Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria — progress

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