Victorian Auditor-General's Office

1 Background

1.1 Introduction

The scale, complexity and likely impacts of the demographic, health, security and climate challenges facing Victoria requires a mature, well-coordinated approach to public sector risk management.

Falling short of achieving this threatens the government's goals for growing the economy in a way that protects and enhances the environment while improving the quality of life of all Victorians. The Victorian Government Risk Management Framework (the Framework) recognises the importance of good risk management:

Appendix A. Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments

In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994 a copy of this report was provided to the Department of Human Services, the Department of Justice and Victoria Police.

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.

Response provided by:

4 Effectively controlling usage and expenditure

At a glance

Background

The audit examined how well the three audited agencies managed their telecommunications usage and expenditure.

Conclusion

Inconsistent expenditure controls, coupled with inadequate attention to enforcing personal usage policies, reducing waste from redundant services, and leveraging best value from whole‑of‑government agreements indicate significant untapped savings potential exists.

3 Establishing sound governance

At a glance

Background

Sound governance of telecommunications usage and expenditure is essential to effectively minimise waste and leverage organisation-wide savings opportunities.

Conclusion

While the agencies examined have largely adequate guidance on telecommunications usage, none have established consistent organisation-wide controls or oversight to effectively mitigate the risk of overcharging and waste.

1 Background

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Statewide telecommunications arrangements

Telecommunications services, particularly fixed voice and mobile phones, are essential to support the delivery of government services.

In 2004, the state executed contracts for the Telecommunications Purchasing and Management Strategy (TPAMS), comprising:

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