3. Planning savings

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Most departments planned to deliver DER savings without reducing frontline roles.

But DPC and DTF did not give clear guidance to departments on how they should apply the government's commitment to protect frontline roles when departments developed their savings proposals.

Not all departments could show how they applied their frontline worker definitions.

Covered in this section:

2. Our recommendations

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We made 3 recommendations to address our findings. The relevant agencies have accepted all recommendations in full.

1. Our key findings

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What we examined

Our audit followed 2 lines of inquiry:

1. Were departments' plans to deliver savings and efficiencies consistent with the COVID Debt Repayment Plan?

2. Are departments on track to deliver savings and efficiencies, while maintaining frontline services?

To answer these questions, we examined:

Tobacco licensing

Body

We are interested in examining the establishment of the new tobacco regulator with powers under the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Act 2024. This includes how the new licensing scheme is operating. It is important that the new regulator can effectively assess license applications and inspect retailer premises in accordance with the legislation.

Forensic mental health services

Body

We are interested in examining if mental health services in mainstream prisons and at the specialist Thomas Embling Hospital are meeting demand. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented in Victorian prisons and there is an opportunity to examine if agencies are meeting their needs.

Upgrading the fines management system

Body

We are interested in examining how the Department of Justice and Community Safety's project to upgrade the fines management system is progressing, and if it is on track to improve how infringements are enforced.

Managing Victoria's firefighting fleet

Body

We are interested in examining if Victoria's firefighting fleet is fit-for-purpose.

Climate-related disclosure reporting by government agencies

Body

We are interested in examining the completeness and reliability of mandatory reporting on sustainability and greenhouse emissions by Victorian Government departments and agencies.

Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre

Body

We are interested in examining if the new Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre supports the rehabilitation of young people and is making them, and the centre staff, safer.

Appendix D: Additional context about DPC’s guidelines

Read more about Appendix D: Additional context about DPC’s guidelines

Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: Additional context about DPC’s guidelines.

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