The Hon Jacinta Allan MP

Premier

The Hon Ben Carroll MP

Deputy Premier

The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples

Tim Pallas MP

Minister for Industrial Relations

The Hon Danny Pearson MP

Assistant Treasurer

Dear Ministers,

In accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, I am pleased to present the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s annual report for the year ending 30 June 2023.

(signed)

Jeremi Moule

Secretary
4 October 2023

Our vision 

The Department of Premier and Cabinet’s (DPC) vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole of government policy and performance.

Our mission

DPC’s mission is to support the people of Victoria by:

• helping government achieve its strategic objectives
• providing leadership to the public sector to improve its effectiveness
• promoting collaboration across government to drive performance and improve outcomes.

Our values

DPC upholds the public sector values as enshrined in the Public Administration Act 2004 by demonstrating the following.

Accountability

• Working to clear objectives in a transparent manner.
• Accepting responsibility for our decisions and actions.
• Seeking to achieve best use of resources.
• Submitting ourselves to appropriate scrutiny.

Human rights

• Making decisions and providing advice consistent with the human rights set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
• Actively implementing, promoting and supporting human rights.

Impartiality

• Making decisions and providing advice on merit without bias, caprice, favouritism or self-interest.
• Acting fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts and applying fair criteria.
• Implementing government policies and programs equitably.

Integrity

• Being honest, open and transparent in our dealings.
• Using powers responsibly.
• Reporting improper conduct.
• Avoiding any real or apparent conflicts of interest.
• Striving to earn and sustain public trust of a high level.

Leadership

• Actively implementing, promoting and supporting these values.

Respect

• Treating others fairly and objectively.
• Ensuring freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
• Using others’ views to improve outcomes on an ongoing basis.

 Responsiveness

• Providing frank, impartial and timely advice to the government.
• Providing high-quality services to the Victorian community.
• Identifying and promoting best practice.

Our objectives

DPC’s objectives are as follows.

Strong policy outcomes

• Pursue policy and service delivery excellence and reform.
• Lead the public sector response to significant state issues, industrial relations, policy challenges and projects.

First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining

• Improving outcomes and services for First Peoples through prioritising actions to enable self-determination, including advancing treaty, protecting and promoting cultural rights and responding to and engaging with the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
• Address trauma and support healing; address racism established through colonisation.
• Provide culturally safe systems and services and transfer power and resources to communities.

Professional public administration

• Foster and promote a high-performing public service.
• Ensure effective whole of government performance and outcomes and support the effective administration of government.
• Protect the values of good governance, integrity and accountability to foster and maintain public trust in government.

Our ministers as at 30 June 2023

Premier of Victoria     
The Hon Daniel Andrews MP

The Premier is Victoria’s head of government. DPC advises and supports the Premier and his portfolio.

The Premier is the main channel of communication between the Governor, as Head of State, and Cabinet, and between the Victorian Government and other state and territory governments.

The Office of the Governor, an Administrative Office within DPC’s responsibility, is also part of the Premier’s portfolio.

Contact details

1 Treasury Place 
East Melbourne VIC 3002 
Email:daniel.andrews@parliament.vic.gov.au 
Website:www.premier.vic.gov.au

Deputy Premier   
The Hon Jacinta Allan MP

DPC advises and supports the Deputy Premier in her responsibilities for the Precincts and Land Coordinator General function that were established in DPC on 1 January 2023. 

In addition to her DPC responsibilities, the Deputy Premier is the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop.

Contact details

1 Treasury Place 
East Melbourne VIC 3002 
Email: jacinta.allan@parliament.vic.gov.au 
Website: new.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/jacinta-allan/#appointments

Minister for Government Services 
The Hon Danny Pearson MP

DPC advises and supports the Minister for Government Services and his portfolio on public sector administration and electoral matters. The Department of Government Services supports and advises the Minister on all other government services–related portfolio matters.

The Minister for Government Services is responsible for the following DPC portfolio entities:

• Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel
• Victorian Electoral Commission
• Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal
• Victorian Public Sector Commission.

In addition to his Government Services responsibilities, Minister Pearson is  the Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC and Minister for Consumer Affairs.

Contact details

1 Treasury Place 
East Melbourne VIC 3002 
Email: danny.pearson@parliament.vic.gov.au 
Website: www.dannypearson.com.au

Minister for Industrial Relations  
Tim Pallas MP

DPC advises and supports the Minister for Industrial Relations and his portfolio, principally through the team at Industrial Relations Victoria, who work towards achieving a positive working environment for all Victorians.

The Minister for Industrial Relations is responsible for the following DPC portfolio entities:

• Labour Hire Authority 
• Portable Long Service Authority
• Wage Inspectorate Victoria.

In addition to his DPC responsibilities, Minister Pallas is the Treasurer and the Minister for Trade and Investment.

Contact details

1 Treasury Place 
East Melbourne VIC 3002 
Email: tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au 
Website: www.timpallas.com.au

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples 
Gabrielle Williams MP

DPC advises and supports the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and her portfolio. This includes oversight of DPC’s First Peoples – State Relations group, which focuses on promoting cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth.

The Minister for Treaty and First Peoples is also responsible for the DPC portfolio entity the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

In addition to her DPC responsibilities, Minister Williams is the Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Ambulance Services.

Contact details

50 Lonsdale Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000 
Email: gabrielle.williams@parliament.vic.gov.au 
Website: www.gabriellewilliams.com.au

Other Members of Parliament

Steve McGhie MP, Cabinet Secretary

DPC’s Cabinet Office provides support to the Cabinet Secretary for the operations of the Cabinet process and supports the Cabinet Secretary in his role.

Contact details

Email: steve.mcghie@parliament.vic.gov.au

Nick Staikos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Mr Staikos assists the Premier with his portfolio responsibilities.

Contact details

Email: nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au

Website: www.nickstaikos.com.au

DPC as at 30 June 2023

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Secretary, Jeremi Moule

Office of the Secretary

Executive Director, Jane Gardam

Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol

Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Protocol, Fin Bird

Delivery and Strategy

Executive Director, Marcus Walsh

Cabinet, Legal and Governance

Acting Deputy Secretary, Jennifer Barton

Governance

Acting Executive Director, Maria Martino

Office of the General Counsel

Executive Director and Acting General Counsel, Miriam Holmes

Cabinet Office

Executive Director, Rachel Cowling

Industrial Relations Victoria

Deputy Secretary, Matt O’Connor

Private Sector

Executive Director, Lissa Zass

Public Sector

Executive Director, Jesse Maddison

Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations

Deputy Secretary, Emma Cassar

Families, Fairness and Housing, Justice and Community Security and Emergency Management

Executive Director, Lucy Toovey

Health and Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Education

Executive Director, Ross Broad

Intergovernmental Strategy

Executive Director, Lauren Kaerger

Economic Policy and State Productivity

Deputy Secretary and Land Coordinator General, Jason Loos

Economic Development and International

Executive Director, Rob Holland

Economic Strategy

Executive Director, Heather Ridley

Energy, Resources and Environment

Executive Director, Matt Minchin

Infrastructure, Planning and Major Projects

Executive Director, Andrew Witchard

Precincts and Land

Executive Director, Emily Mottram

First Peoples – State Relations

Deputy Secretary, Elly Patira

Self Determination, Policy and Transformation

Executive Director, Ruth Barson

Traditional Owner Relationships and Heritage

Acting Executive Director, Matthew Lloyd

Treaty, Negotiations and Strategy

Lead Negotiators:

· Shen Narayanasamy

· David McAuley

Land Justice Unit

Executive Director, Dean Cowie

Portfolio entities

Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

Office of the Governor

Victorian Electoral Commission

Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal

Victorian Public Sector Commission

Labour Hire Authority

Portable Long Service Authority

Wage Inspectorate Victoria

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

On 1 January 2023 machinery of government changes took effect, following the November 2022 State Election, when the government decided to expand the number of Victorian public service (VPS) departments from nine to 10. This included the following changes for DPC:

• The Digital Victoria group, the Corporate Services division and the portfolio entities Public Record Office Victoria, Service Victoria and Cenitex transferred from DPC to the new Department of Government Services to accelerate digital transformation and corporate services reform across the VPS. 
• The Social Services Workforce Reform team transferred from DPC to the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to better enable delivery of the government’s comprehensive workforce reform agenda. 
• The Office of the Victorian Government Architect transferred from DPC to the Department of Transport and Planning, consolidating skills to enhance integrated infrastructure planning and place-based outcomes.
• Breakthrough Victoria Pty Ltd, and the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund of which DPC had policy oversight, transferred to the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to bring together the government’s industry and innovation portfolio and economic development portfolio functions.
• The Land Justice Unit and Traditional Owner settlement function transferred from the Department of Justice and Community Safety to DPC to further consolidate functions relating to First Peoples at the centre of government.
• A new Precincts and Land Coordinator General function was established in DPC. The team will work closely with the Department of Transport and Planning to create the enabling environment needed to deliver priority government projects that require land, and to deliver on the government’s vision for precinct development.

The Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor and office concluded its work as of 31 May 2023, having been extended to the end of 2022.

Following machinery of government changes, DPC reduced from having seven groups to five groups, which are described below.

DPC consists of five groups:

• Cabinet, Legal and Governance
• Economic Policy and State Productivity
• First Peoples – State Relations
• Industrial Relations Victoria
• Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations.

Cabinet, Legal and Governance

The Cabinet, Legal, and Governance group delivers public sector legal, legislation and governance expertise and combines the Cabinet Office, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Governance Branch.

Through Cabinet Office, this group provides timely and practical guidance on the operation of Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and the Executive Council. This work supports government decision making and considers the issues that are most relevant to the state and the Victorian community. 
 

OGC provides legal and policy advice, including in the areas of administrative, constitutional and corporate law. OGC’s policy focus is on issues in the Premier and the Minister for Government Services’ portfolios, principally in relation to Victoria’s public sector, electoral system and subordinate legislation. OGC advises on the government’s legislative agenda and supports DPC in developing legislative and regulatory proposals. It also manages the department’s freedom of Information and privacy functions.

Governance Branch unifies DPC’s efforts to promote good governance and public administration, high-quality decision and policymaking, government integrity and accountability, and trust in public institutions. It also supports the critical work of the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.

Economic Policy and State Productivity

The Economic Policy and State Productivity group leads economic policy advice to the Premier and Cabinet. The group works in collaboration with relevant departments and agencies to ensure a coordinated whole of government approach to policy and projects in the areas of economic development; fiscal strategy; regional and suburban development; local government outcomes; regulatory reform; consumer affairs; gambling; racing; WorkSafe and TAC; insurance; government services; creative industries; tourism, sport and major events; industry and innovation; employment; skills, higher education and training; workplace safety; international engagement; trade and investment; infrastructure; planning; transport; energy; agriculture; resources; and the environment. The group also provides advice to the Deputy Premier on precincts and land coordination. 

First Peoples – State Relations

The First Peoples – State Relations group was established in April 2021 and is responsible for an extensive program of nation-leading work in the areas of cultural rights, land rights, self-determination, treaty and truth with First Peoples. The group recognises Victoria’s First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria and is committed to building ongoing, just and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State. The group performs statutory functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and works with First Peoples on cultural heritage management and protection in ways that recognise the leading role of strong and engaged Traditional Owners.

Industrial Relations Victoria

The Industrial Relations Victoria (IRV) group provides strategic industrial relations legislative, policy and technical advice to the government and departments. IRV develops and reviews regulatory frameworks to support a positive industrial relations environment and advocates for fair and productive workplaces, secure work and gender pay equity. IRV also oversees industrial relations matters and enterprise bargaining policy and processes across the Victorian public sector. IRV consists of the Private Sector branch, the Public Sector branch and the Office of the Deputy Secretary.

Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations

The Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations group provides advice on social policy matters including health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, education, justice, community security, emergency management and families, fairness and housing. The group also leads oversight and coordination of whole of government intergovernmental relations matters.

Branches in the Office of the Secretary

In addition to the five groups above, the Strategic Communication, Engagement and Protocol (SCEP) Branch and the Delivery and Strategy Branch report to the Secretary. 

SCEP provides specialist communication and protocol advice and support to the Premier and Ministry and DPC. SCEP’s work includes leading a coordinated approach to communication policy and practice across government, advising on communication and digital strategies, media and issues management, governance and oversight of all government advertising, advising on protocol matters and delivering major events of state significance, providing research, photography, video production services and media strategy and insights.  

The Delivery and Strategy Branch tracks and supports delivery of priority government initiatives and works with policy branches to support strategic policy development of cross-portfolio issues. The branch comprises Delivery Tracking, which monitors implementation of government priority initiatives and commitments, and helps identify and resolve risks and blockages; Strategy, a project-based team that works closely with DPC policy branches and delivery agencies, employing consulting and strategy approaches to resolve priority policy and delivery issues, as commissioned by DPC senior executives or the Premier; and the Behavioural Insights Unit, which supports areas of government through research projects and providing advice to help them understand their users, identify problems and develop innovative solutions.

Secretary

Jeremi Moule was appointed as the Secretary of DPC in October 2020. Before this role, Jeremi was Deputy Secretary of Governance Policy and Coordination at DPC, a position he held from August 2018. 

Jeremi has held various executive positions in the Victorian and South Australian public services over a 17-year period. He started his career as a journalist and was the CEO of a registered training organisation. Jeremi lives in Bendigo and has worked extensively in regional Victoria. 

He holds a journalism degree from the University of South Australia and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance

Toby Hemming was appointed as General Counsel in May 2018 and was the Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance from July 2022 to April 2023, when he joined another VPS department.

Toby has significant experience in the Victorian public sector, having held senior positions in organisations including the County Court of Victoria, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority.

Toby holds degrees in the areas of law, arts and corporate governance. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed Executive Fellows programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

Jennifer Barton was Acting Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance from April to June 2023. Jennifer substantively serves as Executive Director, Governance Branch, DPC.

Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity

Tim Ada was Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity until March 2023, when he was appointed as Secretary of another VPS department.

Tim began in the DPC role in April 2019. Previously, Tim was Deputy Secretary at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, where he was responsible for the strategic development of key industry sectors including manufacturing, life sciences and international education and for delivering telecommunications and employment programs.

Tim has a Master of Agriculture Sciences from the University of Melbourne.

Heather Ridley was Acting Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity from March to June 2023. 

Jason Loos began in the role of Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity and Land Coordinator General in June 2023. Jason has a Master of Business Administration from RMIT and an honours degree in economics from Monash University.

Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations

Elly Patira was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of First Peoples – State Relations in April 2021. Elly is a lawyer and policy adviser with broad experience across constitutional, Indigenous and minority rights law and policy, both domestically and internationally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a JD (Juris Doctor) from the University of Melbourne and a Master of International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford.

Elly has held various executive positions in the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio at DPC. She previously worked as an academic, in the corporate sector, for Aboriginal organisations and as an adviser during the Fijian constitution-making process. As Deputy Secretary, Elly oversees an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples in the areas of treaty, truth and transitional justice, self-determination and cultural rights and protection.

Deputy Secretary, Industrial Relations Victoria

Matt O’Connor was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of IRV in April 2015. 

Matt has worked in the Victorian Government since 2003. He has overseen the development of significant industrial relations legislative and policy reforms including wage theft, labour hire licensing, long service leave, child employment and gig worker supports.

Matt provides strategic input on a range of whole of government industrial relations matters. He has overseen the government’s participation in significant legal proceedings in the Fair Work Commission, including advocating for secure and fair employment through increases to the national minimum wage and a work value review of aged care workers. He also represents the Victorian Government in consultations with the Commonwealth Government on federal industrial relations legislative proposals, including amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009, with a view to maintaining fair and productive workplace arrangements for Victorian employers and workers. 

Matt has led the implementation of the government’s public sector industrial relations strategy for several years and, more recently, played a pivotal role in developing enduring flexible working arrangements for the VPS and reviewing the Victorian public sector wages policy.

Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Interdepartmental Relations

Emma Cassar was appointed Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations in March 
2023, following more than 20 years’ experience in local and international roles spanning government, private and 
non-profit organisations.

Emma holds a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology from the University of Melbourne and began her distinguished career as a forensic psychologist with Corrections Victoria in 1999. She went on to become General Manager at several Victorian prisons and acted in various senior executive roles before becoming CEO of non-profit Open Family Australia in 2010 and State Director for Mission Australia from 2011 to 2013. A stint in the private sector saw Emma as Business Development Director of Serco Australia and then a number of years at KPMG as a Partner, leading the National Justice and Security sector.

Emma returned to Corrections Victoria in June 2018 as Commissioner. In July 2020 Emma took on the role of Deputy State Controller for the COVID-19 Accommodation program and at the end of 2020 was appointed COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria Commissioner.

Kate Houghton was Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations until December 2022 when she was appointed Secretary of another VPS department.

Emma Catford was Acting Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations from December 2022 to March 2023.

Administrative offices are established and abolished through orders under section 11 of the Public Administration Act, and each is established in relation to a department.

DPC is responsible for the effective, efficient and economical management of the following administrative offices.

Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel transforms policy into legislation, advises the government on its legislative program and drafts legislation for the government and the Parliament of Victoria. The office ensures up-to-date public access to authorised Victorian legislation and is also the Government Printer for Victoria, responsible for publishing legislation.

Office of the Governor

The Office of the Governor supports the Governor of Victoria in carrying out all aspects of their official duties for the benefit of the Victorian community. The office also maintains Government House and grounds as a unique heritage community asset. 

The Governor’s role includes constitutional and ceremonial duties, community and international engagement, as well as official municipal and regional visits.

DPC supports its ministers in their responsibilities for the Victorian Public Sector Commission and the following public entities and special bodies.

Public entities

Public entities include statutory authorities, state-owned enterprises, state-owned corporations and formally constituted advisory boards that perform functions outside of the VPS.

DPC supports the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples in their responsibilities for the following public entities:

• Labour Hire Authority
• Portable Long Service Authority 
• Wage Inspectorate Victoria 
• Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

Special bodies

Special bodies are defined in section 6 of the Public Administration Act and are created under separate legislation. DPC supports the Minister for Government Services in his responsibilities for the following  
special bodies:

• Electoral Boundaries Commission
• Victorian Electoral Commission
• Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.

Board of Management

The Board of Management comprises DPC’s senior-level executive officers who: 

• provide organisation oversight 
• provide strategic direction 
• ensure DPC is operating in a fiscally and environmentally sustainable manner 
• ensure DPC is meeting changing community needs and government priorities. 

As of 30 June 2023 DPC’s Board of Management members are: 

• Jeremi Moule, Secretary 
• Jennifer Barton, Acting Deputy Secretary, Cabinet, Legal and Governance 
• Jason Loos, Deputy Secretary, Economic Policy and State Productivity and Land Coordinator General 
• Elly Patira, Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations 
• Matt O’Connor, Deputy Secretary, Industrial Relations Victoria 
• Emma Cassar, Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations. 

Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Audit and Risk Management Committee provides independent assurance and advice on the effectiveness of DPC’s financial management systems and controls, performance, stability, compliance with laws and regulations and risk management.

The committee reports to DPC’s Secretary and is established in line with the Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994.

All members of the committee are independent.

As of 30 June 2023, the committee comprised the following members: 

• Geoff Harry (chair) 
• Andrew Whittaker 
• Rachel Thomson
• Katie Williams.

Internal audit 

In 2022–23 PricewaterhouseCoopers were DPC’s outsourced internal audit providers. DPC’s internal audit program comprises reviews of corporate functions and key compliance requirements, and tests internal controls that support DPC’s operating environment and management practices. The results of all audits are reported to executive management and to the Audit and Risk Management Committee, with progress of implementation of audit recommendations also reported to the committee.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee is a consultative committee made up of DPC’s health and safety representatives and may also include first aid officers. 

The committee has been established in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to: 

• facilitate cooperation between the employer and employees in instigating, developing and carrying out measures designed to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace 
• assist formulation, review and dissemination to employees of policies and procedures relating to health and safety that are to be implemented and complied with at DPC 
• investigate any matter that may be a risk to the health and safety of people at DPC 
• review reported accidents and incidents and maintain DPC’s Occupational Health and Safety Risk Register, including risk ratings and controls 
• attempt to resolve any matter or request for DPC to conduct a review of the matter where no resolution can be determined 
• establish designated working groups to reflect the DPC working environment 
• ensure elections are conducted to fulfil the health and safety representative requirement across the department. 

The committee members met half-yearly in 2022–23 to ensure any emerging issues were identified early to enable a timely and proactive response.

Procurement Governance Committee

The main responsibilities of the Procurement Governance Committee are to: 

• ensure strategic direction of procurement activities at DPC
• provide governance and assurance to the Secretary and Board of Management through its oversight of procurement strategies, policies, procedures, practices and probity 
• ensure compliance with Victorian Government Purchasing Board supply policies and the Financial Management Act.

The Procurement Governance Committee members as of 30 June 2023 were: 

• Nicola Ramsay, Acting Executive Director, Corporate Services (chair) 
• Anthony Bale, Chief Financial Officer 
• Sam Gillespie, Director, WoVG ICT Strategic Sourcing and Digital
• Kevin Duong, Acting Chief Procurement Officer
• Lara Pasquale, Acting Chief Operating Officer.

The following table summarises DPC’s financial results for 2022–23, with comparative information for the preceding four reporting periods. The information is prepared on the same basis as DPC’s financial statements in Section 3. Significant changes in financial position are noted below the table.

Key financial indicators from 2018–19 to 2022–23

Notes:

(1)   The increase in 2022–23 income and expenditure is due to expenses associated with the State Election incurred by the Victorian Electoral Commission. The assets and liabilities decreased as a result of transfer of functions from DPC due to machinery of government changes effective from 1 January 2023.

(2)   The increase in 2021–22 income and expenditure is mainly due to new government initiatives delivered during the year, including digital vaccination certification, business licensing initiative and the development of the Digital Victoria Marketplace. In addition, there is an increase associated with 2022 State Election readiness. Assets increased as a result of revaluation from formal valuation of property, plant and equipment. Department liabilities increased as a result of higher employee leave liabilities and provision for the early retirement packages announced during the year.

(3)   The decrease in 2020–21 income and expenditure is mainly due to machinery of government changes where Fairer Victoria transferred from DPC to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing on 1 February 2021, and Bushfire Recovery Victoria transferred to the Department of Justice and Community Safety from 1 July 2020. An increase in assets is driven by asset revaluations. Transfer of employee and supplier liabilities to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing contributed to a decrease in liabilities. 

(4)  The increase in 2019–20 income and expenditure is mainly due to bushfire recovery activities and responses to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. DPC’s assets decreased due to reductions in financial assets from using funding received in prior financial years and due to machinery of government decisions where functions were transferred from DPC. 

(5)   The increase in 2018–19 income and expenditure is mainly due to new government initiatives delivered during the year, including Pick My Project Multicultural Community Infrastructure programs and the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund. Separately, there was increased income and expenditure due to the 2018 State Election. Assets increased due to investments in modernising DPC’s office spaces and further investments in Service Victoria’s digital services platform. DPC’s liabilities increased due to higher payables and employee liabilities because of growth and machinery of government transfers into DPC.

This section reports on the outcomes the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) achieved during the year against key initiatives and departmental objectives.

DPC made the following changes to its output structure as set out in the 2022–23 Victorian Budget Paper No. 3 — Service Delivery:

Source: 2022–23 Victorian Budget Paper No. 3 — Service Delivery

Due to machinery of government changes effective 1 January 2023, the following departmental outputs transferred out of DPC:

Departmental objectives, indicators and outputs

DPC’s medium-term objectives, associated indicators and linked outputs as of 30 June 2023 are shown below.

This objective pursues policy, service and administration excellence and reform. It leads the public sector response to significant state issues, policy challenges and projects. It supports the effective administration of government and the delivery of policy and projects that enable increased productivity and competitiveness in Victoria.

Outcomes on the following key initiatives have helped DPC achieve the ‘Strong policy outcomes’ strategic objective.

Established Precincts and Land Coordinator General function

Machinery of government changes that came into effect on 1 January 2023 established the Precincts and Land Coordinator General function in DPC to commission and coordinate precincts and coordinate and facilitate land acquisition across government. The functions have been established to help deliver the government’s jobs, housing and infrastructure agenda.

The Land Coordinator General is working across government to improve the use of government land to deliver better outcomes for the Victorian community. This is achieved through work to optimise the use and transaction of government land to support capital project delivery and other key objectives such as housing.

The Land Coordinator General function is also responsible for delivering a government land database to improve collection and use of data on government land.

The Precincts function will undertake precinct prioritisation to help achieve the government’s jobs, housing and infrastructure agenda though sequencing development of precincts as priority locations for growth in areas close to existing infrastructure and services. The Precincts function will work closely with delivery departments and agencies to achieve a whole of government and coordinated approach for precinct delivery.

Provided advice on current and future economic challenges and opportunities, including advice on measures to support Victoria’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic 

In 2022–23 DPC continued to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Finance and other departments to support the government’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the October 2022 floods. This included advising on budget and fiscal strategy, industry recovery, employment, training and skills, higher education, consumer affairs, local government, transport policy and infrastructure delivery. Since the onset of COVID-19, DPC has actively supported the Victorian Government to identify and implement measures to assist businesses and individuals affected financially by the pandemic. DPC also prepared advice to support the returned government following the 2022 State Election.

Provided advice to support the government’s budgeting and financial management and efficient government operations 

In 2022–23 DPC continued to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Finance to provide advice to government on its fiscal strategy and the annual State Budget process. This included advice on, and implementation of, budget efficiency measures.

Provided advice to deliver a renewable energy transition and emissions reduction; support delivery of the government’s environmental and agricultural priorities; and maintain the sustainable use of Victoria’s natural resources in a changing climate

In 2022–23 DPC provided advice and supported the Premier, other departments and entities to deliver the government’s energy, resources and environment commitments including: 

• reviving the State Electricity Commission, including work to identify and announce a Pioneer Investment by the end of 2023
• developing an offshore wind industry for Victoria, including releasing Implementation Statements 1 and 2 and starting engagement on 
  transmission planning
• developing the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework and investment from the Renewable Energy Zone Fund in projects to strengthen and modernise the electricity grid
• completing the second Victorian Renewable Energy Target auction (VRET2) and announcing the successful projects
• advising on the Victorian Government’s decision to end native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests by 1 January 2024
• formalising the interim emission reduction target of 75 to 80 per cent by 2035 and steps to legislate the bring-forward of Victoria’s long-term target for net zero emissions from 2050 to 2045
• supporting Victorian energy consumers through two rounds of the $250 Power Saving Bonus for all Victorian households
• supporting Victoria’s actions to prevent and prepare for incursions of biosecurity threats.

Supported delivery of the government’s infrastructure program and coordinated reforms to the transport network

In 2022–23 DPC continued to work with the Department of Transport and Planning and the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority on major transport projects in construction including the Level Crossings Removal Project, the Metro Tunnel Project, the North East Link Project, and the West Gate Tunnel Project.

DPC has also continued to work across government including with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority to progress the Suburban Rail Loop project. Highlights included starting initial and early works, tunnelling procurement and launching the Community Projects Fund.

DPC worked with the Department of Transport and Planning to deliver major commercial reforms including the new Public Transport Ticketing system contract, the Melbourne metropolitan tram franchise tender and the VicRoads modernisation — joint venture model for Registration, Licensing and Custom Plates.

DPC supported initiatives that plan for the future growth of Victoria, including collaborating with the newly established Land Coordinator General function to deliver infrastructure and integration of transport infrastructure projects, and precinct prioritisation and sequencing.

Supported delivery of the government’s industry and innovation agenda, including support for the newly established state-owned company, Breakthrough Victoria Pty Ltd, which is driving investment in commercialisation and jobs outcomes

In 2022–23 DPC supported the state’s industry and innovation agenda via a range of activities working in close partnership with other departments and state entities. This included:

• providing advice to Breakthrough Victoria to support its establishment phase and investment readiness, with the company making several key investments into sectors like medical and quantum technologies
• supporting the organisation and the Premier in Breakthrough Victoria’s operations as a state-owned company, including preparing and tabling its first annual report
• supporting the transition of Breakthrough Victoria portfolio arrangements, including through updating the organisation’s constitution and statement of principles, and by providing specialist advice to the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

Breakthrough Victoria was originally established by DPC in 2021 and reported to the Premier, with the Treasurer the sole shareholder on the state’s behalf. Following machinery of government changes, it now reports to the Minister for Industry and Innovation, with the Treasurer remaining as sole shareholder.

Provided advice to support the efficient operation of markets while maintaining appropriate protections for consumers 

DPC has worked with departments to improve the design of government regulation to protect consumers while minimising costs on businesses and the community. In 2022–23 this included implementing support for consumers following the collapse of numerous residential builders, reforms related to domestic building and in response to construction cost pressures and various projects funded through the Regulatory Reform Incentive Fund. DPC continued to support changes to casino regulation in response to the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence and the wagering and betting licensing process. 

Facilitated engagement with international stakeholders in Victoria and overseas, particularly by the Premier and Governor, that promote trade, foreign investment and other priority whole of government objectives

DPC has worked across government in 
2022–23 to further Victoria’s international engagement objectives by:

• supporting whole of government cooperation with key international partners to promote trade, investment and cultural and education ties that benefit Victorians, including by facilitating engagement between international dignitaries and the Premier, Governor and other Victorian leaders
• collaborating with civil society partners, particularly Asia Society Australia and the Australia-India Institute, to enhance Victoria’s connections to, engagement with and knowledge of Asia
• supporting foreign investment through the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund.

Provided advice and coordination of strategic Victorian Government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic at both the state and national levels, including supporting the health system and Victoria’s policy approach to COVID-19 management across departments and agencies 

DPC continued to play a key role in providing advice and coordinating strategic responses in the third year of the pandemic, working with departments to clarify roles and responsibilities in moving towards enduring response settings. Support was also provided to the Department of Health to establish a review panel to undertake a legislative review of the pandemic management framework.

DPC has continued to provide advice to government and work closely with the Department of Health on responses needed to support the recovery of Victoria’s health system from the significant disruption caused by the pandemic. This has included supporting oversight of the COVID-19 Catch Up Plan to deliver surgical care for Victorians who had surgery deferred because of the pandemic, as well as investments to improve health system performance including in workforce and infrastructure. 

Advocated for Victoria’s interests in intergovernmental fora, including supporting the Premier at National Cabinet

In 2022–23 DPC led advice to the Premier and senior departmental officials to support their participation at National Cabinet and other senior officials’ forums. In the 12-month period, DPC supported Victoria’s engagement with the Commonwealth and jurisdictions at more than 70 intergovernmental meetings. 
DPC also provided strategic policy advice and collaborated across government on National Cabinet reform matters and priority agreements including on health, skills, housing and energy, advocating for Victorian priorities and maximising benefits to the Victorian community. DPC co-led work on behalf of the First Secretaries Group for the Improving Care Pathways project and on health system reform, contributed to the review of Australian Federal Relations Architecture, and led reform work on behalf of the Council for the Australian Federation. 

In total, DPC helped negotiate more than 30 agreements with the Commonwealth Government including the 12-month Skills Agreement, the Housing Accord and the Energy Bill Relief program.

Ensured strategic decision-makers are supported in their efforts to strengthen the disaster resilience and security of all Victorians, including through implementing the recommendations of state and national reviews and inquiries

In 2022–23 DPC continued to support implementation of reforms across the justice system, including criminalising the public display of Nazi symbols, introducing an affirmative consent model and providing better protections for victim-survivors of sexual offences. DPC also supported development of the government’s response to the Coronial Inquest into the Passing of Veronica Nelson and the Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System. DPC has continued to support Victoria’s engagement in the National Redress Scheme for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse.

DPC has continued to support the modernisation of Victoria’s youth justice system by working with the Department of Justice and Community Safety to improve training and pay for custodial staff at Parkville Youth Justice Precinct and prepare for the opening of the state’s new youth justice precinct, Cherry Creek. 

The new facility is set to take on the first cohort of young people in August 2023. Likewise, DPC has supported work to deliver modern, accessible court facilities for Victorians, including the new Bendigo Law Courts and Dandenong Children’s Court, which opened in 2023.

Through coordination and collaboration with all Victorian government departments, DPC has continued to strengthen emergency management arrangements and to support a strong reform agenda in response to several reviews and inquiries. These include the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Victorian floods and the Inspector-General for Emergency Management Review of Victoria’s water safety arrangements, along with supporting further implementation of recommendations from past reviews and inquiries.

DPC also supported decision making at the whole of government level in response to the October 2022 floods. This has enabled the Victorian Government, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government and local councils, to implement immediate response, relief and early recovery activities for flood-affected people, families and communities.

Further, throughout 2022–23, DPC supported national counter-terrorism reforms through the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee. DPC also supported reforms to tackle the early warning signs of radicalisation and violent and extremist behaviour, and the development of a Victorian Government response to the recommendations arising from the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee’s Inquiry into extremism in Victoria. DPC continued to provide protective security measures for government personnel and its information and physical assets through coordinating VPS personnel vetting and the Member of Parliament Protective Security Program.

Supported the Victorian Government to deliver critical social policy reforms, including Secondary Pathways Reform justice reforms, and implementing Best Start, Best Life reforms alongside the continued rollout of three-year-old kindergarten 

DPC continued to play a key role in supporting the design and delivery of major education reforms in 2022–23. In the past year, DPC worked closely with the Department of Education to strengthen the education system, including: 

• continuing the rollout of the Disability Inclusion initiative, which supports students with disability to participate in education on the same basis as their peers
• continuing the delivery of the Victorian Government’s school capital investment, including delivering 100 new schools by 2026
• progressing the Senior School Pathways Reform agenda to provide greater vocational and applied learning opportunities for school students.

During 2022–23 DPC continued to inform the design and ongoing implementation of the Best Start, Best Life agenda. This includes making kindergarten free from 2023 and introducing a new year of universal Pre-Prep for four-year-olds. As part of this reform, DPC continued to support the establishment of 50 government-owned and operated Early Learning Centres in areas of unmet demand. 

DPC also continued to support the rollout of universal funded three-year-old kindergarten, and in 2023 all services across the state were delivering between five and 15 hours of kindergarten each week. 

Supported the ongoing delivery of the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build to help increase the state’s social housing supply by 10 per cent in four years and support Victorians in need 

In 2022–23 DPC continued to support Homes Victoria in delivering the Big Housing Build, including through key governance forums and ongoing engagement in policy reform. DPC co-chaired the Housing Interdepartmental Committee, supporting coordinated discussion of housing policy issues across key Victorian Government departments, and participated in a range of other governance forums across the housing portfolio. DPC will continue to support regular reporting on delivering the Big Housing Build to government, to support appropriate oversight and monitoring of this generational reform to the social and affordable housing system.

DPC supported engagement with the Commonwealth to finalise the National Housing Accord and Social Housing Accelerator Payment to further grow the pipeline of social and affordable housing in Victoria. DPC will continue to support Homes Victoria to deliver Victoria’s targets and commitments under these intergovernmental agreements, including supporting regular reporting to the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments on theprogress of implementation.

Supported the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to deliver a reformed and integrated mental health and wellbeing system with community at its core 

In partnership with the Department of Health, DPC has continued to support a coordinated government response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. In the two years since the final report was tabled, work has begun on more than 90 per cent of the royal commission’s recommendations to set the foundations for Victoria’s future mental health system. 

Key achievements in 2022–23 include supporting the introduction of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 and delivering six new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with planning underway for more Locals across Victoria. 

DPC also continues to work with the Department of Health to facilitate government-wide decision making to improve the mental health and wellbeing system, including through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Committee, Mental Health and Wellbeing Victorian Secretaries’ Board Committee, Suicide Prevention and Response Victorian Secretaries’ Board Committee and Interdepartmental Committee on Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion.

Drove co-operative and productive workplace relations in the Victorian public sector by developing and facilitating compliance with the Victorian Government’s industrial relations policy and overseeing the timely and efficient resolution of enterprise bargaining 

In 2022–23 DPC provided leadership and industrial relations advice and support on public sector bargaining matters. This included assisting portfolio departments and agencies to finalise approximately 16 new public sector enterprise agreements under the previous wages policy before the caretaker government period began in November 2022. Following the 2022 State Election, DPC worked with the Department of Treasury and Finance to develop and support the implementation of the new wages policy, which was introduced in April 2023.

DPC worked with public service employers and other stakeholders to review, develop and publish 45 common policies to support the consistent application of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2020, as well as developing a range of other policy guidance material to support the effective administration of the public sector.

Delivered and supported policy and legislative reform that contributes to fair, productive and equitable Victorian workplaces in the private sector, including promoting gender pay equity

DPC continues to advocate for national laws that retain and enhance the strong protections and regulatory frameworks that exist in Victoria. During 2022–23 DPC engaged closely with the Commonwealth Government on proposed national industrial relations reforms and made key submissions, including on:

• national wage theft laws
• harmonised labour hire licensing laws (including agreeing to co-chair a national working group with Queensland)
• gig worker reforms and protections for ‘employee-like’ forms of work
• other measures including ‘Same job, same pay’, road transport industry minimum standards, unfair contracts and stronger protections against discrimination, adverse action and harassment in workplaces.

DPC has led the development of submissions to other significant legal proceedings and inquiries in the past year, advocating for:

• increases to the national minimum wage under the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review process
• increased protections for casual workers as part of the statutory review of the Fair Work (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021.

DPC has also contributed to other whole of government submissions, including to the Commonwealth Employment White Paper, advocating for reforms to enhance job security, fair pay and conditions and to reduce the gender pay gap. DPC provided significant support to other government departments on projects including the Sick Pay Guarantee, operation of the Fair Jobs Code and establishment of the Apprenticeships Taskforce.

DPC provided industrial relations support and advice to the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner following the implementation of the Gender Equality Act 2020. 

DPC provides the secretariat for the Equal Workplaces Advisory Council, which advises the Minister for Industrial Relations about initiatives to address the gap in women’s pay and workforce participation. The council worked with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to develop and launch a suite of education resources to help small-to-medium enterprises understand equal pay and why it matters. 

DPC provides secretariat support to the Building Industry Consultative Council, which advises the Minister for Industrial Relations on economic and industrial relations issues affecting the building and construction industry.

DPC continued to oversee the:

• implementation of the Women in Construction Strategy 2019–22, which seeks to increase women’s workforce participation in trade and non-trade roles — the strategy sets out a four-year work program with actions at three key points of intervention: attraction, recruitment and retention
• delivery of the Building Equality Policy, which creates training and employment opportunities for women on government-funded construction projects valued at $20 million or more. 

Promoted access to secure, ongoing and meaningful employment for Victorian workers 

DPC continued work to implement recommendations of the Report of the Inquiry into the Victorian On-Demand Workforce including:

• launching the Gig Worker Support Service to assist platform workers and businesses to understand entitlements and obligations, an Australian first of this kind
• developing and implementing the Fair Conduct and Accountability Standards for platform businesses
• advocating for improvements to federal laws to better protect gig workers.

Monitored significant public and private sector industrial relations matters and disputes and provided timely and strategic advice to government

DPC continued to work with industry stakeholders and to provide secretariat support to the Transport Industry Council and the Forestry Industry Council. In keeping with the requirements of the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005, and in response to sudden and significant increases in fuel prices, DPC reviewed rates and costs schedules and published revised schedules in August 2022. These rates and costs schedules set minimum rates of pay for tip truck 
owner-drivers working on government construction projects.

DPC has continued to work with the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) and VPS employers to implement flexible and hybrid working arrangements that promote inclusivity and diversity and support workforce participation. 

Supported industrial relations portfolio agencies and authorities to deliver their legislative obligations, including in relation to wage theft, long service leave, labour hire, child employment and owner-drivers

DPC continued to support the industrial relations portfolio entities — the Wage Inspectorate Victoria, the Portable Long Service Authority and the Labour Hire Licensing Authority — to implement their regulatory responsibilities.

DPC works with the Portable Long Service Authority with respect to its responsibilities and functions under the Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018. The Act established a portable long service scheme for workers in the community services, contract cleaning and security sectors. To date, more than 3,068 employers and 290,577 workers have registered for the scheme.

During 2022–23 DPC began a review of the portable long service scheme to consider whether the purpose and policy objectives of the Long Service Benefits Portability Actare being met, and a review of the Child Employment Regulations 2014, which sunset in June 2024. The review of the Regulations will ensure alignment with the amendments to the Child Employment Act 2003, with effect from 1 July 2023.

DPC also works with the Labour Hire Licensing Authority, the independent statutory body set up to administer the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018. The Act establishes a labour hire licensing scheme to address exploitation in the labour hire industry. As at 30 June 2023, there were 5,227 labour hire licences in force in Victoria, including 922 licences granted in the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Assisted Victorian workplaces to achieve enduring compliance with Victorian law covering wage theft, child employment, long service leave and contractors in transport and forestry

On 1 July 2021 the Wage Inspectorate Victoria was set up as an independent statutory authority under the Wage Theft Act 2020, which introduced criminal wage theft offences. The new authority also assumed responsibility for administering existing child employment, long service leave and owner-driver and forestry contractor legislation. In its second year of operations as a statutory authority, the Wage Inspectorate’s remit has grown to include promoting and enforcing compliance with the Child Safe Standards by those employers who employ children under the age of 15.

The Wage Inspectorate’s continuing compliance and enforcement work creates strong general deterrence to employer contravention of the laws within the Inspectorate’s remit. In 2022–23 the Wage Inspectorate delivered the following outcomes to ensure productive and prosperous workplaces for all Victorians: 

• protected the safety and welfare of children working in Victoria by administering child employment laws, including assessing and issuing 9,121 child employment permits, conducting 395 child employment investigations and proactive regulatory activities across the state
• answered 13,248 calls about wage theft, long service leave, child employment and owner-driver laws through its helpline and responded to 1,845 written enquiries
• finalised 144 long service leave investigations, helping to recover more than $1 million in outstanding long service leave entitlements
• had 17 matters before a court, including the first criminal wage theft charges laid under the Wage Theft Act, as well as alleged breaches of the Long Service Leave Act and the Child Employment Act, and was successful in securing guilty verdicts against two employers (the remaining matters were still before a court as of 30 June 2023) 
• undertook regulatory responsibilities under the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act, including through proactive auditing activities focused on hirers of owner-drivers and checking compliance with the law for 248 individual drivers 
• continued implementing its 
  three-year education strategy to raise awareness of workplace rights and obligations in Victoria and ran two major education campaigns, released educative videos and e-learning modules, engaged more than 200 stakeholders and translated information into 
  nine languages.

Supported strong policy outcomes for First Peoples by driving whole of government policy and reform in the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio

In 2022–23 DPC continued to provide strategic social policy advice in Aboriginal affairs across the Victorian Government. This advice included supporting policy that promotes self-determined and equitable outcomes aligned with Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework commitments, treaty processes, responding to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. DPC also coordinated and advised on best practice engagement with Traditional Owners, whether formally recognised or not, ensuring the rights of Traditional Owners are respected and protected in government reform activities, and assisting Traditional Owner groups to achieve their self-determined aspirations.

Progress towards achieving the objective

The output performance measures that provide information on DPC’s progress in achieving the ‘Strong policy outcomes’ strategic objective are outlined below.

Objective indicator: Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to economic and social outcomes, emergency management and industrial relations.

Sources:

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021–22 financial year) Australian National Accounts: State Accounts, ABS website, accessed 6 August 2023.
2. 2023–24 Victorian Budget Paper No. 2 — Strategy and Outlook. 
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022–23 financial year) ‘Table 5: Labour force status by Sex, Victoria’ [time series spreadsheet],Labour Force, Australia, ABS website, accessed 6 August 2023.

More details on DPC’s 2022–23 performance against its output performance measures are provided on pages 49–59.

This objective focuses on improving outcomes and services for First Peoples through prioritising actions to enable self-determination, including advancing treaty, protecting and promoting cultural rights and conducting a truth-telling process. It addresses trauma and supports healing; addresses the racism underpinning colonisation; and provides culturally safe systems and services. It also transfers power and resources to communities. DPC’s outcomes on the following key initiatives helped DPC achieve the ‘First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining’ strategic objective.

Advanced Aboriginal self-determination and improved outcomes in line with the commitments made in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018–2023, the Self-Determination Reform Framework and the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2021–2023 

In 2022–23 DPC undertook extensive engagement with government departments and Aboriginal Governance Forums to develop the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2022 before it was tabled in Parliament on 22 June 2023. The annual Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report measures whole of government progress to improve outcomes for and with Victoria’s First Peoples, incorporating reporting against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, Self-Determination Reform Framework and Implementation Plan. DPC also updated the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework Data Dashboard alongside the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report to promote community access to statewide and local data.

DPC has continued to support the Partnership Forum on Closing the Gap, the government’s formal partner for Closing the Gap implementation, as required under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. In 2022–23 DPC worked closely with the Partnership Forum to action key commitments under the National Agreement including Victoria’s Expenditure Review and establishing a combined Place-Based Partnership and Community Data Project. 

Progressed the Victorian Government’s negotiation of treaty elements with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (as the representative body for Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians) in line with the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018

In 2022–23 DPC took a momentous step towards treaty, delivering all the institutional elements required under the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Actin equal partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, including the following:

• The Treaty Negotiation Framework was executed. The framework sets out the agreed rules and process for negotiating treaties between the State and First Peoples. The framework establishes a treaty process in Victoria that is inclusive and open to all First Peoples, as well as ensuring the protection of the existing legal rights of Traditional Owners such as native title. Unique to Victoria, the framework also requires all parties, including the State, to engage with the Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority respectfully and in good faith. 
• The Self-Determination Fund was established. The fund is an independent financial resource to support First Peoples to achieve equal standing with the State in treaty negotiations and build capacity, wealth and prosperity for First Peoples. The State committed $65 million to the fund over three years and has made its inaugural transfer of $35 million. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is required to administer the Self-Determination Fund independently of the State in a way that fairly and equitably benefits First Peoples.
• The Treaty Authority was established. The Treaty Authority is an independent ‘Treaty Umpire’ consisting of five to seven members who will oversee and facilitate treaty negotiations to ensure a fair, effective and culturally strong treaty process. The Treaty Authority and Other Elements Act 2022 became law in August 2022 and supports the establishment and ongoing operation of the Treaty Authority. DPC has also progressed operationalising the Treaty Authority by jointly appointing the Treaty Authority Panel to select Treaty Authority Members, together with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
• DPC has led work across the Victorian Government to inform the State’s position in negotiating the treaty elements, including by coordinating a Treaty Interdepartmental Committee. 
• DPC has prepared the Treaty Annual Report as required under the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act. The report outlines the work of the State in advancing the treaty process, ensuring the government is transparent in its work to advance treaty in Victoria.

Both the State and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria are set to embark on the next phase of the landmark treaty process and begin formal treaty negotiations in late 2023.

Led the whole of government response to the historic Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first ever truth-telling inquiry into the historical and ongoing systemic injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation 

In 2022–23 DPC played a pivotal role in coordinating the whole of government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. DPC progressed key activities to fulfil its role in meeting the State’s commitment to genuine, transparent and proactive engagement with the Commission including:

• leading updates to the Commission’s Letters Patent to:
  • require an additional interim report on priority reform issues by 31 August 2023
  • extend the term of the Commission by 12 months
  • appoint a new Commissioner, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara Traditional Owner Travis Lovett 
• coordinating the State’s response to 26 Notices to Produce issued by the Commission under the Inquiries Act 2014
• coordinating the drafting of two whole of Government submissions to the Commission on its criminal justice and child protection lines of inquiry, including a cover letter from the Premier (the submissions and letters made unprecedented apologies and acknowledgements, reflecting the spirit of truth telling)
• leading implementation of operational recommendations made by the Commission, in consultation with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
• coordinating the legal representation for the State’s response to the Commission
• providing secretariat support for coordinating the State’s response to the Commission through the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s whole of government working group and the Interdepartmental Committee, governance groups that include members of all departments and Victoria Police
• establishing a whole of government Community of Practice to support close collaboration of all departments and Victoria Police on policy responses and proactive engagement with the Commission’s inquiry
• coordinating State witness preparation, culminating in the Commission’s questioning of 16 State witnesses from 27 April to 15 May 2023 — State witnesses included the Attorney-General, Minister for Police, Chief Commissioner of Police, Minister for Corrections, Youth Justice and Victim Support, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, and senior public servants (State witnesses acknowledged the structural racism within the systems they are responsible for overseeing and the ongoing impacts of colonisation that continue to shape First Peoples’ interactions with these systems) 
• facilitating the independent process for selecting and recommending Commissioner Travis Lovett and supporting his appointment to the role on 6 March 2023.

Drove and supported strong cultural heritage management and protection including supporting Traditional Owners, maintaining the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register and acquitting statutory functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 such as activities to promote and enforce compliance

DPC continued to maintain Victoria’s 
world-class Aboriginal cultural heritage management system, which is established under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. DPC 
leads the regulatory, enforcement and approval processes under this system to protect Victoria’s significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. 

The following statutory activities have taken place in 2022–23:

• recording 835 Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, bringing the number of Aboriginal places recorded on the register to more than 40,000
• making decisions on 53 cultural heritage management plans and seven amendments to plans prepared in parts of Victoria where Traditional Owners have not been formally recognised
• issuing seven cultural heritage permits
• making decisions on 70 preliminary Aboriginal heritage tests, which provide developers and land users certainty about whether a cultural heritage management plan is required for a proposed activity.

Support was provided to Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to carry out their functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, administering 16 capacity development projects to Traditional Owner organisations to support their protection and management of cultural heritage. This included training in identifying and recording archaeological sites and Aboriginal cultural places. 

DPC also delivered its Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management to Aboriginal students through its partnership with La Trobe University and administered two cultural heritage management workshops to Aboriginal people interested in pursuing a career in Aboriginal cultural heritage management. 

DPC supported two Registered Aboriginal Party forums, providing RAPs opportunities to share knowledge and improve protection outcomes for Aboriginal heritage across the state.

DPC has undertaken its enforcement and compliance responsibilities this year. This has included:

• 109 investigations into reports of noncompliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act across Victoria
• two prosecutions for harming Aboriginal cultural heritage.

DPC also continued to lead a proactive enforcement and compliance strategy, preventing the occurrence of offences under the Act and leading greater ongoing compliance and protection of Aboriginal heritage.

DPC continued to support Traditional Owners to better protect Victoria’s most significant Aboriginal cultural heritage places. This included supporting the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples’ decision to make an Ongoing Protection Declaration over Ghow Swamp Aboriginal Place in northern Victoria. DPC also progressed development of Ongoing Protection Declarations at other significant Victorian Aboriginal places.

DPC has worked in partnership with Traditional Owners to ensure significant Aboriginal cultural heritage is protected and appropriately managed by major development projects carried out in Victoria. This includes working with Traditional Owners and partner agencies to ensure Aboriginal places would be protected during construction of water infrastructure along the Murray River as part of the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project. DPC has also been working with Traditional Owners, partner agencies and the Commonwealth Government to consider how Aboriginal heritage values can be managed by proposed offshore development projects in the waters south of Victoria. 

Delivered the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program and the First Mortgage and Community Infrastructure Program to enable Aboriginal organisations to meet their infrastructure needs and serve their communities

In 2022–23 the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program delivered its sixth successful funding round. Round 6 awarded more than $11 million to 21 Aboriginal organisations to upgrade or build community infrastructure including:

• $1.6 million for Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative to upgrade the Dalki Ghuli Community Hub into a fit-for-purpose facility in Horsham
• $1.6 million for Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative to create a fit-for-purpose, culturally safe Healing Spirit Youth Hub for children and young people to access clinical and therapeutic services and support
• $1.6 million for Worawa Aboriginal College to expand the existing meeting space in its professional learning and resource centre to increase accessibility and functionality
• $1.6 million for Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, which is building stage two of its cultural research and exhibition complex in Barmah
• $1.4 million for Bunjilwarra (in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service) to refurbish its existing administration building to support staff and case care recovery workers.

In 2022–23 DPC removed first mortgages from five properties owned by three Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as part of the First Mortgage and Community Infrastructure Program. First mortgages were removed from:

• Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative property in Mooroopna
• Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative’s property in Bairnsdale
• Ngwala Aboriginal Corporation’s properties in Windsor, East St Kilda and Thornbury.

The removal of first mortgages gives these organisations full control of their assets, increased financial autonomy and the ability to boost their economic growth and stability. With more choice in how their assets are used, these organisations can further contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of their communities.

Delivering the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, a $36 million major capital works project

In 2022–23 DPC continued its focus on delivering the first major project for First Peoples – State Relations. The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) will drive economic growth in the Goulbourn Murray region for both First Peoples and non–First Nations people. It will provide a 
fit-for-purpose, safe space from which Aboriginal community-controlled and led organisations and their partners can deliver culturally responsive education, employment, health and wellbeing initiatives. At the same time, the MCRE will showcase and celebrate First Peoples’ knowledge, culture and entrepreneurship as a regional, state and national asset. 

In 2022–23 DPC completed the design of the MCRE and appointed a 70 per cent First Nations–owned contractor. Construction of the MCRE is underway, with the project forecast to be delivered at the start of 2024. 

The project has been delivered in line with best practice First Peoples engagement, 
and in alignment with principles of 
self-determination. 

DPC also continued to provide advice to other agencies in relation to infrastructure projects, including best practice design and construction engagement and procurement processes with First Nations communities. 

Supported and resourced Traditional Owner groups by delivering nation-building initiatives, particularly that build and strengthen non–formally recognised Traditional Owner groups 

DPC continued to support the Traditional Owner Nation-building Package in partnership with First Nations Legal and Research Services and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations. The package supports both formally and non–formally recognised Traditional Owner groups across Victoria to build strong foundations to ensure they can prepare for and participate in treaty negotiations and deliver on statutory and cultural responsibilities.

In 2022–23 the package strengthened its focus on supporting Traditional Owner groups in the regions without formal recognition. 

Support provided under the package in 
2022–23 included: 

• supporting 499 Traditional Owners across the Mid North West, Central North, North East and Far East Gippsland regions of Victoria to hold eight gatherings, six projects and four training workshops
• supporting First Nations Legal and Research Services to continue to provide essential independent legal and research services to support Traditional Owners progress formal recognition in Victoria including engagement with approximately 51 Traditional Owner families and small groups and more than 300 individuals across the four regions without formal recognition
• supporting the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations for core funding, the Nation-building Resource Pool and administration of the Resource Pool, which provides flexible funding to formally recognised Traditional Owner groups for nation-building, treaty readiness and cultural heritage–related projects to be delivered by December 2024
• extending Traditional Owner engagement officers in each Registered Aboriginal Party until December 2023, to support nation-building and treaty readiness.

Supported the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council to progress and fulfil its statutory functions 

DPC has continued to provide secretariat and operational support to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council to meet its responsibilities under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, including the appointment and oversight of RAPs. 

In 2022–23 DPC convened six meetings (one regional) of the council, in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act, over two days. During this time, DPC has supported the council through secretariat and operational support to achieve the following:

• presented the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples with the State of Victoria’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 2016–2021, prepared by Dr Terri Janke and informed by lengthy engagement with RAPs and Victorian Traditional Owners
• endorsed three new projects, aligned with Dhawura Ngilan: A Vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage in Australia and the Best Practice Standards in Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management and Legislation
• undertook a comprehensive review of ancestors in the council’s care (more than 2,000 cases) to prepare for the return of many ancestors to their Country 
  in 2023–24
• introduced the Ancestral Remains Repatriation Fund, endorsed by the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, to ensure Traditional Owners are adequately resourced to take part in repatriation processes 
• convened seven Ancestral Remains Advisory Committee meetings to make statutory decisions on the management and return of ancestors (meetings also decided on cultural heritage management plans and requests to access the register) 
• signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Melbourne to jointly progress the repatriation of ancestors and cultural material that once comprised part of the Donald Thomson Collection
• provided advice to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples pursuant to the Aboriginal Heritage Actconcerning the making of an Ongoing Protection Declaration, the appointment of authorised officers, and the introduction of heritage adviser guidelines
• received and reviewed Registered Aboriginal Party applications and oversaw several complaints against Registered Aboriginal Parties, some of which have progressed through mediation to resolution 
• promoted cultural heritage in several forums and contexts including the Registered Aboriginal Party Forums, the Heritage Chairs and Officials for Australia and New Zealand, industry events including with Master Builders Association, interagency events including with the Environmental Protection Authority. The council also performed an educative role with Certificate IV students and DPC staff seeking to become authorised officers under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

Progressed and fulfilled the Victorian Government’s statutory responsibilities under the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 and supported self-governance and self-determination activities at Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts 

The 2022–23 State Budget provided $2 million over four years in output funding to strengthen the independence of the trusts. This initiative provided funding for:

• both communities to deliver self-determined services and initiatives to support: social and emotional wellbeing; emerging young leaders to gain the necessary skills to manage trust affairs in the future; and greater access to professional training opportunities for management
• the Victorian Government to appropriately respond to the independent review of the Act
• added support for Framlingham Aboriginal Trust to successfully exit administration.

Negotiated and implemented agreements between the State and Traditional Owner groups under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 

The Land Justice Unit joined DPC on 1 January 2023 following machinery of government changes after the November 2022 State Election. 

During 2022–23 DPC has:

• advised the government on increasing compensation entitlements for Traditional Owners as part of a Land Use Activity Agreement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act, in response to changes in Australian law
• continued negotiations under the Act with the Gunaikurnai people, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples to supplement the interim agreements reached with those groups in 2022
• continued to implement agreements under the Act with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• continued to support Dja Dja Wurrung’s building of its Corporate and Community Centre at Hattam Street, Bendigo, including attending the garni (digging stick) ceremony on 16 June to celebrate the start of construction
• completed the return of title to Taungurung of the Nyagaroon property (formerly Acheron Youth Justice Camp)
• maintained engagement with several groups about their entry into or resumption of Act negotiations 
• inputted into other reform projects that might affect the rights of Victorian Traditional Owners to ensure their voice is heard and that they can take opportunities to advance.

Supported Traditional Owners to achieve the native title determination outcomes they seek

In 2022–23 DPC achieved the following key outcomes: 

• On 28 March 2023 the Eastern Maar People’s native title claim was largely resolved in a ceremonial hearing of the Federal Court at Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool to recognise Eastern Maar’s native title rights. Work continues on resolving some parts of the claim.
• DPC continued to work with First Peoples and to support the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples to respond to native title claims made in the Federal Court.

DPC has also worked with First Peoples’ legal representatives and supported the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples to respond to native title matters currently before the Federal Court, including by:

• taking part in hearings in the Boonwurrung proceeding
• taking part in hearings into claims by Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar
• taking part in mediation of the First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee proceeding
• considering registration and notification issues in the Wamba Wemba and the Wadawurrung claims.

Work in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to negotiate changes in response to the 2018 Initial Outcomes Review of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 agreement signed in 2013

DPC has partnered with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to respond to the Initial Outcomes Review conducted by Professor Mick Dodson, concluding in October 2018, including by implementing a Revised Settlement Package, signed on 25 October 2022. The package:

• increased funding commitments (for example, providing a one-off implementation payment, additional corporation funding, ongoing management of natural resource funding and ongoing joint management funding)
• expanded the Local Government Engagement Strategy
• strengthened and consolidated the Natural Resource Agreement (for example, clarifying take and use rights and strengthening strategies to support participation and employment of the Dja Dja Wurrung people in the management of Natural Resources)
• introduced the Traditional Owner Land Natural Resource Agreement (extending certain take and use rights outlined in the Natural Resource Agreement to all Traditional Owner land within the Agreement Area in which the corporation, a subsidiary of the corporation or a member of the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner group has an estate in fee simple) 
• committed to continuing to negotiate with the corporation in 2023 on changes to the Land Use Activity Agreement to complete the revised Settlement Package.

Progress towards achieving the objective

The output performance measures that provide information on DPC’s progress in achieving the ‘First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining’ strategic objective are outlined below.

Objective indicator: First Peoples in Victoria have increased control over decisions that impact their lives.

More details on DPC’s 2022–23 performance against its output performance measures are provided on pages 49–59. 

This objective fosters and promotes a high-performing public service. It ensures effective whole of government performance and outcomes. It protects the integrity and values of good governance to foster and maintain public trust in government.

Outcomes on the following key initiatives have helped DPC achieve the ‘Professional public administration’ objective.

Provided clear, timely and practical guidance, expertise and support to stakeholders in relation to Cabinet, Parliament, legislation, Executive Council and ministerial correspondence matters 

In 2022–23 DPC provided expert guidance to support Cabinet, Parliament, Executive Council and ministerial correspondence matters. This included administrative support for Cabinet, the Premier and DPC ministers, as well as across departments and the ministry where needed. DPC also provided high-quality administrative support for the Governor in relation to Executive Council matters.

Provided central media relations, communications, advertising and research governance advisory services to Victorian government departments and ministers 

DPC delivered a range of products and services including speeches, website content, media releases, internal communications, events, video production and photography throughout 2022–23.

As part of its strategic governance and central advisory role for all government advertising campaigns, DPC ensured adherence to the Victorian Government Communication Guidelines and relevant legislation, supported the consistent development of campaign creative and media buying across government and provided strategic advice on communicating with diverse and regional audiences. 

Support was provided across the department and to DPC ministers on a number of priorities. Examples of support 
provided include:

• the introduction of the Treaty Authority Bill into the Victorian Parliament 
• agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government on a Treaty Negotiation Framework
• trialling a digital drivers’ licence through the Service Victoria app.

DPC provided strategic advice and oversight of the protocol policies and functions of the Victorian Government and operational delivery of state-significant protocol events. Key events included:

• delivering Australia Day public events and programs and Victoria’s participation in the National Australia Day 
  Council program
• significant state memorial services for
  • the Hon Jane Garrett
  • John Famechon AM
  • Judith Durham AO
  • John Famechon AM
  • Uncle Jack Charles 
  • Uncle Archie Roach AM 
  • The Hon John Landy AC CVO MBE
  • Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE
  • Emeritus Professor Derek Denton AC FRS FAA FRCP FRACP LLD (Hon) 
  • Father Bob Maguire AM RFD 
• a farewell dinner for the Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO at the conclusion of her term as Governor of Victoria.

Provided behavioural science capability to all Victorian government departments to support the delivery of behaviourally informed programs and services

Throughout 2022–23 DPC used international evidence to support effective implementation of policies, programs and communications across a number of portfolio areas through the use of behavioural science. This included improving citizen interactions with services, enhancing the accessibility of forms and website communications, and improving internal government processes such as staff reporting and data collection, and frontline recruitment activity. 

Enhanced public sector integrity and governance capability, including through working with the Victorian Public Sector Commission, to ensure the public sector operates in keeping with the highest expectations of trust 

DPC promotes good governance and public administration, high-quality decision and policymaking, government integrity and accountability, and trust in public institutions. Key priorities and deliverables in 2022–23 for DPC included:

• advising stakeholders on the application of the Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines and the Diversity on Boards Guidelines, as well as monitoring and reporting on compliance
• supporting the process to create new non-departmental entities through providing policy advice, fact sheets and guidance to stakeholders
• providing advice to support effective public administration and good governance — for example, by supporting the application of the Public Administration Act 
• providing advice to the Minister for Government Services on the VPSC’s performance against its annual plan. DPC works closely with the VPSC to support a trusted public sector that delivers exceptional outcomes for the Victorian community.

Provided guidance and advice on public sector executive workforce policies to ensure consistent and transparent executive employment and remuneration practices across the public sector 

DPC provides guidance and advice across the Victorian Public Sector on executive workforce policies including the Public Entity Executive Remuneration Policy and the Public Administration Act. 

These policies are publicly available, including on DPC’s website, to promote transparency in executive employment and remuneration. DPC’s role includes supporting public sector employers to apply the government’s executive employment and remuneration policies consistently.

Provided legal and policy advice to support the Premier, DPC’s ministers and the department more broadly, including during the caretaker period 

DPC has continued to provide legal and legal policy advice on matters that relate to DPC’s ministerial portfolios, including constitutional law, administrative law, corporate law matters, parliamentary committees, conventions and practices, subordinate legislation, electoral matters for state parliamentary elections, and policy matters pertaining to the department more broadly, including on issues arising out of the department’s project and policy areas. 

DPC has also advised on the government’s legislative program by helping develop legislative and regulatory proposals. It continued to manage DPC’s freedom of information requests and provide privacy advice for the department. Notably, during 2022–23 DPC assisted the Secretary in ensuring public sector awareness and adherence to caretaker conventions applicable in the caretaker period before the 2022 State Election. 

Supported the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal to uphold integrity and trust in remuneration arrangements for Members of Parliament, senior public officials and elected local government officials 

DPC provides secretariat support to the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal. During 2022–23 DPC supported the tribunal to:

• make a new comprehensive Determination setting the salaries and allowances for MPs
• make revised guidelines setting the eligibility criteria and rules for certain work-related parliamentary allowances and the Electorate Office and Communications Budget available to MPs
• make annual adjustment Determinations for allowances payable to elected local government officials (Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors)
• make annual adjustment Determinations of remuneration bands for executives employed in the Victorian public service and in prescribed public entities
• provide advice to public sector employers on proposals to pay an executive above the relevant remuneration band set by the tribunal
• provide advice to the Minister for Government Services about remuneration arrangements for relevant public sector executive roles. 

DPC also supports the compliance officer attached to the tribunal to independently hear and determine appeals from MPs in relation to claims for work-related parliamentary allowances and the separation payment. The compliance officer did not hear any appeals 
in 2022–23.

Drafted legislation to implement policy initiatives

In 2022–23 the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (OCPC) drafted a variety of legislation to implement major government policy initiatives and reforms across a wide range of law.

OCPC drafted 33 government bills in the reporting period, which was impacted by the caretaker period in November 2022. These included the Human Source Management Act 2023, the Victorian Future Fund Act 2023 and the Monitoring of Places of Detention by the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (OPCAT) Act 2022. 

Over the 2022–23 period 150 statutory rules were made.

Throughout 2022–23 OCPC provided drafting services to Parliament to facilitate the passage of Victorian Government legislation, the preparation of House amendments and the drafting and introduction of Private Members’ Bills. The demand for drafting services for House Amendments and Private Members’ Bills from opposition and independent MPs continued to grow during 2022–23. 

Developed and implemented a new work management system to deliver efficiencies and enhanced services to stakeholders and the public 

OCPC engaged a provider to develop and implement a new replacement work management and legislative database system. The new system will deliver efficiencies and enhanced services to government, parliament, industry and the public and will completely replace the office’s current systems for managing legal projects. The project began in February 2023 and the new system is expected to be fully operational in 2024–25.

Supported the Governor to carry out the role for the benefit of Victoria 

In addition to constitutional and ceremonial duties, the Governor, the Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO, took part in a wide range of community and international engagement events in 2022–23. 

Of particular significance, 8 September 2022 marked the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over two weeks the Governor and her spouse, Mr Anthony Howard AM KC, welcomed members of the public into Government House to sign condolence books and view a memorial exhibition. A ceremony for the Proclamation of the Sovereign was also held at Government House. 

Other events hosted included the Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony, a celebration of Victorians celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary, the 175th Anniversary of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and an Open House and Reception to mark the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In 2022–23 the Governor continued international engagement on behalf of the state at the request of the government, both locally and overseas. This included visiting the United States, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Israel, the United Kingdom and Turkey, where the Governor attended the ANZAC Day Gallipoli Dawn Service.

Progress towards achieving the objective

The output performance measures that provide information on DPC’s progress in achieving the ‘Professional public administration’ strategic objective are outlined below.

Objective indicator: Support for Cabinet, committee members and Executive Council is valued and informs decision making.

Objective indicator: Agency compliance with government advertising and communication guidelines.

Objective indicator: Provision of high-quality legislative drafting and publication services. 

Objective indicator: Advice contributes to the achievement of government policies and priorities relating to Victoria’s electoral system, executive and parliamentary remuneration and public sector governance.

More details on DPC’s 2022–23 performance against its output performance measures are provided on pages 49–59.

The section provides information about DPC’s performance against output performance measures. It provides a comparison with output targets that were published in the Departmental Performance Statement section of the 2022–23 Victorian Budget Paper No. 3 — Service Delivery.

Commentary is provided where there are variances of more than 5 per cent between targets and actual results for performance measures.

This output contributes to delivering strategic, timely and comprehensive analysis and advice on economic policy to support government decision making.

This output also contributes to strengthening Victoria’s economic performance through the activities of the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

This output contributes to delivering strategic, timely and comprehensive analysis and advice on social policy to support government decision making.

This output also contributes to the strategic coordination of emergency management strategies and planning across the Victorian public sector.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — within 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

*** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

This output contributes to providing fair jobs and a positive industrial relations environment through sound industrial relations policy and advice to government. This includes oversight of enterprise bargaining across the Victorian public sector and support for Victoria’s participation in the national workplace relations system.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

This output supports the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination for First Peoples and to improving long-term social and economic outcomes. This includes progress towards treaty; engaging with the Yoorrook Justice Commission; and work to reform government to enable self-determination, as well as undertaking outcomes-focused reporting across the portfolio.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

This output supports the government’s commitment to protecting Aboriginal cultural rights, including supporting Traditional Owners and First Peoples organisations to 
deliver self-determined initiatives for their communities. This includes the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage and strengthening Aboriginal community organisations.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

This output contributes to:

• providing strategic, timely and comprehensive support to Cabinet and Cabinet subcommittees
• providing support to the Governor and maintaining Government House and its collections as a heritage asset of national importance
• delivering analysis and advice to support evidence-based decision making across the public sector
• providing whole of government community engagement and communications activity.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

**  Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

This output provides advice and support on issues relevant to public sector administration, Members of Parliament and executive officer remuneration, governance, service delivery and workforce matters, as well as to public sector professionalism and integrity. It includes related research, determinations, data collection, reporting and dissemination of information.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

** Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

This output provides bills for introduction in Parliament, including providing quality and timely legislative drafting services; hard copy and electronic publication of Acts and statutory rules; and maintaining a database of Victorian legislation and legislative information at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Results legend

* Performance target achieved or exceeded in a desirable way

* Performance target not achieved — exceeds 5 per cent or $50 million (cost measures only) variance

The attached financial statements for the Department of Premier and Cabinet have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including Interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the comprehensive operating statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity and accompanying notes, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2023 and financial position of the department at 30 June 2023.

At the time of signing, we are not aware of any circumstance that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

We authorise the attached financial statements for issue on 13 September 2023.

Anthony Bale
Chief Financial Officer
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Melbourne
13 September 2023

Jeremi Moule
Secretary
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Melbourne
13 September 2023

Assets

Financial assets

Non-financial assets

Liabilities

Equity

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note:

(i)         This comprises of capital funding on-passed to portfolio agencies Breakthrough Victoria Pty Limited: $225 million (2022: $50 million), Victorian Electoral Commission: $6.7 million (2022: $5.7 million) and Cenitex: nil (2022: $1.8 million)

Financial management compliance

Attestation for compliance with Ministerial Standing Direction 5.1.4

Department of Premier and Cabinet

I, Jeremi Moule, the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, certify that the Department of Premier and Cabinet has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions. 

Jeremi Moule 
Secretary 
Department of Premier and Cabinet 
Melbourne 

13 September 2023

Wage Inspectorate Victoria 

I, Robert Hortle, the Commissioner of the Wage Inspectorate Victoria, certify that the Wage Inspectorate Victoria has no Material Compliance Deficiency with respect to the applicable Standing Directions under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions. 

Robert Hortle 
Commissioner 
Wage Inspectorate Victoria 
Melbourne 

21 July 2023

Financial performance

Significant factors that affected DPC’s performance in 2022–23 are summarised below. 

DPC recorded a net profit result from operations of $2.1 million for 2022–23. 

The profit result is primarily due to timing of trust funds operation, where funds received during 2022–23 will be expended in future years.

Sources of income ($ million)

The above graph shows the sources of income available to DPC during the 2022–23 financial year.

DPC’s main source of income is from government appropriations, which account for 96 per cent of income. The balance is derived from government grants and services. 

Compared with 2021–22 the overall increase in DPC’s income is mainly due to an increase associated with 2022 State Election funding. This resulted in higher government appropriations.

Expenses ($ million)

The above graph shows the distribution of expenses in delivering DPC’s services. 

DPC’s total expenses have increased by $55.4 million compared with 2021–22. This is mainly due to increased expenditure for the 2022 State Election and increased grant payments towards the Self-Determination Fund and Breakthrough Victoria. 

Financial position — balance sheet 

DPC’s assets and liabilities have decreased due to the transfer of functions from DPC following machinery of government changes effective from 1 January 2023. 

Cash flows 

DPC had a net cash inflow from operating activities of $17.1 million. Compared with last year, this is a $12.6 million decrease. This decrease is mainly due to an overall decrease in level of operational activity due the transfer of major functions following the machinery of government changes, including the timing of payment of liabilities.

Direct costs attributable to machinery of government changes 

There were no direct costs attributable to the machinery of government change that have been incurred by the entities that are consolidated into DPC’s annual report pursuant to section 53(1)(b) of the Financial Management Act 1994.

Subsequent events

Refer to the section on subsequent events at Note 8.10 in DPC’s financial statements.

Capital projects / asset investment 

During 2022–23 DPC did not have any completed projects that met the disclosure threshold of $10 million or greater.