Department of Premier and Cabinet Annual Report 2023-24

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

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

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.

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.

Portfolio ministers

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

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

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

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

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

Cabinet, Legal and Governance

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

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.

Cabinet, Legal and Governance

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.

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.

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.

Deputy Secretary,Cabinet, Legal and Governance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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

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

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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

Continuing operations

Expenses from transactions

Other economic flows included in net result

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Assets

Liabilities

Equity

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

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

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

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

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)

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 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.

Climate-related risk disclosure statement

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.

Climate-related risk governance

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.

Climate-related risk strategy

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.

Climate-related risk management

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.

Climate-related metrics and targets

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.

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.

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.