022–23 reporting period, thereby offsetting emissions from that period as well as 2023–24.

Indicator 2023–24 2022–23 2021–22
Total scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions (tonnesCO2-e) [Indicator G1]236122142
Total scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions (tonnesCO,2-e) [Indicator G2]1,0501,5002,325
Total scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from commercial air travel and waste disposal (tonnesCO2-e) [Indicator G3]296203NC

Electricity production and consumption

DPC’s electricity consumption reporting covers tenancies at the following sites:

  • 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne
  • 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
  • 300–304 Mair Street, Ballarat.

The total electricity consumption for DPC over the 2023–24 reporting period was 1,600 megawatt hours (MWh), which is a 17 per cent decrease from the previous reporting period. This decrease can be attributed to a reduction in DPC’s FTE and, therefore, accommodation footprint following significant Machinery of Government changes.

DPC exclusively leases offices with electricity, gas and water as the sole energy sources, without ownership or access to any other energy sources.

Indicator2023–241, 2, 3 2022–23 2021–22
Total electricity consumption (MWh) [Indicator EL1]1,6001,9302,076
Purchased electricity — consolidated1,6001,9302,076
Department offices1,6001,9302,076
On-site electricity generated (MWh) [Indicator EL2]000
On-site installed generation capacity (MW) [Indicator EL3]000
Total electricity offsets (MWh) [Indicator EL4]000

Stationary fuel use

DPC’s stationary fuel consumption reporting covers tenancies at the following sites:

  • 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne
  • 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
  • 300-304 Mair Street, Ballarat.

Total fuel use in buildings for 2023–24 was 2,265,563 megajoules (MJ). Unlike total electricity consumption, the reduction in DPC’s accommodation requirements has not led to a decrease in reported total fuel use in buildings. There are some limitations in gas data in certain DPC sites, resulting from different metering systems and data measurement methods. Greenhouse gas emissions from stationary fuel consumption totalled 117 tonnes CO2-e.

Indicator2023–244, 5, 6 2022–23 2021–22
Total fuels used in buildings and machinery (MJ)[Indicator F1]2,265,5632,247,1232,076,117
Buildings2,265,5632,247,1232,076,117
Natural gas2,265,5632,247,1232,076,117
Machinery000
Diesel000
Greenhouse gas emissions from stationary fuel consumption
(Tonnes CO2-e) [Indicator F2]
117116132

Transportation

DPC uses vehicles from both VicFleet and from the Accommodation, Carpool and Library Services (ACLS) Carpool Services for operational car travel.

The DPC Travel Policy and Procedure stipulates that government business travel should only be undertaken if it is expected to deliver a return on investment; otherwise, alternatives methods (e.g. conference calls, video calls) should be pursued. Such alternatives support the State’s environmental policy objectives by promoting resource-efficient technology.

The reported increase in energy used in transport fuels and greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicle fleet is due to an amended reporting methodology that now includes additional VicFleet data attributed to the department.

In 2023-24, DPC operated a fleet of 81 vehicles from VicFleet, to meet its operational requirements

For the reporting period, commercial air travel increased, driven by two primary factors:

  • Business requirements; the distance travelled by air is comparable to 2018–19 levels.
  • Victorian Government entities, previously under DPC, continue to be captured by DPC’s reporting
Indicator 2023–24 2022–23 2021–22
Total energy used in transportation (MJ) [IndicatorT1]1,749,515797,998143,418
Road vehicles
Passenger vehicles1,749,51597,998NC
Petrol1,313,56486,859135,158
Diesel435,95111,1388,260
Electricity (MWh)80NC0
Goods vehicles000
Greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle fleet (tonnesCO2 -e) [Indicator T3]120710
Road vehicles
Passenger vehicles1207NC
Petrol8969.42
Diesel3110.58
Electricity9000
Goods vehicles000
Total distance travelled by commercial air travel (passenger km) [Indicator T4]908,771733,540252,870
Indicator2023–2410%2022–23%2021–2211%
Number and proportion of vehicles [IndicatorT2]81100188100NCNC
Road vehicles81100188100NCNC
Passenger vehicles6378188100NCNC
Internal combustion engines394810656NCNC
Petrol12159349NCNC
Diesel/biodiesel2733137NCNC
Hybrid22278043NCNC
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)008043NCNC
Range-extended electric vehicle222700NCNC
Electric propulsion2221NCNC
Battery electric vehicle2221NCNC
Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)0000NCNC
Buses0000NCNC
Goods Vehicles182200NCNC
Internal combustion engines182200NCNC
Petrol121500NCNC
Diesel/biodiesel6700NCNC

Total energy use

DPC’s energy consumption covers tenancies at the following sites:

  • 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne
  • 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
  • 300–304 Mair Street, Ballarat.

During the 2023–24 reporting period, DPC's total energy use was 9,774,995 MJ. This total includes energy from both fuels and electricity; details on these contributors are outlined in the relevant sections of the report. The total energy use is further broken down by source, with renewable energy decreasing by 16 per cent and non-renewable energy increasing by 8 per cent.

While data indicates energy use per FTE increased, the result is primarily due to differences in reporting methods, particularly for transportation data between reporting periods, rather than material changes in actual energy consumption.

Including additional VicFleet data has also impacted results for energy used in transport fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. With the new baseline established for future reporting, DPC is in a better position to more accurately monitor and report on energy use to inform development of its Environmental Management System and associated initiatives to improve sustainability outcomes.

Indicator 2023–2412, 13 2022–23 2021–22
Total energy usage from fuels (stationary andtransportation) (MJ) [Indicator E1]4,015,0782,345,1212,219,535
Total energy used from electricity (MJ) [IndicatorE2]5,759,9186.949,2207,474,021
Total energy used segmented into renewable and
non-renewable sources (MJ) [Indicator E3]
9,774,9959,294,3419,693,556
Renewable1,092,0801,295,335NC
Non-renewable8,682,9157,999,006NC
Units of energy used normalised by full-time equivalent (FTE) employees [IndicatorE4]18,4849,802NC

Sustainable buildings and infrastructure

Leases for DPC, negotiated and managed by DGS through outsourced service providers, incorporate a Green Lease Schedule within the Standard Government Lease. This schedule outlines obligations for both landlords and tenants to maintain properties to a minimum NABERS rating for energy, water, waste, and indoor environment.

During site acquisition and lease negotiation, sustainability requirements are prioritised. The Green Lease Schedule is proposed to landlords or managing agents with each new lease negotiation. However, in cases where premises are not subject to Commonwealth mandatory disclosure laws or landlords are unwilling to include these obligations, ACLS and its outsourced provider work with landlords to implement energy efficiency, emission savings, and cost improvements.

The Green Lease Schedule mandates a NABERS Energy rating for all leases, with additional performance requirements for larger tenures. It also requires the installation of efficient lighting systems and data sharing to support energy and emissions reporting.

DPC discloses a summary of NABERS ratings for its occupied premises, based on data downloaded from the NABERS public portal. One main office building has received an environmental performance rating, as detailed in the table below. No new buildings were commissioned by DPC in this reporting period, and no NABERS ratings were conducted on owned buildings or as part of tenancy fit-out works in this reporting period.

There are no newly completed DPC-owned non-office building or infrastructure projects or upgrades valued over $1 million.

Name of buildingBuilding typeRating SchemeRating
35 Collins StreetOffice buildingNABERS4

Sustainable procurement

DPC continued to commit to the sustainable practice of environmental considerations in tender specifications for project-specific tender documents including environmentally sustainable outputs, business practices and implementation of Climate Change Policy objectives.

Water consumption

DPC’s water consumption reporting covers tenancies at the following sites:

  • 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne
  • 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
  • 300–304 Mair Street, Ballarat.

Total water consumption for DPC during the 2023–24 reporting period was 4,705 kilolitres (kL).

Indicator 2023–2414, 15 2022–23 2021–22
Total water consumption by an entity (kL) [IndicatorW1]4,7052,9702,222
Potable water consumption4,7052,9702,222
Metered reused water consumption000
Units of metered water consumed normalised by FTE [Indicator W2]932

Waste and recycling

DPC’s waste reporting covers tenancies at the following sites:

  • 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne
  • 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
  • 35 Collins Street, Melbourne.

During the 2023–24 reporting period, DPC generated a total of 24,674.22 kilograms of waste, reflecting a decrease from the previous year. Reporting on secure document destruction, which is usually included in co-mingled recycling waste, is lower than expected. This has resulted in an understated decrease in the overall recycling waste figures for this reporting period.

Greenhouse gas emissions related to waste disposal also decreased. DPC continues to maintain dedicated processes for the disposal of e-waste and printer cartridges across all key office sites.

Indicator2023–2416%2022–2317%2021–2217%
Total units of waste disposed (kg and %) [IndicatorWR1]24,674.210032,901.2100NCNC
Landfill (disposal)18,580.775.320,071.761.0NCNC
Recycling/recovery (disposal)
Commingle1,493.96.02,706.68.2NCNC
Cardboard3,382.413.73,734.611.4NCNC
Other
Food and garden organics (FOGO)1,217.24.96,388.419.4NCNC
Percentage of office sites that are covered by dedicated collection services for: [Indicator WR2] 5.0100.0NCNC
Printer cartridges-100NCNCNCNC
Batteries-0NCNCNCNC
E-waste-100NCNCNCNC
Soft plastics-0NCNCNCNC
Total units of waste disposed of normalised by FTE (kg/FTE) [Indicator WR3]46.6-34.7NCNCNC
Recycling rate (%) [Indicator WR4]19.8%-39.0%NCNCNC
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal (tonnes CO2-e) [Indicator WR5]24.1-26.09NCNCNC
Landfill24.1NC26.1NCNCNC
Other0NC0NCNCNC

Notes

1These include the offices of DPC and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

2 Electricity and gas usage data was provided by outsourced providers via retailers who operate under the State’s energy purchase contracts.

3 The 2023–24 figures in this annual report contain accrued values for electricity consumption.

4 These include the offices of DPC and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

5Electricity and gas usage data was provided by outsourced providers via retailers who operate under the State’s energy purchase contracts.

6The 2023–24 figures in this annual report contain accrued values for stationary fuel consumption.

7Reported emissions include those from both long-term VicFleet vehicles and short-term hire vehicles from ACLS Carpool Services

8Electricity used to charge vehicles at DPC sites is not metered separately and is included in the total electricity consumption.

9Electricity used to charge vehicles at DPC sites is not metered separately and is included in the total electricity consumption.

10Under a revised reporting methodology, ACLS Carpool Services vehicles used by DPC for short- and medium-term hire are now reported by DGS, which manages their operations.

11NC denotes ‘not collected’, in instances where data from previous reporting periods is not available. This is due to the changing key reporting indicators that came into effect in the 2022–23 reporting period

12These totals include the offices of DPC and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

13The 2023–24 figures in this annual report contain accrued values for electricity and stationary fuel consumption.

14These include the offices of DPC and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

15The 2023–24 figures in this annual report contain accrued values for water consumption.

16These include the offices of DPC and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

17‘NC’ denotes ‘not collected’ in instances where data from previous reporting periods is not available. This is due to the changing key reporting indicators that came into effect in the 2022–23 reporting period.

Procurement

Social Procurement Framework

The Victorian Government is committed to social procurement and has established the Social Procurement Framework.

The framework enables buyers and suppliers to use the government’s buying power to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes that benefit the Victorian community, the economy and the environment.

DPC has a social procurement strategy introduced in early 2019 that outlines its approach to implementing the framework.

In 2023–24 DPC continued to prioritise the following social procurement performance objectives:

  1. opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal people
  2. opportunities for Victorians with disability and disadvantaged Victorians
  3. supporting safe and fair workplaces
  4. opportunities for Victorian social enterprises.

Education and advice for procuring teams continued during 2023–24, through DGS Corporate Shared Services, supporting key decision makers to understand the important principles and requirements of the framework. This resulted in social procurement priorities being included in supplier selection and contract awarding procedures. In turn, this has contributed to driving supplier commitment to social procurement objectives through indirect procurement as well as in individual business procurement engagements.

Purchases from social suppliers in 2023–24

Social procurement opportunityMetricNumber of businesses engagedActual spend $
(excl. GST)
Opportunities for Victorian
Aboriginal people
Total spend with Victorian Aboriginal businesses 1,128,730
Number of Victorian Aboriginal businesses engaged32
Opportunities for Victorians with disabilityTotal spend with Victorian social enterprises led by a mission for people with disability and Australian Disability Enterprises 5,056
Number of Victorian social enterprises led by a mission for people with disability and Australian disability enterprises engaged4
Opportunities for disadvantaged VictoriansTotal spend with Victorian social enterprises led by a mission for the disadvantaged 63,461
Number of Victorian social enterprises led by a mission for the disadvantaged engaged2
Sustainable Victorian social enterprises and Aboriginal business sectorsTotal spend with Victorian social enterprises 136,930
Number of Victorian social enterprises engaged15

Emergency procurement

DPC developed and implemented its Emergency Procurement Plan in December 2022 in line with the requirements of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board Governance (VGPB) policy. The Emergency Procurement Plan applies when procuring goods and services in response to an emergency.

In 2023–24, DPC did not activate its Emergency Procurement Plan.

Procurement complaints

Under the VGPB’s governance policy, departments must disclose any formal complaints relating to the procurement of goods and services received through its procurement complaints management system.

DPC did not receive any formal complaints through its procurement complaints management system in 2023–24.

Additional information
available on request

In compliance with the requirements of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer, details of items listed below have been retained by DPC and are available on request, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. These items include:

  • a statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant DPC officers
  • details of shares held by a senior officer as nominee or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary
  • details of publications produced by DPC about itself and how these can be obtained
  • details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by DPC
  • details of any major external reviews carried out on DPC
  • details of major research and development activities undertaken by DPC
  • details of overseas visits undertaken, including a summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit
  • details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by DPC to develop community awareness of DPC and its services
  • details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve the OHS
  • of employees
  • a general statement on industrial relations within DPC and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes
  • a list of major committees sponsored by DPC, the purposes of each committee and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved
  • details of all consultancies and contractors including:
  • consultants and contractors engaged
  • services provided
  • expenditure committed for each engagement.

This information is available on request from:

Executive Director, People and Governance
Department of Government Services
35 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Email: budgetandreporting@dpc.vic.gov.au

Section 6: Appendices

Appendix 1: Budget portfolio outcomes

The budget portfolio outcomes statements provide a comparison between the actual financial information of all general government entities within the portfolio and the forecast financial information published in the State Budget Papers by DTF.

These statements include:

  • Comprehensive operating statement
  • Balance sheet
  • Cash flow statement
  • Statement of changes in equity
  • Administered items statement.

Prepared on a consolidating basis, the budget portfolio outcomes statements include all general government entities within the portfolio. In alignment with the budget papers, financial transactions and balances are classified as either ‘controlled’ or ‘administered’.

It is important to note that the budget portfolio outcomes statements are not subject to audit by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office. Additionally, they are not prepared on the same basis as the DPC’s financial statements, as they also include the consolidated financial information of the following entities:

  • Victorian Electoral Commission
  • Victorian Public Sector Commission.

Notes

1Variance is predominantly due to supplementation funding received since the publication of the budget, mainly to cover costs incurred by DPC in relation to administration changes, as well as to implement Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence project milestones.

2 Variance is primarily due to additional special appropriations funding provided for the VEC since the publication of the budget, to meet increased operational requirements, undertake upcoming Local Government elections preparatory activities as well as to support implementation of legislative reforms.

3 Variance is predominantly due to the recognition of resources received free of charge by DPC from DGS as per the Corporate Shared Services operating model, which is not reflected in the published budget.

4 The key factors contributing to this variance include expenses incurred by DPC in relation to administration changes, VEC’s increased operational needs, as well as a newly introduced COVID Debt Levy by the State Revenue Office which are not reflected in the published budget.

5 Variance is largely driven by greater grant disbursement activities than originally budgeted, which is largely attributed to the Multicultural Affairs function, which was transferred from DFFH to the DPC portfolio, due to machinery of government changes.

6 Variance is mainly driven by an increase in the trust cash balances, which is predominantly due to funds received, but not yet utilised, by DPC to deliver projects and initiatives.

7 Variance is primarily due to the VEC’s actual asset profile for property, plant and equipment and intangibles not appropriately reflected in the published budget.

8 Variance is predominantly due to substantial grants accruals recognised at the end of June 2024 and cost recoveries by DFFH for the Multicultural Affairs function transferred to DPC. These were not settled at the balance date of 30 June 2024 and were not reflected in the published budget.

9 The variance is primarily due to the following factors which eventuated since publication of the original budget: supplementation funding received, which was predominantly to cover costs associated with administration changes, implementation of Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence project milestones as well as increased special appropriations funding for VEC to meet operational requirements; and machinery of government events, which included the transfer of Multicultural Affairs from DFFH to DPC.

10 The variance is largely driven by greater grant disbursement activities than originally budgeted, which is largely attributed to the Multicultural Affairs function, which was transferred from DFFH to DPC due to machinery of government changes.

11 Variance is predominantly due to substantial accruals recognised at the end of June 2024 as well as cost recoveries by DFFH for the Multicultural Affairs function, which was transferred to DPC due to machinery of government changes, which is yet to settled by DPC as of 30 June 2024. These cash disbursement deferrals were not reflected in the published budget.

12 Variance primarily relates to additional assets/capital expenditure incurred by the VEC, which was not reflected in the published budget.

13 The opening balance for estimates has been restated to mirror actual closing balances as of 30 June 2023, to achieve an effective comparability against actuals.

Appendix 2: Workforce data

The comparative workforce data and executive officer data provided in this appendix are based on the following definitions:

  • For DPC, an executive officer and member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) is defined as a person employed as an executive under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act.
  • For a portfolio entity, an executive is defined as a person employed as an executive under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act or a person to whom the Victorian Government’s Public Entity Executive Remuneration Policy applies.
  • The definition of an executive officer does not include a statutory office holder or an accountable officer, unless otherwise stated.
  • Accountable officers include the DPC Secretary and administrative office heads.

The following tables disclose the headcount and full-time staff equivalent (FTE) of all active public service employees of DPC, the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Office of the Governor, and DPC staff supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Staff supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission are employed by DPC. For reporting purposes Yoorrook Justice Commission staff are disclosed in a separate comparative workforce data table. In all other disclosures Yoorrook Justice Commission staff and executives are included in DPC data tables.

All figures in the tables reflect employment levels in the last full pay period of June 2024 and June 2023. Employees have been correctly classified in workforce data collections by the VPSC, which have been used to prepare this workforce data disclosure.

The following portfolio entities sit within DPC’s portfolio. The heads of these entities are public service body heads who employ public service employees independent of DPC’s Secretary. These entities are required to produce their own annual reports; therefore employee numbers are published in their annual reports:

  • Victorian Electoral Commission
  • Victorian Public Sector Commission
  • VITS LanguageLoop.

Comparative workforce data

Details of DPC employment levels in 2024 and 2023

DPC Annual Report 2023-24 Workforce data tables
Word 531.77 KB
(opens in a new window)

Annualised total salary, by $20,000 bands, for executives and other senior non-executive staff — DPC

Income band (salary)1ExecutivesSTSPSSMASRAOther
< $160,000
$160,000–$179,999 1
$180,000–$199,999163
$200,000–$219,999204
$220,000–$239,99953
$240,000–$259,99991
$260,000–$279,9994
$280,000–$299,9994
$300,000–$319,9991
$320,000–$339,999
$340,000–$359,9991
$360,000–$379,999
$380,000–$399,9991
$400,000–$419,999
$420,000–$439,9992
$440,000–$459,9991
$460,000–$479,9991
$480,000–$499,999
> $500,0001
Total6612

Legend: STS: senior technical specialists; PS: principal scientists; SMA: senior medical advisers; SRA: senior regulatory analysts.

Notes:

  • The salaries reported above are for the full financial year, at a 1-FTE rate, and exclude superannuation.
  • The Secretary has been reported in the ‘Executives’ column for this table.
  • Six executives supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission are included in this table.

Details of the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel employment levels in 2024 and 2023

Annualised total salary, by $20,000 bands, for executives and other senior non-executive staff — Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

Income band (salary)ExecutivesSTSPSSMASRAOther
< $160,000
$160,000–$179,999 1
$180,000–$199,9991
$200,000–$219,999
$220,000–$239,999
$240,000–$259,999122
$260,000–$279,999
$280,000–$299,999
$300,000–$319,9991
$320,000–$339,999
$340,000–$359,999
$360,000–$379,999
$380,000–$399,999
$400,000–$419,9991
$420,000–$439,999
$440,000–$459,999
$460,000–$479,999
$480,000–$499,999
> $500,000
Total43

Legend: STS: senior technical specialists; PS: principal scientists; SMA: senior medical advisers; SRA: senior regulatory analysts.

Notes:

  • The salaries reported above are for the full financial year, at a 1-FTE rate, and exclude superannuation.
  • The administrative office head has been reported in the ‘Executives’ column for this table.

Details of the Office of the Governor employment levels in 2024 and 2023

Annualised total salary, by $20,000 bands, for executives and other senior non-executive staff — Office of the Governor

Income band (salary)ExecutivesSTSPSSMASRAOther
< $160,000
$160,000–$179,999
$180,000–$199,9991
$200,000–$219,999
$220,000–$239,9991
$240,000–$259,999
$260,000–$279,999
$280,000–$299,999
$300,000–$319,999
$320,000–$339,999
$340,000–$359,999
$360,000–$379,9991
$380,000–$399,999
$400,000–$419,999
$420,000–$439,999
$440,000–$459,999
$460,000–$479,999
$480,000–$499,999
> $500,000
Total3

Legend: STS: senior technical specialists; PS: principal scientists; SMA: senior medical advisers; SRA: senior regulatory analysts.

Notes:

  • The salaries reported above are for the full financial year, at a 1-FTE rate, and exclude superannuation.
  • The administrative office head has been reported in the ‘Executives’ column for this table.
  • There were no senior employees employed on a part-time basis.

Details of the Yoorrook Justice Commission employment levels in 2024 and 2023

DPC Annual Report 2023-24 Workforce data tables
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Executive officer data

Accountable officers, including the DPC Secretary, and administrative office heads are excluded from the definition of an executive officer in the following tables.

The tables below disclose the variations in SES, broken down by gender, between the current and previous reporting periods for DPC, Yoorrook Justice Commission and public entities in DPC’s portfolio.

DPC Senior Executive Service numbers for 2024 and 20233

ClassMenWomenSelf-describedTotal
20242023Var20242023Var20242023Var20242023Var
SES 342212(1)---541
SES 2810(2)710(3)---1520(5)
SES 11812627243---45369
Total302463536(1)---65605

DPC portfolio entity Senior Executive Service numbers for 2024 and 20234

The table below lists the total number of active executive officers for DPC’s portfolio entities as at the end of June 2024 and 2023, by gender. Accountable officers are excluded from this table.

Public entityMenWomenSelf-describedTotal
20242023Var20242023Var20242023Var20242023Var
Victorian Electoral Commission43122----651
Victorian Public Sector Commission11-78(1)---89(1)
VITS LanguageLoop11-11----22-
Total6511011-1---1616-

The table below provides a reconciliation of executive numbers presented between the report of operations and the financial statements. The table excludes SES employed by the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Office of the Governor, and SES supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Reconciliation of DPC Senior Executive Service numbers

The number of executives shown in the report of operations is based on the number of active executives at the end of the financial year. An active executive is defined as an SES officer who attends work and is paid, or who is on paid leave during the last full pay period in June of the relevant year.

Note 8.3 in the financial statements lists the actual number of SES staff and the total remuneration paid to SES staff over the course of the reporting period. Note 8.3 in the financial statements includes SES staff who have separated from the department and SES staff who are inactive as at the end of June 2024.

To assist readers, Note 8.3 and the executive headcount reported in the report of operations are reconciled below.

20242023
Executives (Financial Note 8.3)99133
lessSeparations52560
Portfolio agency executives657
Inactive DPC executives46
Total DPC executive numbers including
Yoorrook Justice Commission staff7
6560
lessLess Yoorrook Justice Commission executives564
Total DPC executive numbers5956

Notes

1 There are ten employees employed on a part-time basis, including five at a 0.8 FTE rate and five at a 0.9 FTE rate

2 There are 2 employees employed on a part-time basis at a 0.5 FTE and a 0.7 FTE rate, respectively.

3 Table includes 6 DPC executives supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

4 Table has been provided by the VPSC.

5 Separations include executives who transferred to other departments during the financial year as a result of a machinery of government change.

6 Portfolio agency executives in 2024 includes DPC’s two administrative offices, the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and the Office of the Governor, as the Wage Inspectorate Victoria transferred to DTF as part of a machinery of government change on 1 February 2024. Portfolio agency executives in 2023 include the 2 administrative offices and the Wage Inspectorate Victoria.

7 Two reconciled totals are provided, one including DPC executives supporting the Yoorrook Justice Commission and one excluding these executives. These separate totals are provided so readers can distinguish between the DPC executive headcounts provided in the ‘Executive office data’ section of the annual report in the DPC Senior Executive Service numbers for 2024 and 2023 table above and the ‘Comparative workforce data’ section of the annual report where a separate table is provided for DPC and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Appendix 3: Occupational health and safety data

DPC’s performance against occupational health and safety management measures is provided in the table below:

MeasureKey performance indicator2021–222022–232023–24
IncidentsNumber of incidents151830
Rate per 100 FTE0.653.405.11
Number of incidents requiring first aid or further medical treatment256
ClaimsNumber of standard claims2256
Rate per 100 FTE0.220.930.10
Number of lost time claims135
Rate per 100 FTE0.110.560.85
Number of claims exceeding 13 weeks123
Rate per 100 FTE0.110.370.05
FatalitiesFatality claims000
Claim costsAverage cost per standard claim$12,692n/a$240,820
Return to workPercentage of claims with return-to-work plan <30 days0%25%50%
Management commitmentEvidence of OHS policy statement, OHS objectives, regular reporting to senior management of OHS, and OHS plansCompletedCompletedCompleted
Evidence of OHS criteria in purchasing guidelines (including goods, services and personnel)CompletedCompletedCompleted
Consultation and participationEvidence of agreed structure of designated work groups, health and safety representatives (HSRs) and issue resolution proceduresCompletedCompletedCompleted
Compliance with agreed structure on designated workgroups, HSRs and issue resolution proceduresCompletedCompletedCompleted
Number of quarterly OHS Committee meetings420
Risk managementPercentage of internal audits and inspections conducted as planned367%32%0%
Percentage of reported incidents investigated100%100%100%
Number of Improvement Notices
issued across DPC by a WorkSafe inspector
001
Percentage of issues identified and actioned arising from:
Internal auditsn/an/an/a
HSR provisional improvement noticesn/an/an/a
WorkSafe noticesn/an/a1
TrainingPercentage of managers and staff who have received OHS training:
Induction93%94%90%
Management training93%96%90%
Contractors and tempsn/an/an/a
Percentage of HSRs trained
Upon acceptance of the role (initial training)33%33%0%
Retraining (annual refresher)7%0%0%

Notes

1 Incidents exclude hazards and data from DPC’s portfolio entities.

2 Workplace inspections were on hold from July–October 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Appendix 4: Grants and transfer payments

Appendix 5: Disclosure index

DPC’s annual report is prepared in line with all relevant Victorian legislation and pronouncements. This index has been prepared to help identify DPC’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

Standing Directions (SD) and Financial Reporting Directions (FRD)

Report of operations

Charter and purpose

LegislationRequirementPage
FRD 22Manner of establishment and the relevant ministers4-8
FRD 22Purpose, functions, powers and duties4-15
FRD 8Departmental objectives, indicators and outputs20
FRD 22Key initiatives and projects21-41
FRD 22Nature and range of services provided7-14

Management and structure

LegislationRequirementPage
FRD 22Organisational structure9

Financial and other information

LegislationRequirementPage
FRD 8Performance against output performance measures42-51
FRD 8Budget portfolio outcomes134-140
FRD 10Disclosure index182-183
FRD 12Disclosure of major contracts58
FRD 15Executive disclosures150-151
FRD 22Employment and conduct principles17
FRD 22Occupational health and safety policy16, 152-153
FRD 22Summary of the financial results for the year53-55
FRD 22Significant changes in financial position during the year53
FRD 22Major changes or factors affecting performance53
FRD 22Subsequent events114
FRD 22Application and operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982118-119
FRD 22

Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of the

Building Act 1993

118
FRD 22Statement on National Competition Policy118
FRD 22Application and operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012120
FRD 22Application and operation of the Carers Recognition Act 201218
FRD 22Details of consultancies over $10,00057
FRD 22Details of consultancies under $10,00057
FRD 22Disclosure of government advertising expenditure57
FRD 22Disclosure of information and communications technology expenditure58
FRD 22Reviews and studies expenditure59-60
FRD 22Statement of availability of other information132
FRD 22Asset Management Accountability (AMAF) maturity assessment55
FRD 22Disclosure of emergency procurement132
FRD 22Disclosure of procurement complaints132
FRD 24Environmental reporting121-130
FRD 25Local Jobs First119
FRD 29Workforce data disclosures142-149
SD 5.2Specific requirements under Standing Direction 5.262

Compliance attestation and declaration

LegislationRequirementPage
SD 5.1.4Attestation for compliance with Ministerial Standing Direction56
SD 5.2.3Declaration in report of operationsi.

Financial statements

Declaration

LegislationRequirementPage
SD 5.2.2Declaration in financial statements62

Other requirements under Standing Directions 5.2

LegislationRequirementPage
SD 5.2.1(a)

Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and other

authoritative pronouncements

70-71
SD 5.2.1(a)Compliance with Standing Directions62
SD 5.2.1(b)Compliance with Model Financial Report62

Other disclosures as required by FRDs in notes to the financial statements

LegislationRequirementPage
FRD 9

Departmental disclosure of administered assets and liabilities

by activity

112-113
FRD 11Disclosure of ex gratia expensesn/a
FRD 13Disclosure of parliamentary appropriations73-74
FRD 21Disclosures of responsible persons, executive officers and other personnel (contractors with significant management responsibilities) in the financial report104
FRD 103Non-financial physical assets92
FRD 110Cash flow statements68
FRD 112Defined benefit superannuation obligations76-77, 94
FRD 114

Financial instruments — general government entities and public

non-financial corporations

99-101

Legislation

RequirementPage
Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 32-33, 116-117
Building Act 1993 118
Carers Recognition Act 2012 18
Disability Act 2006 17
Financial Management Act 1994 i., 62
Freedom of Information Act 1982 118-119
Gender Equality Act 2020 17
Local Jobs First Act 2003 119
Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 120