1 Background

1.1 Introduction

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines a person as homeless if they do not have suitable accommodation alternatives and their current living arrangement is in a dwelling that:

  • is inadequate or has no tenure
  • has a short or non-extendable tenure
  • does not allow them to have control of, and access to, space for social relations.

The 2011 census reported that 22 789 Victorian people were homeless, a 21 per cent increase since 2006.

Audit summary

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.

Addressing Homelessness: Partnerships and Plans

Body
The audit determined whether Victoria’s implementation of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness–Victorian Implementation Plan and the Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011–2015 has been effective in addressing homelessness.

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

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 Health and named hospitals 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.

Appendix D. Glossary

Accountability

Responsibility of public sector entities to achieve their objectives, with regard to reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, compliance with applicable laws, and reporting to interested parties.

Acquisition

Establishing control of an asset, undertaking the risks, and receiving the rights to future benefits, as would be conferred with ownership, in exchange for the cost of acquisition.

Appendix C. Financial sustainability indicators and criteria

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 87 public hospitals for the five year period 2007–08 to 2011–12.

5 Internal controls

At a glance

Background

Effective internal controls enable entities to meet their financial and governance objectives and deliver reliable, accurate and timely financial reports. This Part presents the results of our assessment of general internal controls and controls over audit committees, capital projects and self-generated revenue.