Our recommendations
We consulted with the audited agencies and considered their views when reaching our conclusions. The agencies’ full responses are in Appendix A.
Auditor-General’s Report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria: 2022–23
Body
The 2022–23 Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria (AFR) is free from material errors and we issued an unmodified (clear) audit opinion on it.
Audit outcomes
We issued clear opinions on 28 of the 29 material entities’ financial reports.
We continue to modify our audit opinion on the financial report of Victorian Rail Track, because of how it accounts for assets it leases to the Department of Transport and Planning.
Appendix D: Time sheet data and our methodology
Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: Time sheet data and our methodology.
Appendix C: Audit scope and method
Download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Audit scope and method.
Appendix B: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary
Download a PDF copy of Appendix B: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary.
Appendix A: Submissions and comments
Download a PDF copy of Appendix A: Submissions and comments.
3. Managing and overseeing health and wellbeing
The department does not effectively oversee hospitals’ performance to make sure they protect and support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
The department has introduced support programs. But it does not always evaluate them to see if they are working.
Hospitals’ processes do not fully protect employees from psychosocial hazards in the workplace. And their boards do not have enough information to make sure they effectively support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
2. State of employee health and wellbeing
Data we analysed shows that Victorian hospital workers’ mental health and wellbeing has deteriorated since 2019.
More hospital workers are lodging workers compensation claims for psychological injuries. And more staff are reporting feeling stressed. These increases coincide with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
Most staff are not working unsafe hours and schedules. But doctors and nurses have a higher risk of fatigue compared to other staff.
1. Audit context
Many factors can make hospital employees stressed, which can lead to psychological harm and poor mental health and wellbeing. These factors include fatigue, work demand and pressure, violence, bullying and inadequate reward and recognition.
The OHS Act says employers must, as far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a workplace that is safe for employees and does not put their physical and psychological health at risk.
What we found
This section summarises our key findings. Sections 2 and 3 detail our complete findings, including supporting evidence.
When reaching our conclusions, we consulted with the audited agencies and considered their views. The agencies’ full responses are in Appendix A.