Delivering school infrastructure projects

Why this is important

The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is a group within the Department of Education responsible for delivering $18.5 billion in school infrastructure for Victoria’s growing population. The VSBA manages large-scale school building projects, including procuring and managing builders, project managers and design consultants to deliver new schools and large upgrade and modernisation projects.

The VSBA uses project specifications for capital works projects to align construction work with the needs of school communities.

In 2023–24, the department responded to PAEC's Financial and Performance Outcomes Questionnaire. It reported that 65 VSBA projects would cost more than planned. The total variation across the 65 projects was $444 million.

It also reported that the completion dates of 48 projects had been moved to later, mostly by 10 months or more. 

School capital infrastructure projects running over time and budget should be closely examined to ensure government commitments and the needs of schools are being met.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if school capital infrastructure projects (new schools and large upgrade and modernisation projects) are delivered on time, within budget, and meet school needs.

Who we plan to examine

Department of Education (Victorian School Building Authority)