The principal is the critical leader within a school community and directly influences its culture and learning environment. Principals are also accountable for their school’s performance and progress towards the Victorian Government’s Education State targets.
DET manages the principal PD process. It aims to develop principals’ capabilities in all aspects of their role and promote consistency in support and performance assessment across the state.
FIGURE C1: Audit opinions issued for material entities
| Acronyms | |
|---|---|
| AFR | 2019-20 Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria |
| DHHS | Department of Health and Human Services |
| DJCS |
We have consulted with named agencies, and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those agencies and asked for their submissions and comments. We also provided a copy of the report to DPC.
Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
Overall, DTF implemented effective internal controls to support the preparation of a complete and accurate AFR.
Except for VicTrack and DJCS, the internal control frameworks at the other 24 material entities were adequate to support their preparation of complete and accurate financial reports. However, some entities need to strengthen some important internal controls, particularly information system security controls.
The financial performance of both the state and the GGS deteriorated significantly compared to last year as the state responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019–20, the state generated revenue of $77.3 billion ($78.6 billion in 2018–19) and outlaid $86.3 billion ($80.4 billion in 2018–19). This reflects a net loss from transactions of $9.0 billion ($1.8 billion in 2018–19).
The Treasurer of Victoria tabled the AFR in Parliament on 15 October 2020.
We provided a clear audit opinion on the AFR again this year.
Except for VicTrack, we provided clear opinions on the other 25 material entities, whose results are consolidated in the AFR. Our qualification on VicTrack did not flow through to the AFR because the State of Victoria adjusted its results on consolidation.
The AFR contains the audited financial statements of the State of Victoria and the GGS.
Our report, which is required by section 57 of the Audit Act 1994, contains matters we judge as significant that arise from the audit and pertain to either the effective and efficient management of public resources or the keeping of proper accounts and records.
We surveyed and interviewed the six EYM organisations included in this audit and the respective DET regional and area staff. We asked them to identify the key gaps and challenges that EYM organisations face while working to achieve the policy framework’s outcomes. We also asked them to identify the factors that contribute to these challenges and any available support that DET provides to help address them. Figure G1 summarises the survey results and feedback given during interviews. These gaps and challenges have not been assessed as part of this audit.