Homelessness has a significant impact on both individuals and the community. Homeless people have poorer health, fewer social connections and fewer opportunities for education or employment. This is turn generates considerable cost to government, through its provision of direct support services, demand on health services and lost economic participation.

The 2011 census data indicates that the rate of homelessness in Victoria has increased by 21 per cent since 2006. In 2011, 22 789 Victorian people were homeless on census night, and 16 per cent of these were children under 12.

Ordered to be printed

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER February 2012

PP No 210, Session 2010–13

In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994 a copy of this report, or relevant extracts from the report, was provided to the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Essential Services Commission, VicWater and the 20 entities with a request for submissions or comments.

The submission and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.

This Appendix sets out the performance indicators against which water entities are required to report.

Financial Reporting Direction 27B Presentation and Reporting of Performance Information specifies the entities required to prepare and submit for audit a performance report. Ministerial directives issued under section 51 of the Financial Management Act 1994 specify the performance indicators that need to be reported in a performance report.

Financial indicators

Indicators of financial sustainability

This Appendix sets out the financial indicators used in this report. The indicators should be considered collectively, and are more useful when assessed over time as part of a trend analysis. The indicators have been applied to the published financial information of the 19 water entities for the five-year period 2007–08 to 2011–12.

This Appendix presents the composition of revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities at an industry, metropolitan, regional urban and rural level.

Industry level

Figure E1

Revenue composition

Source: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office.

Figure E2 Expense composition

Metropolitan

Note: Non-FMA audit types: C – Corporations Act 2001.

The performance report for Melbourne Water was completed on the same date as the financial report. A clear opinion was issued.

Source: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office.

Reports

This report is the third of six reports to be presented to Parliament covering the results of our audits of public sector financial reports. The reports in this series are outlined in Figure C1.

Figure C1

VAGO reports on the results of the 2011–12 financial audits

Governance

The responsible minister for the water industry is the Minister for Water. The relationship between the Minister for Water and the water entities is established by the Water Act 1989.

The Water Group, a business unit within the Department of Sustainability and Environment, supports and advises the Minister for Water.

The 19 water entities also report to the Treasurer of Victoria.