3. Response to COVID-19
Conclusion
Departments responded quickly and flexibly to COVID-19 and continue to do so. Departments’ BCM processes, structures and strategies have helped them quickly set up teams, make decisions and communicate to staff.
However, departments were not sufficiently prepared for a complex disruption. This meant they had to invest resources into developing documents, streamlining processes, upgrading technology and transitioning to remote working during the early stages of the pandemic.
2. Preparedness for a disruption
Conclusion
The VPS was not adequately prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The VPS had limited central oversight and leadership on business continuity. This meant that it was not able to harness lessons learnt across all departments, and departments did not have a clear understanding of whole of government business continuity priorities in a large-scale disruption.
1. Audit context
The Victorian Government delivers a wide range of services that are important to Victorians’ economic, financial and social wellbeing—from managing state finances to child protection, transport and criminal justice.
Disruptions to these services can have a significant negative impact on communities, businesses and industries. Effective business continuity strategies ensure that departments can respond quickly to disruptions and continue to deliver prioritised services to the community.
Appendix E. Acronyms, abbreviations and glossary
Acronyms | |
---|---|
AFR | 2020–21 Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria |
CQV | COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria |
DFFH | Department of Families, Fairness and Housing |
DH | Department of Health |
Appendix B. About this report, the AFR and our financial audits
About this report
The Auditor-General provides this report to the Parliament of Victoria as required under section 57 of the Audit Act 1994. It contains matters we judge as significant and which arise from the audit and pertain to either the effective and efficient management of public resources or the keeping of proper accounts and records.
3. Proper accounts and records
Conclusion
DTF implemented effective internal controls to support the preparation of a complete and accurate AFR.
The internal control framework of VicTrack was not adequate. The internal control frameworks of the other material entities were generally adequate to support their preparation of complete and accurate financial reports. However, some entities need to strengthen some internal controls to ensure their financial reports remain reliable.