Appendix D. Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments

Introduction

In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report was provided to the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development, Health, and Human Services.

The submissions 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.

Responses were received as follows:

Appendix B. Mainstream services, strategies and programs

Figure B1 sets out the service responsibilities of audited departments and their recent strategies, plans and related documents that are relevant to accessibility of those services to Aboriginal Victorians.

Figure B1

Audited department services, strategies and programs

Mainstream services

Strategies/related documents

Additional programs and services designed to assist access

Department of Human Services

3 Plans, programs and strategies

At a glance

Background

Plans, programs and strategies should be consistent with the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework (VAAF) and demonstrate how each department will improve access and inclusion for Aboriginal people across all service areas.

 

Conclusion

Plans, programs and strategies do not yet adequately reflect the service access criteria of the VAAF.

 

2 Understanding the needs of Aboriginal Victorians

At a glance

Background

Victorian Government departments need a sound understanding of the service needs of Aboriginal Victorians to be able to design and deliver services which are accessible.

Conclusion

Audited agencies have a reasonable understanding of the service needs of Aboriginal Victorians. However, this is constrained by a lack of broad consultation and complete and reliable data.

1 Background

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Victoria's Aboriginal population

Victoria's Aboriginal population is relatively small compared to other parts of Australia. The 2011 census reports that there are around 47 000 Aboriginal people in Victoria — 0.9 per cent of the total population — an increase of around 40 per cent between 2006 and 2011. This growth is attributed to higher birth rates, migration to Victoria and higher rates of people identifying as Aboriginal.