Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria - progress

Output: Economic policy advice and support

Provided advice on current and future economic challenges and opportunities, including supporting development of the government’s Economic Growth Statement, the government’s budgeting and financial management, and efficient government operations, including the digitising of government services

In 2024–25, DPC continued to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) and other departments to support delivering the government’s five-step fiscal strategy and policy priorities in a challenging economic climate. This included advising on budget and fiscal strategy, industry and economic growth opportunities, employment, training and skills, higher education, consumer affairs, local government, industrial relations, building reform, and transport policy and infrastructure delivery.

Alongside DTF, DPC actively supported the development of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement, which outlines key reform opportunities that will prepare the Victorian economy for the opportunities and challenges that are presented by the global economy. More broadly, DPC has played a continued role in supporting the government to navigate current and future economic challenges and take advantage of the opportunities presented to Victoria.

DPC remains committed to advising government in support of its priorities to improve financial sustainability, manage economic pressures and ensure all Victorians have an opportunity to prosper. DPC also worked closely with DGS to support the delivery of digital government services and cyber security services across the Victorian public sector, and the integration of artificial intelligence into public sector operations. This included the Secretary issuing the Administrative Guideline — The Safe and Responsible Use of Generative AI in the Victorian Public Sector. Additionally, DPC worked closely with the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) and other departments to support delivery of the government’s tobacco business licensing scheme and establishment of Tobacco Licensing Victoria.

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

DPC has worked with other government departments to improve the design of government regulations to protect consumers, while minimising the costs to businesses and the community. In 2024–25, DPC supported the delivery of Victoria’s Housing Statement reforms to protect renters’ rights. This included commencing Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria in June 2025 to provide a one-stop-shop for renters, agents and rental providers to resolve tenancy disputes over rent, damages, repair and bonds.

The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 passed Parliament in March 2025, bringing in a suite of reforms to increase renter protections such as stopping all types of rental bidding, giving renters more time when they receive a notice of rental increase or notice to vacate, and banning no fault evictions. These will come into effect in November 2025.

The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill passed Parliament in May 2025, introducing stronger protections for Victorians living in a retirement village. These protections come into effect in May 2026.

The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) Regulations 2025 will make rental homes safer and more comfortable to live in, save renters hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills, and cut emissions. These reforms will be phased in from March 2027. New standards were also introduced for blind cords for all rentals, and heating requirements for rooming houses to take effect from 1 December 2025 — these are the homes of some of our most vulnerable Victorians.

Provided advice to deliver a renewable energy transition and achieve emissions reduction across the economy to reach the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045; supported delivery of the government’s environmental and agricultural priorities; and maintained the sustainable use of Victoria’s natural resources in a changing climate

In 2024–25 DPC established and provided secretariat support to the Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce. This advisory group led consultation and engagement with drought impacted farmers, communities, councils and stakeholders, and provided advice to government. With advice from the Taskforce, DPC worked closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and DTF to support the government’s release of $144 million for drought support. This funding has been critical to help farmers and communities prepare, respond and recover from drought.

DPC also worked with VicGrid on the development and release of the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan that maps out transmission projects and proposed renewable energy zones required to support the renewable energy transition over the next 15 years.

Other achievements in 2024–25 against this initiative include:

• Supported DEECA to release the Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 4, released in April 2025. This provides updates on the procurement approach for offshore wind in Victoria, associated legislative and regulatory reform, supply chain and local supply supports, and plans for associated transmission and ports.
• Worked with DEECA and the State Electricity Commission to deliver 100 per cent renewable electricity to around 4,000 Victorian Government sites (including schools, hospitals and museums) from 1 July 2025.
• As part of the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework, DPC supported the development and introduction to Parliament of legislation to transfer the planning responsibility for Victoria’s shared network from the Australian Energy Market Operator to VicGrid.
• Collaborated with DEECA to deliver commitments from the Gas Substitution Roadmap, including introducing Building Electrification regulations and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and expanding the Victorian Energy Upgrades program to include induction cooktops. These programs and reforms will support electrification in both rental properties and owner-occupied homes.
• Supported DEECA and cross-government coordination of biosecurity preparedness activities and responses to emergency animal and plant disease outbreaks.
• Worked with DEECA and other key departments to advocate for Victoria’s interests in water recovery in the Murray-Darling Basin, including through participation in the Victorian Basin Communities’ Interdepartmental Committee.

Supported delivery of the government’s transport infrastructure program and coordinated a range of reforms to improve the safety, liveability and sustainability of Victoria’s built environment, including implementation of Victoria’s Housing Statement

DPC continued to monitor the implementation of the government’s transport infrastructure agenda in 2024–25, including the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, Suburban Rail Loop and North East Link projects. DPC has provided advice to government on delivery challenges that have impacted infrastructure delivery including material cost increases and labour supply shortages. DPC has also worked with DTP in the operation of transitioned major transport service contracts, including the new public transport ticketing contract and the Melbourne tram franchise. In addition, DPC has been working with DTP to support the re-contracting of operations and maintenance for Melbourne’s train franchise.

In 2024–25, DPC has coordinated and monitored the implementation of Victoria’s Housing Statement and associated initiatives. Initiatives identified in the Housing Statement are being delivered by relevant ministers and their portfolio departments. DPC monitored housing completion data and worked with relevant departments to support delivery of the Activity Centre pilot program, streamlining planning approvals and the completion of Plan for Victoria. DPC also worked with relevant stakeholders to progress the government’s building reform program.

Supported delivery of the government’s industry and innovation agenda, including driving investment in commercialisation and jobs outcomes, providing advice to deliver the government’s skills and workforce priorities and provided oversight and advice relating to the delivery of the government’s Regional Package

DPC, alongside DTF, has worked closely with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) to refresh priorities and approaches for industry, innovation and business. In 2024–25 this included mobilising the Premier’s Business Council, monitoring and oversight of investment attraction and business supports through the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund, and monitoring initiatives being delivered across government under the Economic Growth Statement and the Regional Package.

DPC has worked with DJSIR on delivering and monitoring significant projects, particularly in the defence, health and life sciences sectors. Major projects have included the BioNTech mRNA Facility at La Trobe University, Hanwha Defence in Avalon East, Moderna mRNA Facility at Monash University, and work related to AUKUS, space, quantum, artificial intelligence, data centres and other defence efforts.

In 2024–25 DPC also worked closely with DTF and DJSIR to respond to local skills and workforce needs, and progress reforms to improve Victoria’s Skills and TAFE system. This has included supporting implementation of the National Skills Agreement, maintaining an effective Free TAFE for priority courses initiative and responding to critical skills and workforce needs. DPC has provided strategic guidance on how Victoria’s Skills and TAFE system can better support workforces in government priorities, such as clean energy, care economy and housing.

Advised, delivered and facilitated engagement with international stakeholders in Victoria and overseas, particularly by the Premier, Deputy Premier and the Governor, that promote trade and investment, and continued to build the state’s vibrant multicultural fabric

DPC supported whole-of-government cooperation with key international partners to promote trade, investment, cultural, and people-to-people ties that benefit all Victorians. In
2024–25, this included the development and release of Victoria’s India Strategy: Our Shared Future 2025–30 and development of Victoria's China Strategy: For a New Golden Era, informed by extensive consultation across government, industry, and community. These whole-of-government strategies outline a strategic framework guiding Victoria's engagement with key international partners. DPC also facilitated engagement between international dignitaries and senior Victorian leaders, including the Premier, Deputy Premier, and Governor of Victoria.

DPC also collaborated 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.

Output: Social policy and intergovernmental relations

Supported the delivery of critical social policy reforms to improve outcomes for Victorians accessing housing and social services, including the Big Housing Build, reform in the children and families system and continued implementation of family violence reforms

In 2024–25, DPC continued to advance the safety and wellbeing of Victorian children and families, supporting their life trajectories through stable housing and across strong communities.

In September 2024, the Premier announced the Victorian Redress Scheme for victims of historical abuse and neglect in institutional settings. Under the Redress Scheme, victims of historical institutional abuse have access to a payment, counselling services and individual restorative engagement services. The Redress Scheme commenced receiving applications in December 2024.

DPC supported the commencement of the Social Services Regulator on 1 July 2024 and has worked across government to support the expansion of the Social Services Regulator.

Throughout 2024–25, DPC continued to lead the negotiation of Foundational Supports with the Commonwealth, including working across government on initial design to inform negotiations. Foundational Supports were recommended by the recent NDIS Review as a set of supports outside the NDIS for people with a disability. Additionally, DPC has worked across departments to respond and implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
of People with Disability.

DPC also continued to support the delivery of significant reforms to increase social and affordable housing supply. DPC engaged in key governance forums to ensure appropriate monitoring and oversight of the Big Housing Build, which is increasing social housing supply by 10 per cent. In 2024–25, DPC also supported advice and monitoring of the High-Rise Redevelopment project, a commitment to redevelop all of Melbourne’s 44 high-rise housing estates as part of Victoria’s Housing Statement. This project will also boost social housing across the sites by 10 per cent.

In 2024-25, DPC continued to support implementation of reforms delivered under the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package to address high rates of violence against women. This package builds on work undertaken to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Supported the Victorian Government to deliver key commitments to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians, including the record health-infrastructure pipeline, and health-system reform and performance

DPC has continued to support delivery of the government’s key commitments to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. Highlights in 2024–25 included:

• supporting the establishment of Hospitals Victoria within the Department of Health to oversee and support the sustainability of Victoria’s hospital sector
• supporting the Department of Health to secure funding to prepare for the opening of the New Footscray Hospital and Peninsula University Hospital, as well as continued investment in other new, expanded and redeveloped hospital infrastructure projects such as Latrobe Regional Hospital
• continuing support for the ongoing delivery of key commitments in women’s health including the rollout of additional women’s health clinics, and delivery of public fertility care for Victorian families
• supporting implementation of a pilot for community pharmacists to provide treatment for straight forward urinary tract infections, common skin conditions, and to reissue contraceptive prescriptions, and the expansion of the pilot to become a permanent part of the health system.
• supporting system-wide improvements to support timely emergency care and patient flow through hospitals, including through the expansion of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and implementation of the Timely Emergency Care Collaborative to support best practice across the system
• continued support for ongoing investments in Victoria’s health workforce, including supports for nurses and midwives through the Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing or Midwifery positions, nurse practitioner development and investment in resources for rural and regional nursing workforce
• continued support for constructive discussions with the Commonwealth on reforms to Australia’s health system, including funding for Priority Primary Care Centres, implementation of aged care reforms and ongoing negotiations for the next National Health Reform Agreement.

Supported the Victorian Government to deliver critical education policy reforms, including negotiating the new Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and implementing Best Start, Best Life reforms alongside the continued roll out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten

Throughout 2024–25, DPC continued to support the implementation of the Victorian Government’s response to the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools and preparation for the establishment of a statewide truth-telling and accountability process. Ms Angela Connors was appointed as Chair of the Forum for Truth and Recognition in June 2025.

In 2024–25, DPC continued to support the delivery of the government’s critical education policy reforms, strengthening the education system for children and young people. These reforms included:

• supporting the successful launch the $400 School Saving Bonus for every student enrolled at a government school and eligible families at non-government schools
• supporting the finalisation of the statewide rollout of the Disability Inclusion program, with all government schools now participating in the reform
• continuing to support the Victorian Government’s significant investment in school capital projects, including delivering 100 new schools by 2026
• ongoing support to deliver scholarships to support secondary teaching degree students and more flexible working options for school leaders and principals
• support the Department of Education to enhance options for students to complete their secondary schooling and move into rewarding and in-demand post-school pathways, including through the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major, the Head Start school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program, and other flexible learning options.

During 2024–25 DPC continued to inform the design and ongoing implementation of the Best Start, Best Life early childhood education agenda. This includes rolling out universal Three-Year-Old Kinder across Victoria, as well as delivering Free Kinder for families with 3- and 4-year-olds.

As part of this reform, DPC continued to support the establishment of 50 government-owned and operated Early Learning and Childcare Centres in areas of unmet demand. The first four childcare centres opened in 2025, and the next 14 centres are on track to open in 2026.

Supported the ongoing 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, as well as the progression of critical alcohol and other drug-system reforms

In 2024–25, DPC advanced mental health reform by supporting the delivery of key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, helping to build a system that delivers timely, community-based care for all Victorians.

Key achievements for DPC in 2024–25 included supporting the government’s landmark mental health and alcohol and other drugs services and reform, such as:

• Releasing the Victorian Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy 2024–34 (Recommendation 26 of the Royal Commission) including:

  - supporting several suicide prevention programs for Victorians disproportionally impacted by suicide

  - co-chairing the Suicide Prevention and Response Victorian Secretaries Board-Subcommittee (Recommendation 46 of the Royal Commission) which oversees development, implementation, promotion, monitoring and evaluation of the strategy.

• The government’s historic $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harms, including establishing new outreach services for people who use drugs in the CBD, St Kilda and Footscray and a new program to expand community pharmacotherapy supports.
• Victoria’s first drug checking trial across 10 music festival events and work to establish a fixed testing site in Fitzroy which opened in August 2025.

Advocated for Victorian interests in intergovernmental relations and worked collaboratively with other jurisdictions and the Commonwealth Government on National Cabinet priorities, including addressing gender-based violence, disability reform and the negotiation of significant intergovernmental agreements for schools, health, land-transport infrastructure and energy transition

In 2024–25, DPC continued to lead advice to the Premier and senior departmental officials to support their participation at National Cabinet, the Council for the Australian Federation, and other senior officials’ forums. In the reporting period, DPC supported Victoria’s engagement with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions at more than 90 intergovernmental meetings.

DPC also provided strategic intergovernmental advice, advocating for Victoria’s priorities to maximise benefits to the Victorian community. Key areas of focus for 2024–25 included long-term health and disability arrangements, education funding, housing and gender-based violence.

During the year, DPC also co-led with South Australia, on behalf of states and territories,
work to address gender-based violence by strengthening national approaches and promoting best practice across jurisdictions, including in risk assessment and responses
to sexual assault.

Finally, DPC supported departments and ministers in negotiating significant intergovernmental agreements to secure appropriate Commonwealth investment. This included a one-year extension of the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum, the National Access to Justice Partnership agreement, and the Land Transport Infrastructure agreement.

Supported the Victorian Government to design and deliver key reforms to improve outcomes for children and their families

DPC established the Children’s Portfolio Coordination (CPC) function in January 2025 to provide strategic policy and project coordination for initiatives supporting children aged 0 to 12 and their families. CPC works across government to strengthen alignment and delivery of reforms that promote child wellbeing and development.

DPC chaired and provided secretariat support for the Children’s Interdepartmental Committee, bringing together Maternal and Child Health services, Early Childhood Education, Children and Family services, Education, Disability, Health and Mental Health, and Government Services. Through this forum, DPC has supported cross-government collaboration and policy coherence.

DPC has also led research and analysis on issues affecting Victorian families, identifying opportunities for reform and providing evidence-based ideas. This work is informing the delivery of services and initiatives.

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

In 2024–25, DPC continued to support implementation of reforms across the Victorian justice system, including changes to bail laws, strengthened anti-vilification laws, and new and improved laws to address organised crime. DPC supported work to expand Victoria Police powers to search for weapons, introduce a ban on machetes, develop measures to tackle extreme, dangerous and violent demonstrations and introduce a new offence capturing where individuals ‘post and boast’ about serious crimes on social media.

DPC also supported government to increase justice system capacity in response to strengthened bail laws, to address the expected increases in adult and youth offenders on remand. Increased capacity includes opening almost 1,000 additional adult prison beds (such as at the new Western Plains Correctional Centre) and a further 88 beds at the Cherry Creek and Parkville youth justice centres. DPC also supported the passage of significant reforms in the youth justice system, such as the Youth Justice Act 2024, which seeks to reduce re-offending and improve community safety.

In ensuring the safety of Victorians, DPC facilitates the Foreign Interference Community of Practice which builds capacity across the Victorian Government regarding foreign interference, mis and disinformation and cyber threats. During 2024–25 the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs Office of Community Cohesion briefed Victorian departments on their work managing foreign interference risks.

DPC also engages frequently with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions on counterterrorism, social cohesion and challenges from the global security environment. DPC held regular discussions with the Counter Foreign Interference Coordination Centre (CFICC), the (VEC) and Local Government Victoria to advance the State’s resilience on this issue, particularly in the lead up to the 2024 local government elections.

DPC also continued to provide protective security measures for government personnel through coordinating security clearance vetting for VPS personnel, and the Member of Parliament Residential Security Program.

Output: Multicultural affairs policy and programs

Tackled racism, promoted multiculturalism and celebrated diverse communities to help build safe, fair, inclusive and resilient Victorian communities

In 2024–25 DPC launched Victoria's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2029. The strategy provides a five-year plan for preventing and addressing race and faith-based discrimination in Victoria, and strengthening outcomes for First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith Victorians.

The Anti-Racism Taskforce, co-chaired by Sheena Watt MP and Iwan Walters MP, played an integral role in developing the strategy and continues to provide expert guidance on its implementation.

DPC’s implementation of the strategy actions will continue in 2025–26.

DPC will continue to coordinate whole-of-government efforts to improve outcomes for children and their families and support the Victorian Government’s consideration of future reform opportunities.

Progress towards achieving the objective

The objective indicator, associated data sets and descriptions below show how the following outputs contribute to DPC’s ‘Stronger policy outcomes for Victoria’ departmental objective:

• Economic policy advice and support
• Social policy and intergovernmental relations
• Multicultural affairs policy and programs.

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

Throughout 2024–25, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio ministers, and key governing boards and committees continued to shape the government’s agenda in the medium- to long-term:

• Through the release of Victoria’s India Strategy: Our Shared Future 2025–30 and ongoing work to refresh Victoria's China Strategy: For a New Golden Era, DPC has worked closely with departments, civil society, the Commonwealth, and international partners to renew our engagement priorities and establish new partnerships across many portfolios and geographies.
• Advice supported the development of additional initiatives that support housing growth, increasing access to housing for those who need it most. These were announced by government in October 2024.
• The new Social Services Regulator commenced operation on 1 July 2024, with further phases of consolidating regulatory functions continuing to be implemented.
• Advice supported the announcement and establishment of the Victorian Redress Scheme for victims of historical abuse and neglect in institutional settings.
• DPC supported the announcement of cost of living and food relief initiatives to support Victorians experiencing hardship.
• DPC also continued efforts to support victim survivors of family violence, and to strengthen prevention of family violence through delivering the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package.

• DPC played a key role supporting Victoria’s negotiation of, and agreement to, several high value intergovernmental agreements with the Commonwealth. Of particular note were:

  - a one-year extension to the National Health Reform Agreement, signed on 3 February, which will extend hospital funding arrangements until 30 June 2026 whilst negotiations continue for long-term health and disability arrangements

  - a renewed, five-year agreement from 2025–26 on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses to continue critical frontline services

  - the Heads of Agreement for the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, signed on 30 January 2025, which will help support Victoria’s school system

  - the National Access to Justice Partnership agreement, signed on 22 November 2024, which will provide approximately $680 million to support Victorians experiencing vulnerability and financial disadvantage to access legal assistance.

• During the Western Victorian bushfires (December 2024 to February 2025), DPC supported government arrangements to ensure the provision of resources for relief and recovery programs to affected communities, wildlife and parklands

DPC’s advice to government also supported the Victorian response to the avian influenza outbreaks in 2024 and coordination with other states, territories and the Commonwealth.

And finally, in 2024–25 DPC supported the successful reforms implemented to transform the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority to Triple Zero Victoria, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality triple zero service to all Victorians.

DPC’s progress towards this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following economic data.

Objective indicator: Decrease experiences of discrimination

Throughout 2024–25, DPC’s policy advice to the Premier, Cabinet, portfolio ministers, and key governing boards and committees continued to shape the government’s agenda in the medium- to long-term by:

• Launching and commencing implementation of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–29, with oversight and guidance from the Anti-Racism Taskforce.
• Continuing to support community-led initiatives to tackle Islamophobia and antisemitism.
• Supporting Local Anti-Racism Support Networks, as part of the government’s response to the Inquiry into Anti-Vilification Protections.
• Establishing the Local Escalation and Help group, bringing together key Jewish community leaders and local and state government representatives to discuss key issues impacting Victoria’s Jewish community.
• Enabling the delivery of targeted initiatives under the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, including culturally responsive support for employment, mental health, alcohol and drugs and education.
• Delivering a whole-of-government settlement network to ensure immediate and tailored supports for individuals and families fleeing humanitarian crises and arriving in Victoria.
• Supporting Victoria’s engagement with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions on key matters impacting Victoria’s refugee, asylum seeker and migrant communities, including through whole-of-government submissions to the Commonwealth’s 2025–26 Humanitarian Settlement Program.
• Facilitating intergovernmental policy reform on language services to strengthen equitable access to government supports for culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians.

DPC’s contribution to this objective indicator is also demonstrated through the following data