3. Accounts and records

Conclusion

DTF implemented effective internal controls to support the preparation of a complete and accurate AFR.

VicTrack has made significant progress in improving its internal control framework that relates to asset accounting.

The internal control frameworks of the other material entities were adequate to support preparation of complete and accurate financial reports. However, some entities need to strengthen some internal controls to ensure their financial reports remain reliable.

2. Financial outcomes for the GGS

Conclusion

The operating cash result turned around this year, with a surplus of $4.3 billion ($8.9 billion deficit in 2021–22). However, this includes the $7.9 billion proceeds from the VicRoads modernisation joint-venture arrangement. The GGS would have reported an operating cash deficit of $3.6 billion without this inflow. It also loses some of the future cash inflows from the registration and licensing activities that it controlled before the joint-venture arrangement.

1. Audit outcomes

Conclusion

Our clear opinion provides reasonable assurance that the financial performance and position of the State of Victoria, and within that the general government sector, as reported in the 2022–23 Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria (AFR), is reliable.

Auditor-General’s Report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria: 2022–23

Body

The 2022–23 Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria (AFR) is free from material errors and we issued an unmodified (clear) audit opinion on it.

Audit outcomes

We issued clear opinions on 28 of the 29 material entities’ financial reports.

We continue to modify our audit opinion on the financial report of Victorian Rail Track, because of how it accounts for assets it leases to the Department of Transport and Planning.

3. Managing and overseeing health and wellbeing

The department does not effectively oversee hospitals’ performance to make sure they protect and support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

The department has introduced support programs. But it does not always evaluate them to see if they are working. 

Hospitals’ processes do not fully protect employees from psychosocial hazards in the workplace. And their boards do not have enough information to make sure they effectively support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.