The Victorian public sector does not have a good track record with information, communication and technology (ICT) projects. Previous VAGO performance audits and Ombudsman reports have shown significant weaknesses in the planning and implementation of ICT projects.
This part examines the information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure data provided by all 417 agencies included in the audit.
Victorian agencies and entities are currently not in a position to assure Parliament and the Victorian community that ICT investments have resulted in public value.
The current financial and management processes do not enable comprehensive reporting on actual ICT expenditure across the public sector.
A 2010 report by industry consulting group Ovum, estimated the Victorian Government's information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure at $1–$1.5 billion per year. This audit revealed that the actual overall spend is significantly greater.
Knowing the status and outcomes of public sector ICT initiatives is currently difficult. Despite significant expenditure in ICT, most agencies and entities provide little, if any, public information specifying their activities and spend.
 John Doyle Auditor-General |
Audit team Karen Phillips—Engagement Leader Elsie Alcordo—Team Leader Annie Skelton—Analyst Engagement Quality Control Reviewer Tony Brown |
Ordered to be published
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER April 2015
PP No 27, Session 2014–15
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report, or part of this report, was provided to all portfolio departments and named agencies with a request for submissions or comments.
The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
Responses were received as follows:
Figure E1
Public private partnerships
Public private Partnership |
Responsible agency |
Description |
|---|---|---|
Barwon Water Biosolids Management |
Barwon Region Water Corporation and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries |
Responsibility on public sector entities to achieve their objectives, with regard to reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, compliance with applicable laws, and reporting to interested parties.
The systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of an intangible asset over its expected useful life.
Entity |
Reporting framework |
Audit opinions |
Finalised within statutory time frame | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|