Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative
Overview
This report provides a review of the Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), a $100 million investment intended to provide Victorian life sciences researchers with a significant new supercomputing capability and a centre of expertise to support their use of the facility. The project is being managed by the University of Melbourne.
The audit assessed whether VLSCI was effectively planned, procured and managed. The audit found that, notwithstanding the positive early signs, the absence of sufficient needs and options analysis and sound procurement processes means the University cannot demonstrate that the initiative represents the most effective use of the $50 million provided by the state government.
However the Department of Business and Innovation’s use of a grant agreement to establish governance, monitoring and reporting frameworks was generally sound.
To improve the management of future projects, the Victorian Audtior-General's Office recommends that:
- the Department of Business and Innovation provide targeted guidance to agencies on how to identify and support proposals for government funding
- before agencies receive significant public sector funding for projects, they should be required to demonstrate their proposals are adequately supported and include option and cost benefit analysis, and agree to comply with all relevant government policies and procedures.