Plans, programs and strategies should be consistent with the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework (VAAF) and demonstrate how each department will improve access and inclusion for Aboriginal people across all service areas.
Plans, programs and strategies do not yet adequately reflect the service access criteria of the VAAF.
Victorian Government departments need a sound understanding of the service needs of Aboriginal Victorians to be able to design and deliver services which are accessible.
Audited agencies have a reasonable understanding of the service needs of Aboriginal Victorians. However, this is constrained by a lack of broad consultation and complete and reliable data.
Victoria's Aboriginal population is relatively small compared to other parts of Australia. The 2011 census reports that there are around 47 000 Aboriginal people in Victoria — 0.9 per cent of the total population — an increase of around 40 per cent between 2006 and 2011. This growth is attributed to higher birth rates, migration to Victoria and higher rates of people identifying as Aboriginal.
 John Doyle Auditor-General |
Audit team Andrew Evans —Sector Director Peter Rorke — Team Leader Sophie Fisher — Analyst Pablo Armellino — Graduate Analyst |
Ordered to be printed
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER May 2014
PP No 325, Session 2010–14
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report was provided to the Department of Premier and Cabinet via the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.
A whole-of-government approach is needed in the provision of services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to ensure that services are accessible, well-coordinated and meeting need.
Effective data collection enables departments and funded agencies to improve their understanding of the needs of their client groups. Monitoring service accessibility enables issues affecting access to be addressed in a timely and effective way. Reporting on service accessibility holds government departments and service providers accountable for their performance.
A comprehensive understanding of the barriers to—and enablers of—effective access is needed if departments are to develop strategies and programs that meet the needs of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.