The effective planning and delivery of major capital projects is critical to governments achieving their policy objectives. If delivered well, infrastructure enhances services to the public and improves productivity. Poor management diminishes the benefits of these projects, potentially delays delivery and creates additional costs for taxpayers.
A 2010 industry report estimated the Victorian Government's information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure at $1–$1.5 billion per year. This audit revealed that the actual overall spend is significantly greater.
Despite this significant expenditure, information on the status and outcomes of public sector ICT initiatives is currently difficult to obtain. Most agencies and entities provide little, if any, public information specifying these details.
Citizens and consumers are increasingly accessing services via digital devices, including smart phones, tablets and laptops. The Victorian Government ICT Strategy (ICT Strategy), as the overarching strategy, was released in February 2013 and updated in March 2014. It was intended to drive the migration of government services online via digital devices and provided high-level direction on the design and use of information and communication technology (ICT) to deliver better government services.
Digital devices of personal choice fall into two main types—devices like desktop personal computers, and mobile computing devices such as tablets and smartphones. Digital devices access a wide range of applications via the internet, using communication links such as Wi-Fi or other mobile data networks.
Victorian citizens and consumers expect that government services and information will be accessible online anytime, anywhere and on any device.
This report summarises the results of our audits of selected public sector entities' information technology (IT) controls, performed in support of VAGO's 2014–15 financial audits. This report also summarises our reviews of two focus areas—identity and access management (IDAM), and software licensing practices.
Information and communications technology (ICT) is a significant enabler in the delivery of government programs and services.
This report presents the outcomes and observations from the financial audits of the nine portfolio departments and the 201 associated entities that are not addressed in our other sector based reports, including the five Victorian alpine resorts.
Victoria has benefited economically, socially and culturally from successive waves of immigration. Each group of migrants has had its own challenges, with low English proficiency often being a key barrier to accessing services effectively. However, the diversity and composition of these immigrants has changed in recent years.
The Australian Aboriginal population faces considerable disadvantage when compared to the non-Aboriginal population. For example, there are significant gaps in early childhood development, lower participation in maternal and child health services and kindergarten, poorer health status and shorter life expectancy, higher disability rates and comparatively lower literacy and numeracy outcomes. Despite some recent improvements, these gaps are still prevalent in Victoria.
Victorians trust that public sector employees will perform their duties impartially and use public resources responsibly to pursue government's objectives and benefit the community. The giving and receiving of gifts, benefits and hospitality (GB&H) can be a legitimate and appropriate part of doing government business. However, the inadequate management of these activities risks diminishing public trust and undermining the integrity of decisions made by public sector employees.