Victorian Auditor-General's Office

Universities: 2014 Audit Snapshot

Body
This report details the outcomes of the 2014 financial audits of the eight universities and the 52 entities that they control. The report includes a review of the financial sustainability of the sector and the frameworks in place for managing the travel and accommodation expenses incurred by university staff.

Appendix A. 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, or part of this report, was provided to the relevant agencies with a request for their submissions or comments.

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:

2 ICT expenditure

At a glance

Background

This part examines the information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure data provided by all 417 agencies included in the audit.

Conclusion

Victorian agencies and entities are currently not in a position to assure Parliament and the Victorian community that ICT investments have resulted in public value.

The current financial and management processes do not enable comprehensive reporting on actual ICT expenditure across the public sector.

Appendix A. 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, or part of this report, was provided to the relevant agencies with a request for their submissions or comments.

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:

3 ICT projects

At a glance

Background

The Victorian public sector does not have a good track record with information, communication and technology (ICT) projects. Previous VAGO performance audits and Ombudsman reports have shown significant weaknesses in the planning and implementation of ICT projects.

2 ICT expenditure

At a glance

Background

This part examines the information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure data provided by all 417 agencies included in the audit.

Conclusion

Victorian agencies and entities are currently not in a position to assure Parliament and the Victorian community that ICT investments have resulted in public value.

The current financial and management processes do not enable comprehensive reporting on actual ICT expenditure across the public sector.

1 Background

1.1 Introduction

A 2010 report by industry consulting group Ovum, estimated the Victorian Government's information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure at $1–$1.5 billion per year. This audit revealed that the actual overall spend is significantly greater.

Knowing the status and outcomes of public sector ICT initiatives is currently difficult. Despite significant expenditure in ICT, most agencies and entities provide little, if any, public information specifying their activities and spend.

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