Download a PDF copy of Appendix B: Acronyms and glossary.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix A: Submissions and comments.

Outcomes reporting for the EIIF is improving. But there are gaps in reported results, targets and baselines. 

This means that DTF and departments do not yet have all the evidence they need to show outcomes for Victorians or changes in service demand for all EIIF initiatives. 

Covered in this section:

DTF uses a consistent approach to assess EIIF initiatives and advise the government. 

But gaps in DTF’s processes, guidance and advice mean that the government does not always have all the evidence it needs to understand the benefits and risks of proposed EIIF initiatives.

Covered in this section:

Departments report on their initiatives' performance, which DTF tracks. This provides the government with useful information on service user outcomes and emerging risks.  

But DTF and departments do not consistently measure changes in demand for the services where savings are expected, and they do not calculate actual savings. 

This means the government cannot know if the savings underpinning budget reductions are being achieved.

Covered in this section:

We made 7 recommendations to address our findings. The relevant agencies have accepted the recommendations in full or in principle. 

What we examined

Our audit followed 2 lines of enquiry:

1. Does the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) provide and consistently apply Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF) guidance and processes to support evidence-based submissions and advice to the government?

2. Is departments’ reporting on EIIF initiatives comprehensive and evidence based?

To answer these questions, we examined:

Download a PDF copy of Appendix E: Policy performance data.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: Agencies under the Policy.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Review scope and method.