Environmental performance
As a new Authority that commenced full operations on 1 July 2019, the Portable Long Service Benefits Authority (the Authority) did not have any available data on environmental performance this year. The Authority is committed to ensuring its compliance with environmental performance requirements in 2019–20. We will incorporate our activities with the existing Environmental Management System in our co-location with other Victorian Government agencies in our Bendigo office.
Compliance with the Building Act 1993
The Authority met all relevant compliance provisions of the Building Act 1993 (Vic) in our building and maintenance activities during the year.
Capital projects / asset investment
During 2018/19 the Authority did not have any completed capital projects that met the disclosure threshold of $10 million or greater.
Consultancies
Details of consultancies (valued at $10,000 or greater)
The Authority did not procure any consultancies valued above $10,000 during the year.
Details of consultancies under $10,000
The Authority did not procure any consultancies valued under $10,000 during the year.
Major contracts
The Authority did not award any major contracts valued above $10 million or more during the 2018/19.
Competitive Neutrality Policy
Under the Competitive Neutrality Policy the guiding principle is that legislation, including future legislative proposals, should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that:
- the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs
- the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition
The Authority continues to comply with the requirements of the Competitive Neutrality Policy.
Freedom of Information Requests
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) allows the public a right of access to documents held by the Authority.
During the 2018/19 financial year, the Authority received no applications.
Access to documents may be obtained through written request to the Freedom of Information Officer, as detailed in s17 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).
In summary, the requirements for making a request are:
- it should be in writing
- it should identify as clearly as possible which document is being requested
- it should be accompanied by the appropriate application fee (the fee may be waived in certain circumstances)
Requests for documents in the possession of the Authority should be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Portable Long Service Authority
Level 1, 56–60 King Street, Bendigo, Victoria 3550
Requests can also be lodged online.
Access charges may also apply once documents have been processed and a decision on access is made for example, photocopying and search and retrieval charges.
Further information regarding Freedom of Information can be found here.
Government advertising expenditure
As a new Authority that commenced full operations on 1 July 2019, the Authority did not produce any advertising campaigns valued at $100,000 or greater during the year.
Information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure
For the 2018/19 reporting period, the Authority did not incur any ICT expenditure.
Grants payments
The Authority did not provide any grant payments during the year.
Machinery of government changes – direct costs
There were no direct costs in relation to machinery of government changes during the 2018/19 financial year.
Local Jobs First – implementation of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy
In accordance to the Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 (Vic), the Authority is required to apply the Local Jobs First – Victorian Industry Participation Policy (Local Jobs First – VIPP) in all procurement activities valued at $1 million and above as the Authority is located in regional Victoria.
As a new Authority that commenced full operations 1 July 2019, there were no projects procured during the 2018/19 year.
Privacy
The Authority collects and handles personal information in relation to eligible workers and employers in order to fulfil its functions under the Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018 (Vic). The Authority’s policies regarding the management of personal information comply with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and are set out in its Privacy Policy, available on the Authority’s website.
No privacy breaches were reported to the Authority during 2018/19.
Protected Disclosure Act
The Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic) 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.
The Authority encourages its officers and members of the public to report known or suspected incidences of improper conduct and detrimental action.
You may make a protected disclosure to the Authority:
- in person
- by phone
- by leaving a voicemail message
- in writing by post, personal delivery or email
- by any other form of electronic communication
- anonymously
Alternatively, disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by the Authority or any of its employees and/or officers may also be made directly to the Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission:
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 1300 735 135
Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
Carer’s Recognition Act
In accordance with the Carers Recognition Act 2012 (Vic), the Authority recognises the contribution made by carers within the community by:
- ensuring our staff have an awareness and understanding of the care relationship principles set out in the Act;
- considering the care relationships principles set out in the Act when setting policies and providing services;
- promoting the availability of flexible work arrangements and providing resources to effectively support this; and
- providing support to all staff through the Employee Assistance Program
Disability Act
The Authority understands its obligation under Section 38 of the Disability Act 2006 (Vic) to implement a disability action plan under four outcomes and report annually on its progress to:
- reduce barriers to people with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities
- reduce barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment
- promote inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability
- achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against people with a disability
Note: up until 30 June 2019, staff were employed under the Department of Premier and Cabinet. In the 2019–20 financial year, the Authority will work to establish its internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with its obligations under the Carer’s Recognition Act 2012 (Vic) and Disability Act 2006 (Vic).
Subsequent events
There are no post balance date events that materially affect the Authority’s 2018/19 financial statements.
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