The audit examined how well the three audited agencies managed their telecommunications usage and expenditure.
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.
Sound governance of telecommunications usage and expenditure is essential to effectively minimise waste and leverage organisation-wide savings opportunities.
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.
Sound analysis of telecommunications expenditure provides important insights into the actions required to minimise waste and optimise value for money.
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:
 Auditor-General |
Audit team Steven Vlahos—Sector Director Verena Juebner—Team Leader Fei Wang—Senior Manager Simone Meyer—Analyst Dallas Mischkulnig—Engagement Quality Control Reviewer |
Ordered to be printed
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER September 2013
PP No 264, Session 2010–13
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994 a copy of this report was provided to Central Highlands Water, Coliban Water, North East Water, the Department of Treasury and Finance, and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
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:
Public private partnership (PPP) projects should deliver what they were intended to, and continue to demonstrate value for money throughout their operation.
Effective and efficient public private partnership delivery requires appropriate governance and a suite of strategies, plans and processes to support sound contract and performance management over the life the contract.