Appendix 3: corporate information

Consultancy expenditure

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

In the year ended 30 June 2023, there were no consultancies where the total fees payable to the consultants were $10,000 or greater.

Details of consultancies under $10,000

In the year ended 30 June 2023, there were no consultancies engaged during the year where the total fees payable to the individual consultancies was less than $10,000.

STC does hold engagements with a panel of specialist resources. Whilst these engagements are not consultancy in nature there may be elements of their work undertaken throughout the year which could be considered a consultancy.

STC has disclosed the list of these engagements and their description on its website.

Information and communication technology (ICT) expenditure

STC incurred direct ICT expenditure with following vendors:

Disclosure of major contracts

STC has disclosed, in accordance with the requirements of government policy and accompanying guidelines, all contracts greater than $10 million in value entered into during the year ended 30 June 2023.

Details of the contracts are published on the Victoria Government’s contracts publishing system and can be viewed online at http://www.tenders.vic.gov.au.

Contractual details have not been disclosed for those contracts for which disclosure is exempted under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and/or government guidelines.

Freedom of information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by STC. 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 FOI Act.

An applicant has a right to apply for access to documents held by a public body. This comprises documents both created by STC or supplied to STC by an external organisation or individual, and may also include maps, films, microfiche, photographs, computer printouts, computer discs, tape recordings and videotapes. Information about the type of material produced by STC is available on STC’s website under its Part II Information Statement.

The FOI Act allows a public body to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information. Examples of documents that may not be accessed include cabinet documents; some internal working documents; law enforcement documents; documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice; personal information about other people; and information provided to a public body in-confidence.

From 1 September 2017, the FOI Act has been amended to reduce the Freedom of Information (FOI) processing time for requests received from 45 to 30 days. However, when external consultation is required under sections 29, 29A, 31, 31A, 33, 34 or 35, the processing time automatically reverts to 45 days. Processing time may also be extended by periods of 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 by a decision made by STC, under section 49A of the FOI Act, they have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.

Making a request

FOI requests can be lodged online. An application fee of $30.60 applies. Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large and the search for material time consuming.

Access to documents can also be obtained through a written request to STC’s Freedom of Information team, as detailed in section 17 of the FOI Act.

When making an FOI request, applicants should ensure requests are in writing, and clearly identify what types of material/documents are being sought.

Requests for documents in the possession of STC should be addressed to:

FOI Officer
North East Link State Tolling Corporation
Level 10, 80 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

FOI statistics and timeliness

During the year ended 30 June 2023, STC received nil applications.

STC made nil FOI decisions during the year ended 30 June 2023.

Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the FOI Act, regulations made under the FOI Act.

Compliance with the Building Act 1993

STC does not own or control any government buildings and consequently is exempt from notifying its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993.

Compliance with the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012

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

STC does not tolerate improper conduct by employees, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct. It is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its 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.

STC will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It 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 STC or any of its employees may be made to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission:

Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000

• Phone: 1300 735 135
• Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
• Email: info@ibac.vic.gov.au

Asset Management Accountability Framework (AMAF) maturity assessment

STC is exempt from compliance with this disclosure for the financial period ended 30 June 2023, according to exemption obtained in relation to the Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994.

Compliance with DataVic Access Policy

STC does not currently have high value datasets as defined in the DataVic Access Policy.

Additional information available on request

STC is exempt from compliance with this disclosure for the financial period ended 30 June 2023, according to exemption obtained in relation to the Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994.

The North East Link State Tolling Corporation is required to comply with the Standing Directions 2018 of the Financial Management Act 1994, which set the standard for financial management by Victorian Government agencies. The North East Link State Tolling Corporation undertakes an annual internal review of its performance against these Directions, reviewed by a formal internal audit program. The North East Link State Tolling Corporation has not identified any Material Compliance Deficiencies in relation to the 2022-23 compliance year.

I, An Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer of the North East Link State Tolling Corporation, certify that the North East Link State Tolling Corporation has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions as at 30 June 2023.

An Nguyen

Chief Executive Officer

North East Link State Tolling Corporation

7 September 2023