Health and Well-Being Quality Services

Access

Community

–2001 Annual Report Annual –2001 0

Department of Human Services of Human Department 200

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Divisional Reports 23 Index of Compliance 143 Contents Acute Health 24 Freedom of Information 146 Aged, Community and Mental Health 36 Report of Operations 147 Community Care 48 Consultancy Register 148 Department of Human Services Profile 1 DisAbility Services 58 Building Act 1993 Compliance 150 Highlights 1 Office of Housing 68 Legislation 151 Secretary’s Foreword 2 Public Health 78 Competitive Neutrality Principles 151 Year at a Glance Achievements 4 Policy and Strategic Projects 86 Approved Overseas Travel 152 Highlighting Rural and Regional 8 Portfolio Services 94 Administration of Acts 154 Financial Summary 12 Resources 98 Major Departmental Publications 158 Flagship Projects 18 Departmental Executives 104 Major Committees 160 MPS Multi-Purp Cross–Program Responses 20 Financial Report 109 Index 161 MSU Multicultu Corporate Governance 22 Appendices 143 Glossary of Terms 164 NESP Needle an Program NPHP National P OECD Organisat Our Mission Cooperati Statement PBS Pharmace PHAP Public Hou To enhance and protect the health and well- PHAP Public Hou being of all Victorians, emphasising vulnerable groups and those most in need. RA Rent Assis The Hon John RAPID Redevelop Minister for Health Our Objectives Thwaites MP Psychiatri The Hon Bronwyn Pike MP Minister for Housing RAS The Depa The Department of Human Services objectives Minister for Regional A in 2000–01 were to provide: Minister Aged Care System Assisting the Minister for Health g Confidence in access to quality services The Hon Christine Campbell MP RAV Rural Amb based on need. Minister for Community Services RESIREG Residentia g Sustainable service system. RHSP Rental Ho g Foundation of community strengthening. RHSP Rental Ho g Rebalanced service response. Dear Ministers, RREF Relative R g Reduced inequalities in health and well-being. In Accordance with the SAAP Supported I am pleased to submit to you the Department of Human Services Assistanc (Refer to P23) Annual Report for the yearFinancial ending 30 Management June 2001. SAMS Service Ag Yours sincerely Act 1984 System Our Values , SHIP Social Ho CLIENT FOCUS SNIS School Nu SRS Supported We work towards improving the health and well-being of our clients and community. TAFE Tertiary an TBD To be dete PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY TEC Total end We treat all people with dignity and respect. Patricia Faulkner TPV Temporary Secretary QUALITY TRIM The Depa records m We strive to do our best and improve the system things we do. UNESCO United Na Scientific RESPONSIBILITY VCOSS Victorian C We commit to the actions we take to achieve VECCI Victorian the best possible outcomes for our clients and Commerce community. VGDI Victorian G COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS Initiative

We work together to achieve better results. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 1

1 2000-01 Annual Report Department of Human Services Profile

The Department of Human g Aged care services, including residential During 2000–01 approximately 72 per cent of and home and community care. the Department’s expenditure was on services provided by agencies under service Services was formed as a g Disability services. agreements with the Department. These Department of State in g Early childhood, family support, child include a range of non-government 1996, and covers the protection, and juvenile justice services. organisations that provide mainly welfare g Secure, affordable and appropriate services, as well as Government-related responsibilities of the housing; and support services for people agencies, such as: who experience, or are at risk of g Public hospitals Ministers for Health, homelessness. g Metropolitan health services g Concessions to low income groups to Housing and Aged Care g improve the affordability of essential and Kindergartens and Community Services. key services. g Local government In 2000–01, the Department had a budget in g Health promotion and prevention of g Community health centres excess of $7.2 billion, which was illness, disability and distress, through g Ambulance services. approximately one third of the State education, regulation, early intervention Government’s budget. Specific responsibilities and other services. The Department also directly provides services include funding or directly delivering: that include: g Specialist community-based and inpatient g Public hospitals, community health mental health services. g Public rental housing centres and ambulance services. g Disability support g Child protection and juvenile justice. 2000–01 Highlights g In April 2001 58,876 four year old children were enrolled in a funded preschool program. This figure represents 96 per cent of eligible four year olds, an increase of 0.6 per cent over the previous year, and a cumulative increase of 4.8 per cent over the two year period. (P56) g 2,300 nurses attracted back to the workforce, including 1,100 nurses receiving Government funding nursing refresher or re-entry programs, and 923 additional Division 2 nurse education places provided through Victorian Nurse Recruitment Strategy. (P88) g Major capital health investment across the State, notably $325 million for the Austin and Repatriation Medial Centre Redevelopment and Mercy Hospital for Women Relocation Project. (P32) g Announcement of the $100 million redevelopment of Kew Residential Services. (P66) Housing Week is an important celebration for g Victoria. It provides opportunities for Victorians to Implementation of Year One initiatives to address drug issues as part of the $77 million express their pride in public and community- Victorian Drug Initiative. (P82) managed housing and to engage in activities that g strengthen local communities. Establishment of 32 Primary Care Partnerships to strengthen the Primary Care system, The poster promoting Housing Week 2001 resulted involving approximately 800 agencies, including local governments, hospitals, general from the annual Poster Competition open to all practitioners, community health, women’s health and dental health. (P45)

children living in community and public housing. g Illustration by Hien Tran of Fitzroy, aged 13 years. Establishment of three Flagship Projects that address key strategic issues facing the Department. (P18) 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 2

2 2000-01 Annual Report Secretary’s Foreword

It is a great pleasure to Overall, the financial year 2000–01 represented a period of considerable introduce the Department achievement and consolidation for the Department, marked by significant of Human Services improvement in the level of collaboration in 2000–01 Annual Report. the planning and delivery of services. As Secretary, I acknowledge the strong In making this report, account needs to be contributions made by many dedicated staff in taken of the strategic environment within both the Department and the services sector. which the Department operates – an While much of that work is documented in this environment characterised, in particular, by a Report, a number of key achievements stand growing demand for services, and increasing out because they characterise the essence of complexity of the needs of Victorians seeking the Department’s objectives and demonstrate our services. the importance of collaboration in carrying our The growth in demand for services is work forward. particularly evident in the health sector, where These included: the increase in the proportion of people in the population aged over 70 years is producing g The Primary Care Partnership Strategy, significant challenges. There has also been an which seeks to improve planning, unparalleled increase in the numbers of people coordination and delivery of primary care admitted to hospital through emergency services to enable GPs, community health departments in the last few years. In addition, and services agencies and local the constant development in treatment government to work together effectively technologies also leads to larger numbers of to improve the health and well-being of people seeking treatment and drives up the the community. cost of the health system. The challenge faced g The release of the Stronger Citizens, by health services is to reduce the growth in Stronger Families, Stronger the demand for hospital services by enhancing Communities—Partnerships in the ability of all Victorians to maintain their Community Care framework, which health or be cared for in a community setting. ensures that social inclusion is an Another factor challenging the Department’s integral element in the planning, design, service system is the apparent increase in the delivery and evaluation of community complexity of the problems faced by the clients services. we serve. Many individuals and families are g The commencement of significant now facing multiple problems, such as family redevelopment work in public housing, violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and with a focus on community building. The these characteristics are often associated release of the working report of the with mental illness. Individuals and families Victorian Homelessness Strategy is a first who experience these difficulties are often step in developing a collaborative isolated from both family and community preventative and early intervention support systems. approach to homelessness. The Department of Human Services and the g A smooth transition from the previous community face significant challenges if we government’s Health Networks to the are to provide supports that are integrated and new Metropolitan Health Services. assist our clients to obtain support to live g successfully in the community. This requires an The implementation of significant increasing level of collaboration between parts initiatives to address drug issues as part of the Department, between the Department of a whole-of-Government approach. and the agencies it funds, between Government departments, and with the community. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 3

3 2000-01 Annual Report

The Department’s operating environment is constantly and rapidly changing, and we need to adapt to changing client needs. A major focus for the year ahead will be to find better ways of working with clients with chronic g A successful Nurse Recruitment 3 Quality in Services, which will prioritise Campaign with more than 2,300 full-time and accelerate the development of conditions and complex equivalent nurses added to work in quality systems for all areas across the Victoria’s public hospital system. portfolio. needs. We look forward to g Public Health regulatory reforms include A healthy and vibrant organisation requires this challenge. the abolition of smoking in Victorian strong human resources. In 2000–01 the restaurants and eating places, tougher Department developed and commenced penalties for sale of tobacco to minors implementation of the Department of Human and Legionella Risk Management Project. Services Human Resources Strategy, with input from across the Department. The Department g Major capital investment in a range of also made significant progress in developing a facilities across the service system, range of improved information and including redevelopment of the Austin communication systems to support its service and Repatriation Medical Centre, and delivery and the delivery of services in relocation of the Mercy Hospital for agencies it funds. Women. The Department’s operating environment is g The historic announcement of the constantly and rapidly changing, and we need redevelopment of Kew Residential to adapt to changing client needs. A major Services, which marks the culmination of focus for the year ahead will be to find better an enormous amount of collaborative ways of working with clients with chronic work by many parties, and will see the conditions and complex needs. We look beginning of a new era for a group of forward to this challenge. particularly vulnerable Victorians. g The release of the work of the Patient Management Task Force. The 2000–01 financial year also saw the establishment of the Department’s three flagship projects, which are designed to address key strategic issues facing the Department of Human Services over the next 12 to 18 months. Each of these projects requires a high level of cross-Divisional coordination and the building of active Patricia Faulkner partnerships within the Department, as well as between the Department and external agencies. The three flagship projects are: 1 The Emergency Demand Strategy, which includes a series of initiatives designed to progressively reduce demand on Victoria’s hospital system, particularly emergency services, by developing new service models and better patient management regimes. The Strategy involves significant work on service system interfaces, including acute, sub- acute, aged and primary care. 2 Best Start, which aims to improve the health, development and well-being of all children across Victoria from pregnancy to eight years. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 4

4 2000-01 Annual Report The Year at a Glance Achievements

Restoring Democracy

The Department has sought to improve the level DISABILITY PUBLIC HEALTH of consultation with, and input from, the community to adopt new ways of partnership Over 2,000 people with disabilities, their families A joint sitting of Parliament on drugs occurred, as with community agencies: and carers participated in wide-reaching well as the establishment of the Premier’s Drugs consultations around Victoria as part of the Prevention Council. ACUTE HEALTH development of the State DisAbility Services Plan Extensive consultation on the new Legionella and the Aspirations of People with a Disability regulations and risk management plans were A statewide patient satisfaction monitoring Project. system was established. undertaken. Approximately 800 industry Membership of the DisAbility Advisory Council of representatives attended the launch of the The former Victorian government’s Health Care Victoria (DACV) was announced.The advisory industry education conference Legionella— Networks were abolished and the Metropolitan council was established to give a voice to people Managing the Risk. Health Services (MHS) were implemented. with a disability in the operation of Government. The Drug Policy Expert Committee finalised Consumer input into the health system was In 2000–01, a stronger emphasis has been placed deliberations from consultations with the enhanced, with the establishment of Community on client and carer involvement in the DisAbility community, and produced two policy reports with Advisory Committees to advise health services on Services’ Self-Assessment System (DSAS) over 50 recommendations. community needs and expectations. assessment process. Thirty people with a Extensive consultation with the medical research disability have been trained as peer facilitators, in AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL community occurred, regarding access of research order to assist clients to participate in their HEALTH organisations to operational infrastructure support. services’ quality improvement initiatives, and to have an input into the DSAS process. Community and industry consultation was Thirty-two Primary Care Partnerships were undertaken on new tobacco legislation relating to established to improve access and availability of A focus of the Disability stream of the Community smoke-free dining and sale of cigarettes to minors. primary health services. Visitor’s Program was the expansion of its mandate to encompass visits to all DisAbility Consumer input into services was achieved through The Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior funded residential services. funding of the Genetic Support Network Victoria. Victorians was established, to promote effective communication of the needs, interests and A framework for coordinated, effective advocacy Informed consent was ensured for autopsies and aspirations of older Victorians. for people with a disability throughout Victoria retention of tissues/organs removed at autopsy, was developed. through the provision of clear guidelines to all Amendments to legislation were implemented, to Victorian hospitals undertaking autopsies. allow the return of community elected members OFFICE OF HOUSING to Community Health Centre boards through Extensive consultation was undertaken on the elections to be carried out in 2001. The Public Housing Advocacy Program (replacing development of the Municipal Public Health the Rental Housing Support Program) was Strategic Planning Framework. COMMUNITY CARE established and funded, to provide independent Comprehensive consultation with industry, local tenancy advice and service and to support tenant The Stronger Citizens, Stronger Families, Stronger government, professional associations and the groups. Communities—Partnerships in Community Care wider community occured in the development of document was released. This document publicly Local Community Liaison Committees provided the Food Safety (Amendment) Act 2001. articulates the service framework and actions that advice on all major redevelopments. lay the foundation for a strong and effective The Victorian Homelessness Strategy: Working community care service system. Report was released in April 2001. Consultations The program standards and guidelines applicable involved input from over 470 people. to community care services were published on the Community housing grew to 12.5 per cent of total Division’s Website, thereby improving social housing stock. accessibility for agencies of key documents referenced in their service agreements. The Community Care Division and Municipal Association of Victoria Working Party was established, to share information and work collaboratively on issues of common interest. Enhanced linkages with local government and Commonwealth and other State Government departments were established to enable the development of more comprehensive policy and program responses and the joint planning of key strategies, including domestic violence and problem gambling. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 5

5 2000-01 Annual Report

This chart reports against the Victorian Government’s four pillars of policy, Restoring Democracy and highlights the Department of Human Services’ significant achievements Improving Services to all Victorians for the year 2000–01. The four pillars are: Growing the Whole of Victoria Responsible Financial Management.

Improving Services to all Victorians

ACUTE HEALTH Training for 31,000 people in the community to The Kirby Review of Preschool Services was administer CPR through the free Learn CPR – completed. While ambulance bypass figures for 2000–01 were The Key to Survival initiative was provided. A number of reviews of key services were higher than in the previous year, there was a steady completed so that future service provisions are quarterly improvement from August 2000, reflecting AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL more evidence based. These reviews included capacity growth through the Winter Emergency HEALTH Strengthening Families, parenting and youth Demand Strategy and improved patient services. management in hospitals. One hundred and ten public residential aged care beds that were closed as part of the previous The High Risk Adolescent Service Quality Initiatives Total numbers on elective surgery waiting lists government’s privatisation program were re-opened. and the High Risk Infant Service were evaluated. decreased by 0.7 per cent to 30 June 2001. The Division participated as a senior partner in the Drug and Alcohol Training was provided for 2,500 The Patient Management Task Force was established establishment of ‘beyondblue: the national staff of the Community Care Division and funded to identify specific areas for improvement in hospital depression initiative.’ agency workers across Victoria. patient management processes and to advise on the system drivers that will encourage best practice in Established a Quality Assurance Committee to The community service contracts were reviewed patient management. oversee and monitor standards of mental health and renegotiated with the electricity industry for services. the delivery of concessions. Targeted strategies were developed in collaboration with major metropolitan health services to improve One hundred secondary school nurses were The Liquid Petroleum Gas concession was increased access for emergency and elective services. The employed in high need secondary schools. from $48 to $66, and provided to 21,718 2001–02 budget includes substantial additional households, an increase in expenditure of 36.22 per School dental services were extended for funding for hospitals under the Hospital Demand cent. disadvantaged young people in Years 9 to 12. Management Strategy. The range of non-custodial services was Partnership arrangements commenced between Access for patients to sub-acute facilities was successfully expanded to provide a better response specialist mental health services and primary care improved, as was care to patients in the community providers to assist the development of Primary to young offenders. to avoid admission of these patients to hospital. Mental Health and Early Intervention Teams. Completed the first audit of young children and The Quality Improvement and Best Practice and young people in residential care to allow the Developed a Quality Improvement Action Plan to Designing Care Programs were implemented, with development of firm plans to improve the quality of promote better services operated by public sector over 77 projects statewide. service provision and to support the implementation agencies. of new service standards. Key elements of the Hospital-to-Home policy, such Thirty-two Primary Care Partnerships were as services to people discharged from hospital, established and submitted their first Community DISABILITY were implemented through the extension of the Health Plans in June 2001. These describe how Post Acute Care Program. service providers, communities and governments will The allocation of an additional $50.7 million to Implemented and audited new cleaning standards work together to plan, coordinate and deliver primary DisAbility Services in the 2000–01 budget enabled for public hospitals and developed Infection Control health services (those delivered in the community). the expansion of existing services and the Strategic Plans. development of new services that reflected the Home and Community Care (HACC) services were aims of the Government’s One Community vision. The Victorian Organ Donations Service was expanded through additional State-only funding. established through the Australian Red Cross Community-based accommodation for an additional Blood Service. COMMUNITY CARE 425 people with a disability was implemented. The redevelopment of Kew Residential Services Demolition works commenced on the Austin Stage 2 of the new Problem Gambling Strategy was was announced. campus of the Austin and Repatriation Medical implemented. Centre. Detailed design planning commenced for A service quality improvement and monitoring team Preschool subsidies for low-income families were the construction of new Austin and Repatriation was established within the DisAbility Services increased to boost preschool participation. Medical Centre and Mercy Hospital for Women. Branch. The participation rate of Koori children in For the first time, a Metropolitan ambulance An overall reduction in the average waiting time for preschools was increased. quarterly response time of 13 minutes for 90 per Departmental case management was achieved. cent of time-critical cases in greater metropolitan The operational capacity of Neighbourhood Houses Twenty-two projects were funded under the Melbourne was achieved. was increased. Working Towards Best Practice funding round 4. The ambulance fleet was upgraded and expanded The electronic Client and Services Information The Learning and Development Strategy, aimed at through the purchase of 51 vehicles. System (CASIS) which supports the delivery of child ensuring all direct care staff are adequately trained, protection services was enhanced to improve the Fixed-wing air ambulance services were upgraded was established. through the deployment of four new pressurised management of risk through incorporation of the twin-engine turbo prop King Air planes. Victorian Risk Framework. A Workforce Management Plan for DisAbility Accommodation Services was developed. Training for all ambulance paramedics in advanced New service standards were introduced for life support skills commenced. residential care, sexual assault services and telephone counselling. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 6

6 2000-01 Annual Report

Improving Services to all Victorians Growing the Whole of Victoria

OFFICE OF HOUSING ACUTE HEALTH An additional $4 million was allocated to increase respite services across rural and metropolitan $197 million was spent on expanding the supply The capacity of ambulance services was areas. of social housing, which included acquiring expanded through the establishment of ten new The Local Government and People with properties and redevelopment of older estates ambulance paramedic services, the introduction of Disabilities—Towards Inclusive Communities and high rises. MICA units in five areas, and two-officer crewing initiative was commenced, which was designed in six rural ambulance stations. The number of properties brought into the social to assist in planning and building communities housing stock pool to achieve a total of 74,773 The Clinicians Health Channel was implemented. that are inclusive of people with disabilities. units at June 2001 was 1,522. This provides Internet-based clinical reference Over 21,500 daily episodes of service were information to clinicians across the health system, The number of crisis and transitional properties provided for the year. in order to support evidence-based care and added to boost accommodation assistance for improved access to clinical guidelines and homeless people was 169. OFFICE OF HOUSING protocols. $150 million was spent on improving public housing. The development and consolidation of the Better Major redevelopment projects for the Office of An additional $17.2 million in SAAP funds has Health Channel, as the major Internet port of call Housing commenced in the regional centres of been provided by the Victorian Government (over for Victorians seeking accredited, quality health Bendigo, Geelong East and Shepparton. four years) for the development of additional information continued. Three hundred and thirty new public housing crisis support capacity and improved services for A new, state-of-the-art Category A standard properties were provided in rural areas. homeless people. ambulance helicopter service was launched in Twenty-three partnerships projects under the PUBLIC HEALTH Bendigo, and contracts were put in place to Social Housing Program were announced in rural upgrade the two existing air ambulance helicopter Victoria, as part of the $47.8 million development. Legislation, regulations and risk management services to Category A. plans aimed at preventing Legionella outbreaks PUBLIC HEALTH AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL were implemented. HEALTH Immunisation data quality and outreach service Regional seminars were delivered, to provide were expanded from three regions to all nine information and support to general practitioners $47.5 million was allocated to capital Departmental regions. on a range of health issues, including redevelopment in public residential aged care immunisation and infectious diseases. facilities including at Maldon, Casterton, Natimuk, The Division participated in the Victorian Dimboola, Echuca, Hamilton, Yea, Heywood, Government delegation to the Bio2001 The Victorian Family Cancer Genetics Services Myrtleford, Swan Hill, Manangatang and Sale. Conference in San Diego, USA, aimed to attract was expanded into rural pilot sites. researchers to undertake clinical trials in Victoria. Initiatives and expanded HACC services for The effectiveness and efficiency of the ethical special needs groups, such as rural and regional The Burden of Disease reports for all local review process in research institutions were populations and people who experience, or are at government areas in Victoria were published, improved. risk of homelessness, were implemented. providing new and comprehensive information for Legislation was introduced on smoke-free dining, planning health services. COMMUNITY CARE sale of cigarettes to minors and new regulations Local drug strategies in five ‘hot spot’ on the sale of tobacco. municipalities were developed in consultation The Neighbourhood House Infrastructure with local government. Regional drug treatment Year One of the Victorian Government Drug Technology Project was implemented, to provide capacity was strengthened with the Initiative was implemented. Internet access across the State. establishment of two new four-bed youth The availability of Drug Treatment Services was The Maternal and Child Health Line was extended to residential withdrawal services in rural regions. improved, resulting in a reduction in waiting times provide a 24-hour service for all Victorian parents. of an average of 72 per cent. The First Time Parent Resource Kit was The HIV Action Plan and Enhanced Plan was developed, to assist new parents throughout designed and implemented, which responded to Victoria. the increase in HIV transmissions. DISABILITY

The successful piloting of the Rural Access initiative demonstrated that through the use of a partnership approach, the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in their local communities can be enhanced. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 7

7 2000-01 Annual Report

Responsible Financial Management

ACUTE HEALTH DISABILITY

The financial viability of health services was New funds in 2000–01 were distributed according to improved through additional budget funding and an equity formula, which accounts for population, close attention to prudent management. All rurality and socioeconomic disadvantage. hospitals reported a surplus of $30 million, an A bilateral agreement under the CSDA was improvement over the $21 million reported the previous year. negotiated with the Commonwealth Government to provide $12.3 million in 2000–01 and $24.6 Casemix funding was improved by recognising million in 2001–02 to assist in meeting unmet changes in clinical practice but with a simplified need for people with a disability. allocation methodology. OFFICE OF HOUSING The funding of small rural (Group D&E) hospitals was reviewed, and an improved flexible funding The capacity to expand social housing was arrangement was developed, which will be increased through the Social Housing Innovations implemented in 2001–02. Project (SHIP), involving $47.8 million for 50 joint A review of the way in which hospitals introduce venture partnerships with community new technologies was completed, which organisations (including $13.3 million equity non- identified key technology changes and trends, government contribution) and making a financial impacts on costs and volumes, and made contribution to innovative housing solutions. recommendations on strategic investment. The housing portfolio asset value increased to A model and legislation for the implementation of $7.8 billion. centralised purchasing of pharmaceuticals, medical consumables and other strategic goods and services PUBLIC HEALTH was developed, and collaborative procurement of some information systems implemented. Policies aimed at achieving open and transparent allocation of operational infrastructure funding for The adequacy of hospital equipment funding was Victorian biomedical and public health research reviewed, and issues for further investigation organisations were developed. identified. Childhood immunisation strategies were reviewed Latrobe Regional Hospital was reintegrated into to deliver more cost effective services. the public hospital system.

AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL HEALTH

The transition to more streamlined central funding arrangements with Metropolitan Health Services was completed. Reviewed and significantly revised the output structure, including introducing streamlined performance measures, for 2000-01. Researched a new primary health funding model including a pilot of new funding guidelines for health promotion and a sample costing study of community health centres.

COMMUNITY CARE

Simplified Service Agreements were achieved with the non-government sector and community organisations, to make service delivery requirements clearer. New service funding arrangements were developed for residential services for vulnerable children and young people requiring out of home care to improve the quality of services and viability of service providers. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 8

8 2000-01 Annual Report Highlighting Rural and Regional Victoria

BARWON-SOUTH WESTERN Care, Mental Health and DisAbility Services. A number of key recommendations will be Colac Hospital implemented in the 2001–02 financial year. $13 million was provided for a major An Innovative Partnership with redevelopment of Colac Hospital, in particular Deakin University new labour delivery suites, theatres, accident A partnership between Deakin University and and emergency services, and wards. Barwon-South Western Region, formally signed Public Health Forums in March 2000, enables staff from both organisations to undertake research in areas of During 2000–01 over 200 people attended four mutual interest. During 2000–01, 16 projects Public Health forums presented by expert were undertaken in the areas of disability, health, speakers which were held in Geelong and child protection, public health and housing. Warrnambool. Topics for the forums were chosen to reflect regional issues, priorities or In addition, a Framework for Peer Review in Benambra Community House is located in a remote initiatives in Public Health. The forums acted Child Protection was developed. This initiative rural community approximately 30 kilometres north- as a vehicle to increase knowledge and inform is designed to provide child protection and east of Omeo. The house offers a range of public debate on issues relevant to the local care practitioners in the Barwon-South community support services including adult community. The topics covered included: Western Region with an ‘on-the job’ learning education, and is often the first point of contact for environment to encourage critical analysis of locals in need of assistance who are linked with Mental Health: Health Promoting Schools; appropriate services. Exploring the Links between Drugs and decision making and the opportunity for Sport–Alcohol and Tobacco; and the workers to improve practice by questioning Management of Head Lice. and sharing collective experiences. Facilitators are from the Social Work team within the DisAbility Services Deakin University School of Social Inquiry. As Five service providers were successful in skills are developed, these processes will obtaining additional funding for the delivery of become part of everyday practice within the 19 Home First packages. The program assisted regional child protection and care team. the region to address significant issues with regard to the provision of support to clients GIPPSLAND residing in rurally isolated areas of the region. Benambra Community House A new community-based accommodation support service was established with Benambra Community House is located in a Gateways Support Service Inc. to provide a remote rural community approximately 30 shared supported accommodation program to kilometres north-east of Omeo. The house five clients with multiple disabilities in a new offers a range of community support services facility to be located in Grovedale. Community including adult education, and is often the first Connections Victoria received additional point of contact for locals in need of funding for one Family Options package, and assistance who are linked with appropriate two other clients are receiving transitional services. Benambra Community House is a very accommodation funding pending the innovative, responsive remote rural service finalisation of planning processes for an with strong volunteer support and strong additional accommodation service to be service and network links. located in Warrnambool. Funding for an Supporting Families additional 88 flexible care packages was allocated to the regions' three Making a In the Gippsland region, one innovation to Difference providers. support families in rural communities who are experiencing significant parenting issues is the Particular attention was provided in the Enhanced Home Visiting Service. This service funding to flexible holiday and weekend compliments the universal Maternal and Child respite services and two reviews of respite Health service, which is provided to families services. The first review focused on with children aged between 0 and six years of identifying service gaps in respite provision; age. The Enhanced Home Visiting Service the second consultation focused on improved was provided to approximately 440 families coordination of respite services across Aged in 2000–01. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 9

9 2000-01 Annual Report

The Government’s commitment to revitalising rural and regional Victoria is reflected by the Department’s continued support for the development and delivery of programs and health services across Victoria. A range of The Enhanced Home Visiting Service is also GRAMPIANS targeted at rurally isolated families, teenage initiatives that focus on mothers and Koori families and provides Strengthening Hospital Services outreach support including home visiting, group developing and maintaining In the 2000–01 Victorian State budget, work, day stay programs and mentor programs. significant funding was provided to improve locally sustainable services Partners in Community Building hospital services in Grampians: and that build the capacity Gippsland g Ballarat Base Hospital neonatal facilities Partners in Community Building Gippsland - $0.2 million provided to address the of rural and regional (PCBG) is a community capacity building capital component of a major program aimed at enhancing the social, commitment to improve maternity and communities are being economic and environmental opportunities for neonatal care services, particularly the promoted and resourced. small rural communities in Gippsland with expansion and upgrading of nurseries. populations less than 5,000. The Program g Ballarat Health Service Redevelopment - This section of the 2000-01 receives tri-partite funding from the $6 million provided to complete the third Department of Human Services, Local and final stage of redevelopment of the Annual Report highlights Government ‘in kind’ support, and the Ballarat Base Hospital. This funding is for examples of initiatives from Commonwealth Government. the redevelopment of emergency and The Program is managed through the imaging facilities, intensive care, day each of the Department’s Gippsland Local Government Network, an surgery, out-patients, allied health and alliance of seven local government Chief ancillary services. rural regions: Barwon South Executive Officers and Mayors from the six g Kyneton - $11 million for the construction Western, Gippsland, local governments that make up the Gippsland of a new facility on a ‘greenfield’ site Region plus the Shire of Cardinia, which has incorporating 32 acute bed and 20 aged Grampians, Hume and close service delivery links with the rural parts care bed facilities and new of Gippsland. The Network plans strategically accommodation for the range of allied Loddon Mallee. for the whole of the Gippsland Region. The health and other services. Program has an Advisory Board, with g representatives from each of the seven Hepburn Health Service – Daylesford Councils, two representatives from the Hospital $1.7 million provided for the Department of Human Services (region and Daylesford Hospital for redevelopment of head office) and a representative from the acute ward areas and infrastructure Department of Infrastructure. works in association with residential aged care and community health redevelopments. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 10

10 2000-01 Annual Report

Grampians Regional Alcohol And HUME The upgrading of the estate has provided the Drug Action Plan opportunity to engage in a community Wangaratta District Base Hospital development process. A Community Liaison Grampians Region, in partnership with key Committee has been established that includes stakeholders, has developed a Regional Stage One of the $15.41 million redevelopment residents and tenants, local government, Alcohol and Drug Action Plan. The process of the Wangaratta District Base Hospital schools, health service providers, police, included consultations with drug treatment officially opened in March 2001. This consisted Neighbourhood Houses and the Department of services, health services, police, the Divisions of a two-storey construction of rehabilitation, Human Services. Plans are being developed to of General Practice and local government. The birthing suites and obstetrics and provide employment opportunities, to establish Plan has enabled the Region to focus on the refurbishment of an engineering workshop. a community centre and to develop greater further development of several key issues: Wodonga Housing Redevelopment connections between the schools and the g Research into access issues regarding The Mark, Elm, Rundle, Swan Streets estate in community. the range of withdrawal services. Wodonga, built in the 1950s, consists of 72 DisAbility Quality and Training g The development of a regionally single-house lots, with 54 in public housing Project Overseen by the Hume Region appropriate and accessible rehabilitation ownership, within one to two kilometres of the DisAbility Service Providers Network model. Wodonga central business area. Consultation with the community and service providers The DisAbility Providers Service Network g A strategic approach to professional supported the development of the site as an commenced in March 2000. It is made up of all development and support for alcohol and older person’s precinct. The estimated cost of regional Disability Service Providers and staff, drug specialists and generic workers. the public housing component is $2.8 million. meets three times per year and attracts g Improved linkages with police. This reflects regional public housing needs and between 80 –120 participants at each meeting. In partnership with the Uniting Care Outreach maximises the use of a well-located site for One of its priority areas was to address the Centre, Grampians Region established a four- older persons’ public housing. problems associated with the recruitment and bed youth residential withdrawal service in A strong collaborative partnership has been retention of qualified experienced staff. In Ballarat in March 2001. The service provides developed with the City of Wodonga which response, a training needs analysis of workers two beds each to young people from supported the project from its inception. was conducted. Two training calendars Grampians and Loddon Mallee Regions. While Continuing liaison and consultation occurs with (January to June 2001 and July to December young people have been known to leave tenants, residents and aged care and health 2001) were then developed and delivered in withdrawal services early, Uniting Care service providers. There is positive and strong partnership between the Service and training Outreach have established the ability to community support for the redevelopment. providers. The training was linked to the provide a program that is youth-friendly. National Training Framework and participants Parkside Estate Housing received accreditation at completion. This work Redevelopment Project – Shepparton was contributed voluntarily. Parkside Estate, built in the 1970s, is situated Since May 2001, 542 staff from all state- four kilometres from central Shepparton and funded disability services in Hume Region have consists of approximately 440 dwellings, (321 participated in a Quality and Training project to public housing dwellings and 119 private research the qualifications and competencies houses). The estimated cost of the of disability workers (both Government and redevelopment over the next three years is non-government) for the purpose of developing $5.05 million and involves some demolition of a regional learning and development strategy medium density units, infrastructure and road to address recruitment and retention issues. works, upgrading works to existing units and the sale of some units. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 11

11 2000-01 Annual Report

LODDON MALLEE Focusing on Koori Communities in Loddon Mallee Upgrading Hospitals The Loddon Mallee Regional Reference Group During 2000–01 $10 million was provided to (LMARG) is a Regional peak body with the Bendigo Base Hospital single machine representatives from each of the six Aboriginal radiotherapy unit for the construction of the communities in the Loddon Mallee Region. The radiotherapy facility and linear accelerator group provides advice to the Department about equipment. Swan Hill District Hospital received regional issues and acts as an advocate on $1 million for engineering, external works and behalf of individual Aboriginal communities in infrastructure to consolidate acute and aged the Region. A Community Plan was developed care services. in partnership with all members of the LMARG. Community Building Public Housing The plan outlines priorities and projects focusing on Koori communities within the Redevelopment at Long Gully Region for the next three years. Key areas Crewman Steven Collins, Captain Damien Mould The Department of Human Services is identified in the Plan are: capacity building, and Paramedic Murray Barkmeyer pictured with committed to renewing and reinvigorating public cross-cultural awareness training, employment, the new helicopter ambulance which services housing estates in regional areas. The Long primary health care, health promotion, drug 614,000 people, 17 local government areas and 30 Gully Estate in Bendigo was built in the 1970s and alcohol services, spiritual and emotional road ambulance stations within a 150 kilometre radius from Bendigo. and consists of some 300 houses, including 198 well-being, youth, prevention services, housing public housing dwellings. The Government has and information technology projects. endorsed a $6.5 million redevelopment strategy to upgrade existing dwellings and construct new homes. Seventy-two houses have been upgraded so far. A Community Liaison Committee has been set up, including representatives of residents. Improving Ambulance Services Emergency patients in Northern and Central Victoria now have more rapid access to major hospitals with a new helicopter launched in Bendigo on 29 June 2001. The helicopter is crewed by Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics and responds to major accidents and emergencies in a wide arc from the Western Highway in western Victoria across to the Hume Highway in the north-east. The helicopter provides a service to 614,000 people, 17 local government areas and 30 road ambulance stations in a 150 kilometre radius from Bendigo. The new helicopter is one of a number of recent initiatives implemented to improve ambulance services across the State. These include extended coverage of MICA units to regional centres, expanded two-officer crewing, replacing road and air ambulances and the provision of extra ambulances for accident black spots. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 12

12 2000–01 Annual Report

Financial Summary

Summary of Financial Statements 1996–97 to 2000–01 The attached financial statements reflect the operations of the Department of Human Services for the financial year 2000–01

Summary of Financial Performance 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000

Revenue from Ordinary Activities 5,520,578 5,848,622 6,566,996 6,782,099 7,661,006 Expenses from Ordinary Activities 5,280,480 5,612,586 6,250,657 6,548,441 7,446,795 Net result for the reporting period 240,098 236,036 316,339 233,658 214,211

The increase in revenue and expenses reflects mainly increased funding to put into action the Government’s key policy directions across all output groups and the approval during the year of additional funding for wage awards in the hospital sector. The surplus of revenue over expenses for the period is predominately due to the recognition of government funding for capital purposes, the equivalent expenditure being recognised in the Statement of Financial Position, summarised below.

Summary of Financial Position 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000

Total Department Total Assets 7,029,359 7,173,264 7,564,344 8,141,404 9,207,517 Total Liabilities 2,257,417 850,986 742,932 695,961 812,553 Total Equity 4,771,942 6,322,278 6,821,412 7,445,443 8,394,964

The increase in assets reflects mainly asset purchases and revaluations. The net increase in liabilities was mainly due to a new iniative to provide for the net increase in hospital long service leave liabilities and the recognition of the short term requirement of an advance from government to cover goods and services tax (GST) cashflows recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office.

Total Operating Expenses by Output Group 2000–01 Actual Actual Expenses Expenses Variance 1999–00 2000–01 2000–01 $M $M %

Acute Services 3,186 3,808 16.33 Ambulance Services 122 139 12.30 Aged Care and Primary Health 655 742 11.80 Mental Health Services 461 518 10.88 Public Health Services 219 253 13.60 DisAbility Services 594 680 12.71 Community Care 484 528 8.38 Concessions to Pensioners and Beneficiaries 252 260 2.92 Housing Assistance 417 450 7.21

Total 6,390 7,378 13.39

a) Excludes assets transferred to Treasury for disposal, asset revaluations and costs of disposal of non-current assets. b) Actual Expenses 1999–00 adjusted for comparative purposes. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 13

13 2000–01 Annual Report

Output Group Asset Investment Program 2000–01 Actual Actual Expenses Expenses 1999–00 2000–01 $M $M

Acute Services 150 182 Ambulance Services 8 6 Aged Care and Primary Health 61 83 Mental Health Services 23 7 Public Health Services 11 11 DisAbility Services 32 38 Community Care 11 11 Concessions to Pensioners and Beneficiaries 0 - Housing Assistance 405 393

Total payments 701 731

a) This table includes Works in Progress, New Works and Annual Provisions b) Actual Expenses 1999–00 adjusted for comparative purposes.

Budget Portfolio Outcomes

The Budget Portfolio Outcomes statements are prepared in order to provide a means of comparative analysis between the actual financial performance of all entities within the portfolio with the forecasts published in Budget Paper No. 3 “Budget Estimates”. The Budget Portfolio Outcomes statements are prepared on a consolidated basis. Entities are consolidated within a budget portfolio when 50 percent or more of their funding is received through appropriations and which are directly accountable through Ministers of Parliment. Budget Portfolio Outcomes statements are not prepared on the same basis as the department’s financial report and are not subject to audit by the Victorian Auditor–General’s Office. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 14

14 2000–01 Annual Report

Budget Portfolio Outcomes (continued) Statement of Financial Performance Department of Human Services Portfolio For the Year ended 30 June 2001

2000–01 2000–01 2000–01 Variation (a) Actual Revised Published Budget Budget ($ M) ($ M) ($ M) %

Operating revenue Revenue From State Government (b) 6,294.8 6,171.6 5,910.3 6.5 Section 29 receipts – Commonwealth 686.7 683.3 689.3 –0.4 – Other 155.3 149.5 129.4 20.0 Other Commonwealth grants 81.2 – – n.a Other Revenue (c) 807.2 874.7 771.4 4.6 Total 8,025.2 7,879.1 7,500.4 7.0

Operating expenses Employee related expenses (d) 3,673.4 3,665.5 3,471.4 5.8 Purchase of supplies and services (e) 3,131.2 3,063.8 2,908.1 7.7 Depreciation and amortisation 209.7 223.3 223.3 –6.1 Capital asset charge 297.9 297.9 297.9 0.0 Other expenses 799.1 641.5 655.2 22.0 Total 8,111.3 7,892.0 7,555.9 7.4

Operating surplus/(deficit) before revenue for increase in net assets (86.1) (12.9) (55.5) 55.3 Add: Revenue for increase in net assets 79.1 95.2 80.4 –1.6 Section 29 receipts – asset sales 4.0 6.3 6.3 –35.5

Operating surplus/deficit (3.0) 88.6 31.1 –109.8

Administered Items

Operating revenue Other Commonwealth grants 1,621.8 1,563.2 1,539.8 5.3 Other revenue (c) 16.8 23.3 23.6 –28.6 Less revenue transmitted to Consolidated Fund (1,630.2) (1,586.5) (1,563.4) 4.3 Total 8.4 – – n.a

Operating expenses Purchase of supplies and services (0.7) – – n.a Other expenses (0.0) – – n.a Total (0.7) – – n.a

Operating surplus/(deficit) 7.7 – – n.a

Notes: (a) Variation between 2000–01 Actual and 2000–01 Published Budget (b) Includes estimated carryover of 1999–2000 appropriation amounts. Actual carryover is subject to approval by the Treasurer prior to 30 June pursuant to Section 32 of the Financial Management Act, 1994 (c) Includes revenue for services delivered to parties outside government (d) Includes salaries and allowances, superannuation contributions and payroll tax (e) Includes payments to non–government organisations for delivery of services 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 15

15 2000-01 Annual Report

Budget Portfolio Outcomes (continued) Statement of Financial Position Department of Human Services Portfolio For the Year ended 30 June 2001

2000–01 2000–01 2000–01 Variation (a) Actual Revised Published Budget Budget ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) %

Assets

Current Assets Cash 235,584 231,781 188,371 25.1 Investments 464,588 415,299 429,296 8.2 Receivables 211,600 184,861 112,200 88.6 Prepayments 23,009 10,967 18,301 25.7 Inventories 49,003 58,519 37,508 30.6 Other Assets 76 – 117 –34.9 Total Current Assets 983,860 901,427 785,793 25.2

Non-Current Assets Investments 61,890 58,937 45,512 36.0 Receivables (b) 209,865 246,714 233,561 –10.1 Fixed Assets 4,118,534 3,989,255 3,787,837 8.7 Other Assets 9,860 2,063 2,661 270.5 Total Non-Current Assets 4,400,148 4,296,969 4,069,571 8.1

Total Assets 5,384,009 5,198,396 4,855,364 10.9

Liabilities

Current Liabilities Payables 342,549 314,128 305,537 12.1 Borrowings 10,784 25,042 45,095 –76.1 Employee Entitlements 444,574 408,203 365,511 21.6 Superannuation 2,999 2,494 2,542 18.0 Other Liabilities 124,092 97,072 51,172 142.5 Total Current Liabilities 924,999 846,939 769,857 20.2

Non-Current Liabilities Payables 8,285 7,624 48,644 –83.0 Borrowings 29,705 40,212 5,946 399.6 Employee Entitlements 409,557 404,363 429,315 –4.6 Superannuation – – 76 –100.0 Other Liabilities 87,254 9,033 8,342 946.0 Total Non-Current Liabilites 534,801 461,232 492,323 8.6

Total Liabilities 1,459,799 1,308,171 1,262,180 15.7

Net Assets 3,924,210 3,890,225 3,593,184 9.2 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 16

16 2000-01 Annual Report

Budget Portfolio Outcomes (continued)

Statement of Financial Position (continued) Department of Human Services Portfolio For the Year ended 30 June 2001

2000–01 2000–01 2000–01 Variation (a) Actual Revised Published Budget Budget ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) %

Administered Items

Assets

Current Assets Investments 549 1,179 1,290 –57.4 Receivables 9,444 909 232 n.a Total Current Assets 9,993 2,088 1,522 556.6

Non-Current Assets Receivables 4,047 4,672 3,329 21.6 Other Assets (c) 118,003 120,567 – n.a Total Non-Current Assets 122,050 125,239 3,329 3,566.3

Total Assets 132,043 127,327 4,851 2,622.0

Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities Non-Current Payables (c) 118,003 120,567 – n.a Other Non-Current Liabilities 3,879 4,509 4,620 –16.0 Total Non-Current Liabilities 121,882 125,076 4,620 2,538.1

Total Liabilities 121,882 125,076 4,620 2,538.1

Net Assets 10,161 2,251 231 4,298.8

Notes: (a) Variation between 2001 Actual and 2001 Published Budget (b) Includes cash balances held in trust in the Public Account (c) On behalf of the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Human Services administers funding provided under a Health Service Agreement for building redevelopment at St Vincent’s Hospital of $118.003 million 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 17

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Budget Portfolio Outcomes (continued) Statement of Cash Flows Department of Human Services Portfolio For the Year ended 30 June 2001

2000–01 2000–01 2000–01 Variation (a) Actual Revised Published Budget Budget ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) %

Cash flows from operating activities Operating receipts Receipts from State Government – provision of outputs 6,294.8 6,171.6 5,910.3 6.5 Receipts from State Government – increase in net asset base 79.1 95.2 80.4 3.4 Section 29 receipts – Commonwealth 686.7 683.3 689.3 –0.4 – Other 155.3 149.5 129.4 20.0 – Asset Sales 4.0 6.3 6.3 –100.0 Other Commonwealth grants 81.2 – – n.a. Other 726.0 814.2 784.4 –7.4 Total 8,027.1 7,920.1 7,600.0 5.6

Operating payments Employee Related Expenses (3,571.9) (3,606.0) (3,421.9) 4.4 Purchases of Supplies and Services (2,971.4) (3,021.8) (2,908.1) 2.2 Interest and finance expenses (16.0) – – n.a Capital Assets Charge (297.9) (297.9) (297.9) 0.0 Current grants and transfer payments (389.2) (324.0) (325.6) 19.6 Capital grants and transfer payments (344.1) (317.5) (329.6) 4.4 Net Cash flows from operating activities 436.5 352.9 – n.a Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of investments (52.3) – – n.a Receipts from sale of land, fixed assets and invesments (incl. S29 FMA) 28.0 6.3 6.3 348.4 Purchases of non–current assets (441.3) (313.9) (333.6) 32.3 Net Cash flows from investing activities (465.6) (307.6) (327.4) 42.2 Cash flows from financing activities Receipts from appropriations –increase in net asset base 54.9 – – n.a Net increases in balances held with Government 61.9 26.4 10.5 487.8 Net borrowings and advances (12.9) – – n.a Net Cash flows from financing activities 103.9 26.4 10.5 885.9 Net Increase/Decrease in Cash Held 74.7 71.6 – n.a Cash at beginning of period 155.2 155.3 179.8 –13.7 Cash at end of period 229.9 226.9 – n.a

Administered Items

Cash flows from operating activities Operating receipts Other Commonwealth grants 1,621.8 1,563.2 1 539.8 5.3 Other 7.6 10.3 10.6 –28.3 Total 1,629.4 1,573.5 1 550.4 0.0

Operating payments Purchases of Supplies and Services (1.3) – – n.a Other (1,634.2) (1,586.5) (1,563.4) 4.5 Net Cash flows from operating activities (6.1) (13.0) (13.0) –53.2 Cash flows from investing activities Receipts from sale of land, fixed assets and invesments (incl. S29 FMA) 4.9 13.0 13.0 –62.7 Net Movement in Investments 0.6 – – n.a Net Cash flows from investing activities 5.5 13.0 13.0 –57.8 Cash flows from financing activities Net increases in balances held with Government 0.6 – – n.a

Net Cash flows from financing activities 0.6 – – n.a

Notes: (a) Variation between 2000–01 Actual and 2000–01 Published Budget 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 18

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Flagship Projects

The Department of Human Services’ Executive Discussions with regions identified endorsed three Flagship Projects in demonstration areas in which to trial local 2000–2001: Best Start projects and consultations with other Government departments resulted in a 1 Best Start high level of interest in the project. 2 Quality in Services EMERGENCY DEMAND 3 Emergency Demand Management. MANAGEMENT These projects were identified as being priorities for Departmental planning and The Emergency Demand Management Project service development. aims to reduce public hospital ambulance Flagship Projects address key strategic issues bypass and shorten the waiting time in facing the Department and require a high level emergency departments. of cross-divisional coordination to achieve their In the 2000–2001 budget, the Victorian aims. They draw on knowledge and expertise Government invested an additional $176 from a broad range of internal and external million in hospitals, including funding a range stakeholders in their planning, development of strategies to better manage demand for and implementation. elective and emergency services. The projects are underpinned by a sound Unprecedented emergency demand pressures evidence base in policy, service development continue, and these require new management and service delivery. The expected results will approaches. Increasing waiting times in include improved outcomes for service users emergency departments and delays in through a better quality of service provision admission to inpatient wards are not an and organisation, and more effective emergency department problem. Meeting partnerships. these challenges requires a systemwide approach. BEST START Through the Emergency Demand Management Project the Department has: Best Start aims to improve the health, development and well-being of all children g Worked in partnership with public across Victoria from pregnancy to eight years. hospital management and clinicians to develop new service models and change Best Start will support communities, parents patient management practice. and service providers to make local universal early years services more accessible, g Built capacity by opening new beds. comprehensive and inclusive to support g Developed substitute care options that parents and families in their care giving and relieve pressure on acute hospital beds. their enjoyment of parenting. g Commenced a major four-year prevention In 2000–01, the Department redirected funding strategy that will reduce hospital to establish a secretariat. A Policy Action admission for people with chronic and Group with representation from all Divisions complex conditions by developing and Regions was established which developed carefully targeted alternative models of a program description and action plan. The care in the community. Centre for Community Child Health, Royal g Children’s Hospital was contracted to provide As part of the 2001–02 budget process, publications highlighting the evidence about negotiated individually tailored hospital the importance of the early years, to provide demand management strategies with advice about indicators that could be used to metropolitan hospitals that have major measure success and to work with the emergency departments. Victorian Parenting Centre to provide examples of effective programs. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 19

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QUALITY IN SERVICES: DEVELOPING A QUALITY FRAMEWORK

The Quality in Services project will improve the quality systems of services delivered and funded by the Department. Services provided to Victorians should be of the highest quality. The Department of Human Services strives to provide quality services in a professional manner, and is committed to seeking new ways to improve its services. The aim of the project is to develop a Department-wide Quality Framework for service delivery that will ensure measurable improvements over time to the quality of services to clients and patients. The Framework will be developed during 2001–02. The Quality in Services project is sponsoring practical projects to trial specific quality management improvements and address high priority service quality issues. These practical projects will contribute ideas and experiences to help the development of a comprehensive, strategic framework for service quality across the Department.

The Department's Flagship Projects address issues ranging from children's health development and well-being to better care for people with chronic and complex conditions, improving the way emergency departments in hospitals meet demand and ensuring that Victorians receive the highest quality services possible. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 20

20 2000-01 Annual Report Cross-Program Responses

The Government and the Department faced a Participating Divisions: All Department of series of complex human service issues during Human Services Divisions. Supporting Shared 2000–01. An increasing number of the Lead Division: Public Health Division. Department’s clients used a range of services High Risk Clients and many emerging care and support issues PRIMARY CARE PARTNERSHIPS required a broader response than could be The following initiatives aim to address the multiple needs of high risk clients through provided within traditional organisational Primary Care Partnerships aim to create a collaboration across programs. structures. The Department of Human Services genuine primary care service system by helping worked with other Government agencies and providers and professionals to coordinate their VICTORIAN HOMELESSNESS across traditional internal program boundaries work. Thirty-two alliances of primary care STRATEGY to address these issues, in three key areas: providers have been established for this purpose, 1 Acting sooner and more effectively. and all Primary Care Partnerships submitted their In response to the growing number of people first Community Health Plan in June 2001. The 2 Supporting shared, high risk clients. who are homeless, a comprehensive Victorian Plans describe how service providers, Homelessness Strategy is being developed. It 3 Responding to specific issues. communities and Government will work together will serve to improve existing responses, to better plan, coordinate and deliver services. Further details of each initiative are provided develop a preventative and early intervention under the performance reports of the Lead Participating Divisions: Aged Community approach to homelessness, and will include Division. and Mental Health Division; Public Health strategies to prevent homelessness and better Division; Acute Health Division. coordinate services for those who experience or are at risk of homeless. Acting Sooner and Lead Division: Aged Community and Mental Health Division. During 2000–01 an extensive consultation More Effectively process was conducted, and the Ministerial DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY Advisory Committee produced a working These initiatives reflect the importance of report, Building Solutions for Individuals and acting in a timely manner, as well as in a An initial strategy was formulated to inform the Families Who Experience Homelessness. development of a framework for early childhood coordinated way, to prevent and reduce illness Participating Agencies: Department of and improve well-being. intervention in Victoria. A Reference Group, comprising parent representatives, academics Human Services; Department of Justice; HEALTH PROMOTION and service providers, was established. Further Department of Education; Department of work will be undertaken in consultation with the Premier and Cabinet; Department of Treasury A coordinated series of initiatives was early childhood intervention sector, families and and Finance; Department of Infrastructure. undertaken to enhance the Department’s the community to examine ways to strengthen Lead Division: Office of Housing. capacity to plan and deliver effective, targeted the capacity of the service system to meet the health promotion action in an integrated way needs of children with developmental delays WORKING TOGETHER STRATEGY across all program areas and regions. Special and/or disabilities, and their families, and to effort was made to strengthen health enhance access to a range of support services. The Working Together Strategy is a quality promotion action through workforce improvement initiative that seeks to achieve Participating Agencies: Department of development and the building of local better health and welfare outcomes for high Human Services; Department of Education, organisational alliances. New strategies and need clients who require access to multiple Employment and Training (DEET). funding programs were implemented in various services, such as mental health, protection and areas, including: Lead Division: Community Care Division. care, drug treatment and juvenile justice. The Strategy aims to strengthen cross-program g Tobacco control PRESCHOOL TRANSITION collaboration and communication, and to build g Illicit drug control the capacity of regional service networks to This project aims to better support the respond in a cohesive and client-focused g Nutrition transition of children from preschool to school. manner. g Physical activity Representatives from preschools, special education, primary schools and academic Participating Divisions: Aged Community g Oral health spheres are assisting in the development of and Mental Health Division; Community Care g Chronic disease prevention and strategies for improving the linkages in early Division; Public Health Division; DisAbility management childhood education. Services Division. g Mental health promotion Participating Agencies: Department of Lead Division: Community Care Division. g Programs for children and older people. Human Services; Department of Education Employment and Training. Lead Division: Community Care Division. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 21

21 2000-01 Annual Report

MULTI-SERVICE COORDINATION COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS JUVENILE JUSTICE INITIATIVES PROJECT PROGRAMS A series of initiatives have been developed to This Project will enhance case coordination for This Program is an ongoing strategic response prevent low risk young people from entering clients and their families who experience that crosses housing, health and social support the Juvenile Justice system, to rehabilitate difficulties having their multiple needs met. programs. It seeks to help people who are more serious offenders and to support During 2000–01 a case coordination homeless, or living in insecure or low cost offenders after release from custodial care. framework was developed and successfully accommodation and have unmet, complex or Work is being undertaken with courts to implemented in two regions. multiple needs. The Program funds Community enhance and extend court advice and bail Connection Workers to reach out to these support in adult courts, and improve Participating Divisions: Aged Community people and assist them to use services supervision outcomes for adult offenders on and Mental Health Division; Community Care appropriate to their needs. community-based orders. Division; Public Health Division; DisAbility Services Division. Participating Divisions: Aged Community Participating Agencies: Department of Human and Mental Health Division; Office of Housing. Services Divisions; Department of Justice; Victoria Lead Division: Community Care Division. Police; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Lead Division: Aged Community and Mental Department of Treasury and Finance; Department ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI) Health Division. PROJECT of Education Employment and Training. Lead Division: Community Care Division. The ABI Project is an ongoing integrated Responding to response to the complex and diverse needs of MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY people with acquired brain injury. Divisional Specific Issues roles within the Department are being The Multicultural Strategy unit supports the A number of specific health and well-being clarified, and a number of key issues provision of culturally and linguistically responsive related issues were targeted in 2000–01 for a addressed, including accommodation, hospital services. A departmental Cultural Diversity high priority response. discharge planning, rehabilitation, ABI and Reference Group operated throughout 2000–01 to drug and alcohol use, carer support, workforce KOORI HUMAN SERVICES examine relevant cross-program issues, including planning, and navigating the service system. the implications of whole-of-Government This Project is working to improve the health multicultural policies, and to help develop Participating Divisions: All Department of consistent and systematic ways of addressing the Human Services Divisions. and well-being status of Koori people through the provision of culturally responsive services. human services needs of Victoria’s culturally and Lead Division: DisAbility Services Division. Key areas of activity include improving linguistically diverse communities. DUAL DIAGNOSIS PARTNERSHIPS knowledge about the health of the Aboriginal Participating Divisions: All Department of population, and the expansion of the role and Human Services Divisions. coverage of Aboriginal health services. The Partnerships aim to develop better Lead Division: Policy and Strategic Projects treatment programs for clients with both Participating Divisions: All Department of Division. problematic substance abuse and mental Human Services Divisions. illness. The capacity of drug and alcohol and STATE DISABILITY PLAN Lead Division: Policy and Strategic Projects mental health agencies to assess and treat Division. dual diagnosis clients will be improved, and Work to develop a State DisAbility Services formal linkages established to improve ILLICIT DRUGS Plan, with a ten-year outlook, began in treatment responses. 2000–01. The Plan which has an extensive consultation process is being developed to Participating Divisions: Aged Community Drugs have a major impact on the community. include a broad Government response to the and Mental Health Division; Public Health To provide an effective response, advice and goals and aspirations of people with Division. efforts from a range of Government agencies is being integrated to reduce and prevent the disabilities. The Plan will aim to re-orient the Lead Division: Aged Community and Mental harm associated with drug use. disability support system, strengthen the Health Division. capacity of communities to be supportive and Participating Agencies: Department of inclusive of people with a disability, and make Human Services Divisions; Department of public services more accessible. Justice; the Victoria Police; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Department of Treasury Participating Divisions: Aged Community and Finance; Department of Education and Mental Health Division; DisAbility Services Employment and Training. Division; Community Care Division; Policy and Strategic Projects Division. Lead Division: Public Health Division. Lead Division: DisAbility Services Division. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 22

22 2000-01 Annual Report Corporate Governance

The Department aims to achieve high INDEPENDENT ADVICE g Corporate governance. standards on Corporate Governance issues and g Financial monitoring and performance. provide leadership for accountability and In the pursuit of their duties, Executive officers achievement that support the four pillars may seek independent advice from a range of g Service quality and performance. fundamental to the Victorian Government’s stakeholders. The framework, which will have a staged overall policy directions. implementation, will provide a consistent RISK MANAGEMENT management approach to monitoring of agencies EXECUTIVE ROLE based upon the level of financial and/or service In 2000 the Department developed a risk risk, combined with scheduled performance Directors report directly to the Secretary and management framework and user guide in reviews of selected agencies and performance are responsible for both organisation-wide funds allocation of external service provision. audits. There will be a focus on screening and program areas as well being directly During 2000–2001 the Department progressed monitoring of agency performance against accountable for the activities of one or more of the concept of risk management beyond the Departmental benchmarks in the above three the Department’s regions. The Directors funds allocation area to considering a broader areas. operate with the Secretary as the risk management program for the Department. departmental executive decision making forum. The program development, which is nearing AUDIT COMMITTEE Assistant Directors report to the Directors and completion, has been based on the Risk manage significant or discrete programs. Management AS/NZ 4360:1999 Standard and Gordon Bryant Regional Directors are responsible for the will lead to a consistency of application and a Chair planning, purchasing and delivery of a range of more formalised approach to risk management with a major outcome being the effective Lance Wallace Human Services programs within one of the Director, Resources Department’s nine regions. identification of Department-wide operational risks, appropriately prioritised and with action Shane Solomon Executives with designation of ‘manager’ plans in place. Director, Policy and Strategic Projects manage a subordinate program, have policy responsibilities or are involved in regional PERFORMANCE MONITORING Jennifer Westacott service delivery. REVIEW AND AUDIT FRAMEWORK Director, Office of Housing The Department of Human Services has nine Gabrielle Levine regions. Each of the nine Regional Directors A framework has been developed for improved Regional Director, Western Metropolitan Region monitoring and audit of funded community reports to a Divisional Director. John Braine services agencies in the areas of: Manager, Internal Audit

Policy Portfolio and Strategic Secretary Services Projects Division

Acute Health Aged, Community Community DisAbility Office of Public Health Resources Division and Mental Care Division Services Division Housing Division Division Health Division

Western Northern Southern Barwon- Eastern Loddon Gippsland Grampians Hume Metropolitan Metropolitan Metropolitan South West Metropolitan Mallee Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region

Corporate Divisions Program Divisions Regions 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 23

23 2000-01 Annual Report Divisional Reports

In a significant departure from previous years, In the Department of Human the 2000–01 Departmental Plan moved away 3 Foundation of from outlining every aspect of the Services 2000–01 Annual organisation’s operations to an explicit Community statement of the major challenges facing the Report each of the six Department and how these would be Strengthening specifically addressed and new policy Program divisions report This objective recognises that the need for initiatives implemented. The Plan was many personally disruptive and costly against the Department’s formulated around the five key objectives that interventions is avoidable. Strengthening were developed to inform direction setting in five key objectives. communities can both support families and the Department and the development of a provide the informal alternate assistance for whole-of-government social development those with limited family resources. framework. The five key objectives are: 4 Rebalanced Service 1 Confidence in Response

Access to Quality This objective guides the range of program choices that confront all parts of the Services Based on Department. Even with a strong foundation of community and family support and preventive Need measures, people will still need to access the formal service system. This objective relates to the core function of the Department of delivering or funding human services. While Victorians would mostly prefer 5 Reduced not to seek the Department’s services, when the need arises they do expect services to be Inequalities in available at the right time in the right place Health and and of an acceptable quality. Well-Being 2 Sustainable Service This objective further informs policy and System programs choices in an environment of limited resources. At one level, there are geographic This objective is essential for the long-term areas that experience inequality, such as some sustainability of the human services industry rural communities and parts of Melbourne. At sector. Growth in demand, and the introduction another level, there are client or patient groups of innovation, has been met in many parts of who have enduring and complex needs, such the system through improved productivity. as Koori people, multi-problem clients (dual Given the high precentage of the State’s disability, child abuse history, homeless), and productive wealth that is spent on Human people with chronic health conditions. Services, it is important that the human services sector find ways of increasing productivity. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 24

24 2000-01 Annual Report Acute Health

Abolished the former Victorian government’s Key Objectives Key Results Health Care Networks and implemented Metropolitan Health Services. Improve access to services and managing demand. While ambulance bypass figures for 2000–01 were higher than for the previous year, there was Improved the financial viability of health services Establish Metropolitan Health Services. a steady quarterly improvement from August through additional budget funding and close Establish programs to improve quality and safety 2000, reflecting capacity growth through the attention to prudent management. Hospitals in hospitals. Winter Emergency Demand Strategy and reported an improved financial position at the end improved patient management in hospitals. of 2000-01 with an overall surplus of $30 million, Improve the standard of ambulance services. above the $21 million reported last year. Total numbers on elective surgery waiting lists Invest strategically in infrastructure. decreased by 0.7 per cent to 30 June 2001. Reviewed the funding of small rural (Group D&E) Ensure the financial viability of hospitals. hospitals, and developed an improved, flexible Established the Emergency Demand Coordination funding arrangement to be implemented in 2001–02. Improve community accessibility to health service Group in October 2000. information. Improved casemix funding by recognising changes Established the Patient Management Task Force, in clinical practice but with a simplified allocation chaired by Dr Michael Walsh, in November 2000. methodology. Key Issues The Task Force aims to identify specific areas for improvement in hospital patient management Completed a review of the way that hospitals Manage an eight per cent increase in demand for processes, and to advise on the system drivers that introduce new technologies, which identified key metropolitan hospital emergency admissions and will encourage best practice in patient management. technology changes and trends, impacts on costs critical care services, which has emerged over an and volumes, and made recommendations on Developed targeted strategies in collaboration with strategic investment. underlying three to four per cent increase major metropolitan health services to improve resulting from population growth, ageing and access for emergency and elective services funded Developed a model and legislation for the new technology. by a $176 million initiative package as part of the implementation of centralised purchasing of Continue development and enhancement of 2000-01 budget. The 2001–02 budget includes pharmaceuticals, medical consumables and other quality and safety programs, such as infection substantial additional funding for hospitals under strategic goods and services, and implemented control, quality of care reporting, and patient the Hospital Demand Management Strategy (which collaborative procurement of some information satisfaction monitoring for all Victorian hospitals. is a Department of Human Services flagship systems. project), bringing together the work of the Commenced demolition works on the Austin Improve community participation in the delivery of Emergency Demand Coordination Group and the health services, including establishment of Patient Management Task Force. campus of Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Community Advisory Committees. and commenced detailed design planning for the Improved access for patients to sub-acute facilities, construction of the new Austin and Repatriation Implement the Government’s commitment to and improved care to patients in the community to Medical Centre and Mercy Hospital for Women. upgrade and redevelop the Austin and avoid admission of these patients to hospital. Repatriation Medical Centre, and relocate the Reviewed the adequacy of hospital equipment Key elements of the Hospital-to-Home policy, Mercy Hospital for Women, a $325 million project. funding, and identified issues for further investigation. such as services to people discharged from Optimise the utilisation of existing capital assets, hospital, were implemented through the extension Enhanced consumer input into the health system respond to new service demand, and promote of the Post-Acute Care Program. with the establishment of Community Advisory sustainability for rural health. Committees to advise health services on Implemented and audited new cleaning standards community needs and expectations. Identify present and future equipment investment for public hospitals and developed Infection funding levels in hospitals, and manage the Control Strategic Plans. Continued the development and consolidation of the Better Health Channel as the major Internet funding impact of adoption of new technology on Implemented Quality Improvement and Best the Victorian public hospital system. port of call for Victorians seeking accredited, Practice Program, and Designing Care Program, quality health information. Support the delivery of improved health services with over 77 projects statewide. and priorities through improved health information Reintegrated Latrobe Regional Hospital into the Implemented the Clinicians Health Channel, which public hospital system. and information and communications provides Internet-based clinical reference technologies. information to clinicians across the health system, Redeveloped facilities were commissioned at Manage increasing ambulance demand through to support evidence-based care and improved Sunshine Hospital, Wangaratta Hospital, increased resources and better deployment of access to clinical guidelines and protocols. Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre, Dandenong Hospital and Royal Melbourne Hospital. existing resources. Established the Victorian Organ Donations Service through the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Develop cleaning standards which have been Continued the Statewide redevelopment of BreastCare services in line with evidence-based adopted by hospitals in the UK. Commenced a statewide patient satisfaction best practice. monitoring system. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 11:55 Page 25

25 2000-01 Annual Report

The Acute Health Division is responsible for funding the delivery of high quality acute, sub-acute services and ambulance services, and ensures the provision of adequate and safe supplies of blood and blood products. The operational units of the Ambulance Key Future Directions Division are: Results Implement and evaluate the Hospital Demand g Funding and Financial Management Strategy. For the first time, achieved a Metropolitan Policy. ambulance quarterly response time of 13 Continue research and development to better minutes for 90 per cent of time-critical cases in understand the drivers of demand and identify g Quality and Care greater metropolitan Melbourne. service models and interventions to improve access for patients. Continuity. Improved access to ambulance services Implement strategies to better manage through the establishment of ten new g ambulance paramedic services, the assessment and uptake of new technologies in Service Development introduction of MICA units in five areas, and hospitals. (including overall two-officer crewing in six rural ambulance Further develop interim care and other stations. programs, which were established as part of management of major Launched a new, state-of-the-art ‘Category A’ the Hospital Demand Management Strategy, new hospital projects). standard ambulance helicopter service in and are aimed at providing more appropriate Bendigo. alternative care settings for patients who g might otherwise occupy a hospital bed, Business Support and Upgraded fixed-wing air ambulance services including patients waiting for residential Project Management. through the deployment of four new care placement. pressurised twin-engine turbo prop King Air g planes. Develop a major four-year prevention strategy Ambulance Services. to reduce the need for hospital admission by Commenced training all ambulance paramedics better managing the treatment of in advanced life support skills. people with chronic and complex conditions. Trained 31,000 people in the community to administer CPR through the free Learn CPR— The Key to Survival initiative. Upgraded and expanded the ambulance fleet through the purchase of 51 stretcher vehicles.

Ambulance services are an integral part of our Acute Health sector, facilitating the timely and appropriate delivery of patients to Emergency Departments, thus ensuring optimum treatment outcomes for patients. Ambulance participation in health service planning has contributed to a well-integrated approach to strategy development for improved service delivery across the system. Pictured at a patient handover at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are Paramedics Donna Fabris and Robert Mits with nurse Angela Jess. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 26

26 2001 Annual Report

Enhance and build on safety and quality initiatives, including: Divisional Description

The Clinical Risk Management Strategy. The Acute Health Division is responsible for The establishment of the Victorian Nosocomial funding the delivery of high quality acute, sub- Infection Surveillance Centre (hospital acquired acute and ambulance services, and ensures the infections). provision of adequate and safe supplies of blood and blood products. The operational Funding of projects to prevent adverse events, units of the Division are: reduce variation in care, and evaluate g strategies for sub-acute and care continuity. Funding and Financial Policy. g Quality and Care Continuity. Build on the work of Community Advisory Committees to improve community input, g Service Development (including overall including ongoing monitoring of patient management of major new hospital satisfaction. projects). Establish the Victorian State Quality Council g Business Support and Project and Consultative Councils in Surgery and Management. Medicine. g Ambulance Services. Improve information on hospital breast care The Metropolitan Ambulance Service provides services through the development of a data ambulance services to the greater Melbourne set, performance indicators and consumer metropolitan area. In rural areas Rural satisfaction measurement tools. Ambulance Victoria provides these services— except in the limited areas covered by the Develop a strategy to support community Alexandra and District Ambulance Service. participation in rural health services.

Continue implementation of the Austin and MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES – ACUTE HEALTH SERVICES Repatriation Medical Centre Redevelopment, and Mercy Hospital for Women Relocation Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Project, including construction of new hospital Measure BP3 Target Actual buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings, Performance site planning and consultation for the Repatriation campus of Austin and Admitted Services Repatriation Medical Centre. Quantity Develop integrated strategies for Health Separations Number 970,400 1,006,000 Information and Information and Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separations Number 781,600 788,800 Communications Technology in Victoria and (multi-day and same-day services) (a) (WIES8) (WIES8) link to appropriate and sustainable funding 798,800 806,100 models. (WIES7) (WIES7) Quality Implementation of a three-year $30 million Beds accredited (b) Per cent 100 98.2 information and communications infrastructure program funded by Growing Victoria. Timeliness Urgent (Category 1) Per cent 100 100 Move forward with the Berwick Community patients admitted within 30 days Hospital as a Partnerships Victoria project. Semi-urgent (Category 2) Per cent 80 78 Develop an ambulance demand management patients admitted within 90 days (c) strategy to ensure resources continue to be Emergency patients admitted within Per cent 94.5 84 available to meet time-critical needs. the recommended period (<12 hrs) (d) Develop a planning framework for rural Total output cost (e) $ million 2,640.6 2,898.5 ambulance service delivery. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 27

27 2000-01 Annual Report

Non-Admitted Services Quantity VACS Group A outpatient encounters Number 1,986,000 2,030,000 Quality Maternity service enhancement—per cent of women receiving postnatal domiciliary visits Per cent 80 81

Total output cost (e) $ million 393.5 412.1

Hospital Emergency Services Quantity Occasions of emergency service Number 1,096,000 1,131,700 Quality 24-hour emergency departments Number 33 33 Timeliness Emergency Category 1 treated immediately Per cent 100 100 Emergency Category 2 treated in ten minutes Per cent 75 79 Emergency Category 3 treated in 30 minutes (f) Per cent 72 70

Total output cost (g) $ million 173.4 232.0

Home-Based Services Quantity HITH bed days Number 98,000 110,100 Post Acute Care clients Number 20,000 22,680

Total output cost (e) $ million 20.8 24.6

Training and Development Quantity First year graduate nurse places Number 966 1,088

Total output cost (e) $ million 123.1 138.5

Blood Services and Specialised Products Quantity Blood collections Number 238,000 239,841 Quality Compliance of blood production and Per cent 100 100 supply activities with Therapeutic Goods Association requirements

Total output cost (e) $ million 40.4 51 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 28

28 2000-01 Annual Report

Sub-Acute Services Quantity Sub-acute inpatient treatment Bed days 589,700 604,203 Community Rehabilitation Clinic places Number 124,463 127,298 Specialist clinics open Number 28 28 Quality Rehabilitation beds designated Per cent 100 100 Community rehabilitation clinics Per cent 100 100 meeting Designation Criteria Timeliness Community rehabilitation clinic clients Per cent 70 72 receiving treatment within three working days

Total output cost (e) $ million 230.1 254.9

(a) The 2000-01 Budget Paper target was 798,800. This definition (WIES 7) was updated (to WIES 8) during the year. WIES 7 had fixed and variable components which have been combined. WIES 8 is therefore a larger unit of measurement and the target is lower as a result. (b) A high percentage of Victoria's public hospitals are accredited. There are seven primarily small rural hospitals working to achieve accreditation in the next 12 months (c) Ongoing demand pressure, together with hospitals' focus on treating emergency patients and Category 1 patients in time, have resulted in a lower proportion of Category 2 patients admitted within 90 days (d) Continuing difficulties with admission block are being addressed in the Demand Management Strategy and include individual improvement targets for hospitals. (e) Increased Output cost reflects budget adjustments made during the year to accommodate wage award movements and/ or other funding initiatives including Commonwealth funded programs. (f) Underperformance due to ongoing demand pressure. Strategies in place for 2001-02 (g) The variation to the budget target reflects the better identification and increased resources in Hospital Emergency Services to manage increasing demand and improve flow through of patients. MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES – AMBULANCE SERVICES

Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Measure BP3 Target Actual Performance

Ambulance Emergency Services Quantity Metropolitan road cases Number 210,800 221,859 Country road cases Number 72,000 75,984 Rotary wing cases Number 1,650 1,632 Fixed wing cases (a) Number 875 827 Quality Audited cases meeting clinical practice standards Per cent 92 95 Timeliness Emergency response time (code 1) in 50 per cent of cases—metropolitan Minutes 8 8 Emergency response time (code 1) in 90 per cent of cases—metropolitan (b) Minutes 13 14

Total output cost $ million 183.9 184.2

Ambulance Non-Emergency Services Quantity Metropolitan road cases Number 111,200 142,263 Country road cases Number 36,600 39,103 Fixed wing cases (a) Number 2,625 3,638 Quality Audited cases meeting clinical practice standards (c) Per cent 90 80

Total output cost $ million 33.3 31.1 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 29

29 2000-01 Annual Report

Training and Development Quantity Ambulance student hours Number 107,000 114,536 Quality Ambulance students successfully completing courses Per cent 95 95

Total output cost $ million 3.4 3.9

(a) Total Fixed wing caseload reflects a greater usage for Non-Emergency services, offsetting the lower usage for emergency cases. (b) Performance affected by high workload growth. Overall, 89% of Code 1 cases were attended within 13 minutes with 90% attended within 13 minutes in Quarter 3. (c) Strategies addressing compliance issues have been implemented. CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED IN 2000–01 STATE BUDGET Air Ambulance Victoria Flight Paramedic Mark Sanders has the latest aeromedical equipment at Agency Project Description $ million his fingertips when working on the new fleet of four King Air pressurised aircraft. Royal Women’s Hospital Redevelopment of emergency, operating and day procedure 37 unit, birthing suites, complex care and neonatal intensive care unit. Creation of a common imaging area. Frankston Hospital Stage 1A. New 60-bed adult general adult ward and 16-bed 12 observation ward in the emergency department. Sunshine Hospital Fit-out of medical and surgical wards (60 beds), construction 8 of two operating theatres and completion of the imaging department. Angliss Hospital Expansion and upgrading of neonatal facilities. 2 Dandenong Hospital Monash Medical Centre (Clayton) Werribee Mercy Hospital Sunshine Hospital Ballarat Base Hospital Various metropolitan New and replacement items of major medical and other 20 and regional agencies hospital equipment and reference laboratory equipment. Various metropolitan New medical and other equipment to ensure compliance with 3 and regional agencies key Australian Standards and Infection Control Guidelines. Metropolitan Establishment of new ambulance stations and purchase of new 2.3 Ambulance Service emergency vehicles. Kyneton District Construction of a new facility on a ‘greenfield’ site, incorporating 11 Health Service 32 acute beds and a 20-bed aged care facility. Colac Hospital Major redevelopment of facility, including new emergency services, 13 acute wards, residential aged community nursing home and primary and allied health facilities. Ballarat Health Service Redevelopment of emergency and imaging facilities, intensive care, 6 day surgery, outpatients, allied health and ancillary services. Swan Hill District Hospital Engineering, external works and infrastructure. 1 Bendigo Base Hospital Establishment of a single-machine radiotherapy unit. 10 Rural Ambulance Victoria Accelerated replacement program to upgrade vehicle fleet. 2.9

Acute Health is also actively involved with capital projects funded under the Aged, Community and Mental Health (ACMH) program that has an acute component. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 30

30 2001 Annual Report

The major response to address this issue in Access to Elective Surgery Reporting on 2000–01 was the implementation of the Although waiting list numbers have slightly Winter Emergency Demand Strategy, reduced in 2000–01, increasing demand for Departmental subsequently renamed the Integrated Elective elective surgery will continue. and Emergency Demand Strategy. Despite Objectives successful implementation of each of the Despite emergency demand pressures elements of this strategy (particularly the described above, virtually all Victoria’s Category OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN opening of 105 sub-acute beds to provide more 1 (urgent) patients continued to be treated ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES appropriate alternative care for older within the clinically recommended time of 30 BASED ON NEED. Victorians who would otherwise occupy a days. The majority of Category 2 (semi-urgent) hospital bed), emergency demand pressure patients (78 per cent) were treated within the Managing Emergency Demand overwhelmed this response. The general clinically recommended time of 90 days. directions, however, remain appropriate and Demand for emergency care continued to place A major conference, Weighting the Wait, was have informed subsequent development of the pressure on the system. While all urgent held to support the continuing improvement of Hospital Demand Management Strategy. patients requiring hospital emergency managing access to elective surgery. The department care (triage category 1) received Major work has been undertaken by industry conference was attended by approximately 280 immediate treatment, performance in and the Department in 2000–01 to better delegates, and included international speakers ambulance bypass of metropolitan hospitals understand the multiple factors contributing to from Canada, the United Kingdom and New and patients waiting beyond appropriate times demand, and the strategies, new service Zealand. Outcomes included methods of in metropolitan emergency departments for models and patient management change that prioritising access to elective surgery, process admission was not as good as 1999–2000. need to be applied across the continuum of improvements, clinical leadership and the need care to meet the needs of a changing patient for comparative benchmarking of hospital This reduced level of performance reflects the population. performance to promote best practice fact that the metropolitan hospital system has throughout health systems. been operating at or above capacity in the face The Patient Management Task Force was of growing demand. Underlying growth of established in November 2000 to identify Hospital-to-Home three to four per cent is a characteristic specific areas for improvement in hospital The Effective Discharge Strategy, as part of the feature of public hospitals. Over the past four patient management processes, and to advise Hospital-to-Home policy, is a systematic years, however, demand for emergency on the system drivers that will encourage best approach to understanding, measuring and admissions to metropolitan hospitals, including practice in patient management. Chaired by Dr improving hospital discharge planning critical care services, has been rising—at an Michael Walsh, the Chief Executive of Bayside processes. Communication of hospital average of eight per cent each year. Key issues Health, the seven Task Force members discharge plans to GPs and other community- faced by the Victorian health care system engaged with hospital management, clinicians based health providers is essential to ensure included: and a wide range of stakeholders to that patients receive appropriate care and understand the problems confronting people g A severe shortfall of 5,000 support following discharge. Central to the working in the field. Commonwealth-funded nursing home communication process is the General beds, leading to difficulties in discharging The Task Force identified essential patient Practitioner (GP) Register, an electronic patients to residential care. management practices across the metropolitan database with the contact details of over public health care system, identified and 10,000 GPs that is used to notify GPs of g Shortage of nursing staff limiting prioritised areas of improvement, and made admission, discharge and other relevant capacity to increase acute bed numbers. recommendations on measures (including clinical information in relation to their patients. A major recruitment and retention incentives) to support the necessary change in initiative was successfully implemented The extension of post-acute care into the sub- practice and enable ongoing monitoring. The during the year. acute program is another significant element Task Force has identified a clear need for of the Hospital-to-Home policy. g Underlying limits to physical capacity, greater collaboration and improved coordination due to years of under-investment in in the way hospitals treat their patients. Managing Demand for Ambulance capital and recurrent resources. The Emergency Demand Coordination Group Services g Sociodemographic changes, including a was also established in October 2000 to Demand for emergency ambulance transport 7.6 per cent increase in patients aged 70 ensure a focus on emergency demand, and to increased by 5.8 per cent in the metropolitan plus in public hospitals with more coordinate a range of projects designed to area, while non-emergency demand increased complex health care needs and requiring improve access for patients across the by 11.6 per cent. The Metropolitan Ambulance longer hospital admissions. continuum of care. Service (MAS) has undertaken an analysis of increasing demand and is piloting g Rising community expectations in the In March 2001 emergency demand was arrangements to enhance linkages with face of new and better technologies and identified as one of three top priority Flagship general practitioners and hospitals. The MAS treatments. projects for the Department. As part of the has commenced working closely with hospitals 2001–02 budget, individually tailored hospital to establish hospital clusters to help reduce demand strategies were negotiated with ambulance bypass. The MAS is also more Metropolitan Health Services with major actively managing its fleet deployment to emergency departments. improve cover to outer urban areas. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 31

31 2000-01 Annual Report

Improved Infection Control and Quality of Care Reports Total Number of Patients on the Elective Hospital Cleaning Standards Surgery Waiting List, June 2000 to June 2001 Health Service Boards are responsible for the New cleaning standards for public hospitals quality of health care delivered by their have been implemented and are being facilities, and are required to report annually 45000 monitored. Hospitals have developed infection to their communities. Metropolitan Health control strategic plans and a new Victorian Services will publish Quality of Care Reports Advisory Committee on Infection Control, in September 2001. The health services 44000 comprising expert hospital and community quality committees will work in partnership representation, has been established to with, and be informed by, the Community progress the Government’s coordinated Advisory Committees. approach to infection control in public hospitals. 43000 The establishment of a statewide patient satisfaction monitoring system, on a

continuous sample basis, will be an important 42000 driver for hospitals to understand patient experiences and areas needing attention.

Clinicians Health Channel 41000 Jun 00 Aug 00 Oct 00 Dec 00 Feb 01 Apr 01 Jun 01 Access to the latest information about clinical care is essential to support ongoing improvement in clinical processes, quality and evidence-based care. The Clinicians Health Channel provides clinicians with online access to a range of both local and international information resources, including free library resources on the Internet, clinical guidelines and protocols, information about local, State and national developments, and innovations to clinical practice and health service delivery. Use of the Channel has steadily increased since commencement and now reaches between 8,000 and 10,000 sessions per month. The Channel will continue to expand access to clinicians, and further develop content, in Designing Care and Quality of Care consultation with doctors, nurses and allied Funding Programs health professionals. Quality Improvement and Best Practice Improved Organ Donation Services Program funded 27 projects in hospitals, and targeted the use of an evidence-based multi- A coordinated response to organ donation in disciplinary approach to priority areas, such as Victoria has been created for the first time by the prevention of adverse events, chronic the establishment of the Victorian Organ disease management, infection control, and Donation Service in September 2000, under the the provision of consumer information to auspice of the Australian Red Cross. The improve health outcomes. service coordinates organ procurement, provides bereavement counselling services and The Designing Care Program aims to increase support for donor families, advises and assists the skills and knowledge of health service and hospitals to establish effective systems for ambulance service personnel on how to improve organ donation review and referral, and their processes. It has delivered a collaborates with other services to provide comprehensive development program for professional education, community education clinicians, managers and patients to learn about and promote organ donation. facilitation, process improvement, project management, change management and measurement. Over 50 projects have been funded to apply the learning to practical, process redesign projects in health services. Projects have been clustered to establish learning networks, and focus on redesigning admission processes, ambulance dispatch and call-taking processes, clinical guidelines, patient safety, pharmacy, test ordering and results reporting, care for general medical and elderly patients, outpatients, and elective surgery. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 32

32 2001 Annual Report

Breast Services Enhancement g A focus on productivity, supported by a A model for the implementation of centralised number of broad-ranging management purchasing of pharmaceuticals, medical The Breast Services Enhancement Program is reviews where appropriate. consumables and other strategic goods and funding nine demonstration models to develop, services was developed. The outcome is a new trial and evaluate best practice models of The hospital sector earnt an operational entity called Health Purchasing Victoria, which service provision. A broad range of strategies surplus of about $30 million, which was an will commence operation early in the 2001–02 has been successfully implemented, including improvement over the $21 million earnt in financial year. Even prior to its operation, the establishment of new multi-disciplinary 1999–2000. health services and the Department of Human review processes in both metropolitan and Strengthening the Financial Position Services has worked collaboratively to procure rural settings, the piloting of breast care nurse of Rural Hospitals some information systems, resulting in coordinators, the development of clinical significant savings and some standardisation pathways and treatment protocols, and the The financial viability of rural hospitals was systemwide. development of mechanisms to enhance maintained. A review of small rural hospitals information, communication and continuity of was undertaken to identify and investigate key Austin and Repatriation Medical care. Two studies have also been undertaken issues that affect the financial performance of Centre Redevelopment and Mercy regarding the provision of breast prostheses Group D and E rural hospitals. A more flexible Hospital for Women Relocation Project and the breast care nursing workforce. funding model for small rural hospitals will be introduced in 2001–02 to allow the hospitals The Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE to provide a greater mix of inpatient and Redevelopment and Mercy Hospital for SYSTEM. community health activities to meet the Women Relocation Project is the largest community needs. hospital Project ever undertaken in Victoria. Establishment of Metropolitan Health The Project budget is $325 million, and Improving Casemix Funding Services incorporates innovative design and health care Public hospital inpatient funding is based on planning. The Project is a significant The Metropolitan Health Care Networks were the casemix profile of admitted patients, and investment in Victoria’s public health abolished, and replaced by smaller prices are based on cost weights. There was infrastructure, and recognises the vital role of Metropolitan Health Services (MHS). This has further refinement and improvement of cost teaching, training and research in sustaining increased the community focus and ensured weights in 2000–01. This included expanding and improving a viable public health system. that Boards are responsive to community the hospitals included in the source data, and needs. The government also provided a one-off Metropolitan Hospital Capital reviewing average costs for inpatient, injection of funds totalling $35 million to Program outpatient and rehabilitation activity. ensure that these new entities commenced Refinements to funding for 2001–02 include The Acute Health capital program continued with sufficient operating liquidity. adjustments for prostheses and private patient with the following major metropolitan The new MHS have a focus on delivering costs and an increase in the mechanical development works, commencing in 2000–01: efficient services to the community. The ventilation co-payment for adults and its g The expansion of Frankston Hospital undertaking of broad management reviews extension to neonatal patients admitted to (Stage 1A) to provide a new 60-bed assisted their direction and improved financial designated major neonate hospitals. general adult ward and 16-bed result over the year. The casemix formula was considerably observation ward in the emergency Financial Viability of Health Services simplified by eliminating the previous practice department.($12 million) of funding some throughput at marginal price. g The financial position of hospitals improved The fit-out of wards, construction of two This also assists hospitals’ financial viability over 2000–01, despite the increases in patient operating theatres, and completion of the through proper funding for the work being demands, particularly emergency patients in imaging department at Sunshine performed. metropolitan areas. This improvement was Hospital.($8 million) achieved as a result of: A review was also conducted into the g The expansion and upgrade of neonatal introduction of new technologies into public g A significant budget injection in the facilities including Angliss Health hospitals. This identified key technology Government’s 2000–01 budget. An Service, Dandenong Hospital, Monash changes and trends, estimates of their impacts additional $176 million was provided for Medical Centre and Sunshine Hospital. on costs and volumes, and made additional services, the opening of ($2 million) recommendations on strategic investment. additional beds and to strengthen the financial position of hospitals. g Improved governance arrangements, by abolishing the former Health Care Networks and replacing them with smaller, locally focused Metropolitan Health Services. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 33

33 2000-01 Annual Report

Enhanced Infrastructure and Access Pharmaceutical Reform to Rural Facilities Victoria expects to sign an agreement with the Rural capital development works funded in Commonwealth to implement pharmaceutical 2000-01 included Colac hospital ($13 million), reform in 2001. The aim is to provide a better Kyneton hospital ($11 million), Ballarat Health continuum of care for patients moving from Service redevelopment (additional $6 million) hospitals to the community setting. Reform and upgrade of Ballarat Base Hospital neonatal will enable: facilities ($0.2 million), Swan Hill hospital ($1 g Extension of the Pharmaceutical Benefits million), provision of a single-machine Scheme (PBS) to cover hospital-initiated radiotherapy unit at Bendigo Base hospital prescriptions for non-admitted patients ($10 million) and redevelopment of acute and and admitted patients on discharge. aged care infrastructure at Daylesford Hospital g ($1.7 million). Provision of 30 days’ (or a clinically appropriate) supply of pharmaceuticals Rural and regional areas also received on discharge and to outpatients. This The demolition of the old nurses home, which $250,000 in 2000–01 to implement the includes both PBS and non-PBS items. commenced in May 2001, marked the start of recommendations of the Review of Trauma construction activity for the Austin and Repatriation g and Emergency Services—Victoria 1999 Listing of a number of cytotoxic Medical Centre and Relocation of the Mercy Report. The funds were used for equipment chemotherapy drugs and anti-emetics Hospital for Women Project. The project is the largest hospital project ever undertaken in Victoria upgrades and training of trauma staff. Rural under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953, allowing funding for public and will stand as a landmark for the State in and regional areas were also funded $300,000 achieving world-class facilities and services within for the appointment of Regional Trauma hospital same-day patients and non- the public health care system. Coordinators, to provide education for regional admitted patients. and rural trauma clinicians and the g Implementation of the Australian coordination of trauma services within their Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee’s respective regions. (APAC) guidelines on continuum of Capital Equipment Review pharmaceutical care. A detailed review of 29 public hospitals was Hospital participation in the reforms will be undertaken to identify present capital voluntary. However, establishment funding will equipment assets and future equipment be available to assist with implementation costs. investment needs in hospitals. A statewide Rural Hospital Information capital equipment funding, asset management Technology Alliances and purchasing strategy for the next five years will be developed in 2001–02, and strategies The management of information and to better manage capital equipment funding of communications technologies in rural hospitals hospitals will be implemented. has been managed by Rural Hospital Alliances, established in 1998. The Victorian Auditor- General’s recent Report on Ministerial Portfolios (June 2001) praised the model of establishing rural alliances and encouraged the Department to utilise this approach in other operational areas in rural hospitals. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 34

34 2001 Annual Report

Ambulance Service Caseloads, by Year, OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF For four months of the year, MAS achieved a 1999 to 2001 (‘000) COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. response time of 13 minutes or less for 90 per cent of time-critical cases in the greater metropolitan area. For the full year, response 300 Community Advisory Committees time was maintained at 14 minutes or less for Community Advisory Committees have been 90 per cent of cases, and eight minutes or less 250 established in accordance with for 50 per cent of time-critical cases. recommendations in the Ministerial Review of Health Care Networks Report (May 2000). All ambulance paramedics commenced training 200 These committees will enhance community in advanced life support skills. The ambulance participation as a means of improving the fleet has been upgraded and expanded through 150 delivery of high quality public health care. the purchase of 51 stretcher vehicles. Implementation followed an extensive Rural Ambulance Victoria has developed a 100 consultation process, and the delivery of a comprehensive resource modelling database to training program in community participation to map service demand by location and time of support Metropolitan Health Services Boards, 50 day, in order to assist in effective resource Community Advisory Committees and resource deployment. A review of historic funding of rural officers in hospitals. ambulance services and cost drivers in rural 0 Non-Emergency Cases Emergency Cases Enhanced Maternity Services ambulance service delivery was also completed.

1999-00 The Maternity Services Program has enhanced Rural Ambulance Victoria continued its 2000-01 antenatal and postnatal services, improved expansion and upgrade of rural and regional services for women with special needs, services, with the establishment of new promoted care improvement in the information professional ambulance services in Bright and to enhance care options and informed decision Lorne, and the commencement of two-officer making for women. Achievements include the crewing in Colac, Moe, Warragul, Lakes development of performance measures for Entrance, Bairnsdale and Cowes. Full MICA pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care; a Units began operating in the Latrobe Valley, statewide survey of recent mothers; the Bendigo and Geelong. Planning has also development of evidence-based antenatal care commenced to expand the availability of MICA guidelines; and agreed definitions and maps of coverage in Shepparton, Mildura, models of care available throughout Victoria. Warrnambool, Wodonga and Wangaratta. Under the Emergency and Community Safety OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED program, Rural Ambulance Victoria has SERVICES RESPONSE. successfully completed skill development of area management teams, enhancement of Improved Ambulance Services occupational health and safety systems, In its plan A Better Ambulance System, the Ambulance Community Officer development Victorian Government committed to retaining and community reference group and auxiliary public ownership of ambulance services in development. Victoria, and to ensuring that these services are accountable to the public and operate to standards and procedures that meet with world’s best practice. The Metropolitan Ambulance Service completed its staged three-year expansion of emergency ambulance services. Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) Units were established in Deer Park and Coolaroo, and new ambulance services opened in Kew, Langwarrin, Hoppers Crossing, Craigieburn, Beaconsfield, Diamond Creek, Carnegie and Rowville. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 35

35 2000-01 Annual Report

Improved Air Ambulance Services Rural Ambulance Victoria Sources of Funding 2000–01 ($ Millions) Air Ambulance Victoria launched a new, state-of-the-art Category A ambulance helicopter service in Bendigo. Contracts were also entered into to upgrade the two existing air ambulance helicopter services to Category A. Arrangements were made with private helicopter operators to provide back-up craft when necessary. Four new pressurised twin- engine turbo prop King Air planes replaced the Cessna Titan aircraft that had been in service for more than a decade. These services are of particular importance to Victorians living in Government Grants 47.319 rural and regional areas. Transport Fees 16.444 Membership Fees 14.045 OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED Other 6.023 INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND Total 83.831 WELL-BEING.

Better Health Channel Metropolitan Ambulance Services The Better Health Channel has established Sources of Funding 2000–01 ($ Millions) itself as the pre-eminent Victorian Internet site for community oriented, quality assured health information. During its second year of operation, site usage increased steadily to 2,000,000 hits per month. Features on the site were continually enhanced and expanded in response to user feedback and newly identified needs. Quality improvement continues to be a priority for the Better Health Channel. In the past year, the local health services directory has been upgraded to include 25,000 services and health practitioners. There is a Government Grants 80.182 trial involving 130 public access terminals, Transport Fees 30.025 Membership Fees 26.989 placed in health settings across the State, Other 3.867 which will be evaluated in 2001–02. Total 141.063

Note: the above figures are unaudited and include indirect grants. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 36

36 2000-01 Annual Report Aged, Community and Mental Health

Implement the commitment to restore community- Commenced development of the Women’s Health Key Objectives elected community health boards. and Well-Being Strategy, including research on Koori health, lesbian health, women pre- and post-prison, Strengthen the quality of care and access to Promote and maintain the health and well-being of working women and women with a disability. Victorians. support services in pension-only Supported Residential Services. Employed 100 new school nurses in high need Reduce the likelihood of more serious illness secondary schools. through early intervention. Develop a consistent approach to integrated service planning, health promotion and service Opened eight new public dental clinics at Support people to live independently in the coordination within Primary Care Partnerships, Wodonga, Bendigo, Frankston, Orbost, Dandenong, community. through the development and implementation of Wonthaggi, Lilydale and Newcomb. Community Health Plans. Provide effective links with acute health services. Extended school dental services to disadvantaged Provide effective community-based support to Improve accessibility of public dental services for young people in Years 9 to 12. people in specific target groups, including prevent unnecessary readmissions to hospital. Finalised a Strategic Plan for the Quality concession cardholders and their dependents. Support public sector agencies to improve the Improvement of Public Dental Services. Develop and implement a public health campaign quality of residential aged care. Completed the Oral Health Labour Force Project, to promote preventive strategies and to improve and developed recommendations to support oral dental health status. Key Issues health workforce training and development. Increase participation in the School Dental Launched Oral Health Promotion Grants Program in Improve quality in aged care, mental health, Program, which offers care at least every two partnership with Public Health Division. primary health and dental services. years in a preventive public health program. Established the Ministerial Advisory Council of Improve access to aged care and Home and Senior Victorians. Community Care (HACC) services for people from Key Results culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Participated as a senior partner in the communities, Koori communities and people in Established 32 Primary Care Partnerships in establishment of beyondblue: the National rural and remote communities. Victoria to strengthen the Primary Care system. Depression Initiative. Develop a more responsive and inclusive public All Primary Care Partnerships submitted their first Developed significant service initiatives, including mental health system for Victorians with a Community Health Plan in June 2001, describing expanding specialist and rural eating disorders significant mental illness or enduring psychosocial how service providers, communities and services. Expanded intensive support services for disability. governments will work together to plan, people who experience, or are at risk of coordinate and deliver services. homelessness, and commenced development of Strengthen partnerships between specialist primary mental health services. mental health services and primary care providers Funded 11 best practice projects in Primary Care to provide a more integrated mental health care Partnerships that dealt with gender sensitivity, Continued implementation of the Second National system. rural issues, service access for culturally and Mental Health Strategy. linguistically diverse groups and consumer and Improve residential aged care facilities operated carer participation. Established a Quality Assurance Committee to by public sector agencies and support facilities to oversee and monitor standards of mental health meet Commonwealth standards. Agreed to a Common Planning Protocol with the services. Municipal Association of Victoria, which outlines Negotiate with the Commonwealth to ensure how the Department and local governments will Undertook capital planning for Mental Health adequate funding and supply of residential aged work together to promote a coordinated approach Services, including MH-Sky and Austin and care services and HACC services that will meet to primary care planning. Repatriation Medical Services. the needs of an increasingly ageing population. Funded additional primary health services, Evaluated the Substance Use and Mental Illness Strengthen and expand direct client service including additional hours of health promotion Treatment Project, and funded three new services delivery to people with dementia, their carers and (9,300), counselling (37,000), allied health services in Southern, Northern and Eastern Metropolitan families. (5,400) and additional occasions of interpreting regions, thereby achieving service coverage across the State. Implement the second phase of the Secondary services (2,262). School Nursing Program. Developed a capital works strategy for Community Expanded HACC services, including core services Health. for frail older people and adult day groups, through additional State funding. Implemented legislation to restore elected boards to Community Health Centres. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 37

37 2000-01 Annual Report

The Aged, Community and Mental Health Division has responsibility for planning, funding and monitoring service delivery and policy development, as well as implementation in the key areas of Aged Care, Mental Health and Primary Health. Implemented initiatives and expanded HACC Funded Seniors Information Victoria, a shopfront services for special needs groups, such as rural telephone information and advisory service. The ACMH Division is the and regional populations and people who Implemented falls prevention projects in Primary experience, or are at risk of homelessness. Department of Human Care Partnerships (five) and Extended Care Commenced data collection for the HACC Centres (four). Services’ second-largest Minimum Data Set. Opened nine new palliative care beds at Division, and is responsible Completed an evaluation of Multi-Purpose Peninsula Hospice Service, and three additional Services, which will contribute to improving beds at the Austin and Repatriation Medical for funding more than 100 health and community care in rural Victoria. Centre. different services and Developed a Public Sector Residential Aged Care Continued to implement and expand the Quality Action Plan. Accommodation Support Strategy, including the activities. Community Connection program and the Housing Developed and implemented strategies to re- Support for the Aged Program. open 110 public residential aged care beds that were closed as part of the previous Victorian Developed, implemented and enhanced major government’s privatisation program. information systems, including the mental health Redevelopment of Acute and Psychiatric Reviewed Supported Residential Services Information Directions (RAPID) system; the Regulations. School Nursing Information System (SNIS); a Implemented measures to improve support to Home and Community Care (HACC) e-form and residents in pension-only Supported Residential data repository; the Aged Care Management and Services. Planning System (ACMAPS); and the Residential Register (RESIREG) system for Supported Developed a quality framework for Aged Care Residential Services (SRS). Assessment Services (ACAS) for implementation in 2001–02. Achieved certification of all public sector Residential Aged Care facilities. Significantly expanded the Personal Alert Victoria Program, which has enabled an additional 3,449 personal alarm units to be purchased and installed. Developed Dementia, Care and Support in Victoria—2000 and Beyond. Funded Positive Ageing projects, including a mature-age employment initiative, information technology projects in residential care facilities, and implemented the Planning Health Promotion for Older People Project.

A parade of older former Olympians was a highlight of the 2000 Making the Most of Life celebration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. Older people flocked to the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton to take part in Making the Most of Life activities. Joan Bosch and Ivor Turner showed their fencing skills at the event. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 38

38 2001 Annual Report

Support evidence-based health promotion, Future Directions prevention and diversion strategies.

Develop a Mental Health Policy Framework Promote improved service delivery for and Mental Health Plan. marginalised groups, and reduce social dislocation. Strengthen service quality and improve service access and responsiveness for Aged, Implement the third stage of the ACMH Community and Mental Health services. Division’s performance measurement and accountability strategy, through developing a Improve the interface between aged, acute, broader accountability framework that sub-acute and community-based services to encompasses volume of service, quality, improve continuity of care. consumer views and other independent Provide leadership in addressing issues perspectives on service delivery. affecting senior Victorians. Develop an enhanced approach to capital Develop improved responses to the needs of planning, development and maintenance, residents in pension-only Supported based on asset management principles. Residential Services, frail older homeless Implement the second year priorities of the people, or other people who experience, or are ACMH Division’s Information and at risk of homelessness. Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy Complete the development of a Public Sector 2000–03 to support ACMH program and Residential Aged Care Policy Framework, service planning, delivery and accountability. which reflects the unique role of the public Contribute to the development of a whole-of- sector, and emphasises the complementary health approach to health information and ICT, roles of residential services and other aged both within the Department and with the care and support services. health sector, to facilitate a continuum of care Develop and implement strategies for and enhance clinical decision making and case residential services and primary health management. services that complement the Emergency Continue to strengthen the Division’s approach Demand Strategies of the Department. to financial management and contract Develop comprehensive capital works plans for management, including management of major public sector aged residential care services health services contracts, and the development that will meet future Commonwealth of a streamlined ACMH funding strategy. accreditation requirements. Conduct, research and pilot improved funding Advocate with the Commonwealth for models as part of a streamlined ACMH sufficient and targeted resources across Funding Strategy. residential aged care and HACC services. Undertake strategies to monitor and improve demand management in primary health. Implement Community Health Plans to achieve improved service coordination, health promotion targeted at burden of disease conditions, and evidence-based disease management programs. Increase the sustainability and efficiency of the primary health service system. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 39

39 2000-01 Annual Report

other support services, these services form part Divisional Description of a continuum of care for the Victorian community, and aim to promote the health and The Aged, Community and Mental Health well-being of all Victorians and reduce Division has responsibility for planning, funding inequalities in health outcomes. and monitoring service delivery and policy development, as well as implementation in the The chart `ACMH Services’ provides an key areas of Aged Care, Mental Health and overview of the services for which the Division Primary Health. The ACMH Division is the has responsibility. In relation to these services, Department of Human Services’ second-largest the ACMH Division and regions have Division, and is responsible for funding more responsibility for: than 100 different services and activities. g Developing policy and funding guidelines. The services funded and regulated by the g Providing funding to agencies external to ACMH Division play an important role in the the Department to deliver services. Victorian health care system. Many of these g Monitoring the quality and quantity of services are delivered in community settings, service delivery. for example, Home and Community Care (HACC), school nursing and community health g Developing legislation and fulfilling services. Other services are provided in statutory obligations. hospitals and community-based agencies, for g Directly providing some services. (HACC), school nursing and community health A family meeting to discuss the care of services. Other services are provided in A number of these services operate across grandparents both of whom receive services from broad program areas. For example, Primary Dr Terry Ahern, GP, Coburg and Mr Ari hospitals and community-based agencies, for Nimorakiotakis, podiatrist, Moreland Community example, dental and mental health services. Care Partnerships include community-based Health Centre. A key success factor of the Primary Together with the wide range of acute health services across all program areas. Care Partnerships, auspiced by Aged, Community services delivered through hospitals, GPs and and Mental Health Division, will be the creation of effective integration between general practice and the broader primary care system.

ACMH SERVICES

Aged and Home Care Mental Health Primary Health Dental Health

Aged Care Acute Inpatient and Primary Care Community Dental Assessment Services Community-Based Partnerships Services Home and Community Mental Health Community Health School Dental Care (HACC) Services Services Services Public Sector Statewide and School Nursing Preschool Dental Residential Aged Care Specialist Mental Services Services Health Services Services Women’s Health Specialist Dental Supported Residential Office of the Chief Services Services Psychiatrist Services Innovative Services for Clinical Education Specialist clinics for Psychiatric Disability Homeless Youth Support Service Support Services people with dementia Family and Support Palliative Care Prisoner Health Reproductive Rights Service Monitoring Respite Care Education Program Seniors Card Family Planning Personal Alert Victoria Health Self-Help Health Promotion Positive Ageing Support for Carers Falls Prevention 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 40

40 2001 Annual Report

Number of Aged Care Assessments Each MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES – AGED CARE AND PRIMARY HEALTH Year, 1998 to 2001 (‘000) Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Actual Measure BP3 Target Performance* 55

Sub-Acute and Specialist Services 54 Quantity Inpatient palliative care sub-acute inpatient 53 treatment Bed days 66,953 69,011 Specialist dental treatment (a) People treated 13,200 12,533 Number of visits 34,000 33,739 52 Total Output Cost $ million 74.8 71.9

51 Assessment Services

50 Quantity 1998–99 (a) 1999–00 (b) 2000–01 Aged care assessments Number 53,600 54,202 Timeliness (a) From 1999–2000 Annual Report budget paper figures Average wait (in days) between client registration and ACAS assessment Days 8.5 9.3 (b) From 1999–2000 Annual Report budget paper figures Total Output Cost $ million 21.1 21.4

Community Care and Support Quantity Community care and support services (HACC) (b) Service units 2,008,000 2,292,735 Carers assisted Number 20,000 20,294 Case management packages People supported 3,203 3,203

Total Output Cost $ million 320.9 323.9 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 41

41 2000-01 Annual Report

Primary Health Care Number of Individuals Treated in the Community Dental Program, by Year, 1995 Quantity to 2001 (‘000) HACC—nursing and allied health care (b) Service units 1,185,000 1,273,098 Primary Care Partnerships - Per cent of 220 Community Health Plans (CHPs) alliances with CHPs 100 100 Community health care (c) Service hours 501,188 579,714 210 Community dental care (a) People treated 184,400 178,536 200 Number of visits 461,000 431,169

Timeliness 190 Ratio of emergency to general courses of dental care Ratio 44:56 52:48 180 Waiting time for restorative dental care Months 18 20 Waiting time for dentures Months 24 21 170

Total Output Cost $ million 183.3 184.3 160

150 Supported Residential Care 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 Quantity Nursing home care Bed days 1,160,000 1,226,367 Quality Residential care services meeting certification/ accreditation standards Per cent 100 100 Number of Courses of Care in the School Dental Service Each Year, 1995 to 2001 (‘000) Total Output Cost (d) $ million 188.5 186.5 150 Prevention and Promotion Quantity 140 Senior Citizens Week participants People 400,000 430,262 Community health prevention and promotion (c) Hours of service 55,883 210,826 130 School dental care (a) Courses of care 130,500 119,171 Quality Disadvantaged students 120 accessing School Dental Service Per cent 80 80

Total Output Cost $ million 32.1 32.4 110

Training, Research and Development 100 Quantity 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 (a) 2000–01 (b) Community health training and development (c) Hours 21,000 48,367 (a) Includes 1,552 Youth Dental Program Dental interns supported (e) Number 16 9 (b) Includes 11,881 Youth Dental Program estimate Total Output Cost $ million 34.9 35.3

* Data as at July 2001. Some agencies still to confirm actual performance. (a) Variance due to resources allocated to high need, complex clients who received more costly treatment. (b) Variance reflects performance by agencies in excess of funded targets. (c) Inaccuracies were identified in target setting. Targets revised for 2001-02. (d) The net reduction in output costs is the combination of the reallocation of budgeted expenses to other output groups and an increase in budget for cost increases associated with wage awards. (e) Variance reflects program restructure to provide more intensive, mentored experience for fewer interns 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 42

42 2001 Annual Report

Number of Mental Health Beds, by Year, MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES – MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 1996 to 2000 Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Actual 2000 Measure BP3 Target Performance*

Acute and Sub-Acute Services Quantity 1900 Acute inpatient treatment capacity Beds 943 943 Sub-acute treatment capacity Beds 524 524 Registered clients Number 47,200 53,443 Registered clients Contacts 1,600,000 1,625,000 1800 Quality Providers participating in Quality Incentive Strategy Projects Per cent 100 100

1700 Total Output Cost (a) $ million 431.8 464.9 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 Community Care and Support Quantity Residential rehabilitation (b) Clients 303 279 Mental Health Registered Client Contacts, Home-based outreach support (c) Clients 2,538 3,616 by Year, 1996–2001 (million) Quality Agencies reporting on implementation and 2.0 review of Individual Program Plans Per cent 90 94

Total Output Cost (a) $ million 36.0 45.7 1.8 Supported Residential Care 1.6 Quantity Psychogeriatric supported residential care capacity Beds 549 549

1.4 Total Output Cost (a) $ million 13.5 15.8

1.2 Prevention and Promotion Quantity

1.0 Mental Health Week events (d) Number 75 117 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 Primary Mental Health Response contacts (including individual contacts consultation liaison, early intervention, crisis response) (e) Number 72,000 -

Total Output Cost $ million 4.1 6.4

Training, Research and Development Quantity Mental health academic positions sponsored Number 32 32 Post graduate nursing placements (mental health) Number of positions 86 86

Total Output Cost (a) $ million 8.1 9.1

* Data as at July 2001. Some agencies still to confirm actual performance. (a) Increased Output costs reflect budget adjustments made during the year to accommodate wage award movements and/ or other funding initiatives including Commonwealth funded programs. (b) Variance due to resources allocated to high need, complex clients who received more costly treatment. (c) Variance reflects high demand for this component of the Psychiatric Disability Support Services (PDSS) program. (d) Reflects strong participation of local government and community organisations in Mental Health Week event. (e) Service delivery for Primary Mental Health Contacts did not commence during 2000-01, due to extended planning and negotiation. However, substantial costs were incurred for the development and establishment of the primary mental health teams. Some funds were reallocated to other Government priorities, including other services within this output. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 43

43 2000-01 Annual Report

Multi-Purpose Services Health branch worked in partnership with the Reporting on Public Health Division to develop and launch the Evaluation of the Commonwealth–State Multi- Oral Health Promotion Grants Program. This Purpose Service (MPS) program was completed Departmental one-off initiative, announced in conjunction with in 2000–01. The evaluation demonstrated the the Victorian Oral Health Promotion Strategy, model has delivered significant benefits to Objectives developed oral health promotion activities. A small rural communities through the innovative Strategic Plan for the Quality Improvement of flexible provision of health services to rural OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN Public Dental Services and the Oral Health communities throughout Victoria. The ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES Labour Force Project were finalised in 2000–01. evaluation also acknowledged that this model BASED ON NEED. is at the forefront of population-based health OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE service innovation. The evaluation recommends SYSTEM. Clinical Outcome Measurement in that Multi-Purpose Services continue to be a Mental Health flexible service option for communities in The Mental Health Service for Kids Victoria. Outcome measurement is a quality and Youth (MH-Sky) Service improvement initiative involving clinicians and Implementing the Government’s Development consumers, which uses a suite of measures to Commitment to Expand HACC rate the progress of an individual over time. MH-Sky is an innovative service model based Services Outcome measurement is being piloted in four on principles of early intervention to improve adult clinical mental health services (Barwon, In recognition that most older Victorians wish mental health service access, responsiveness Grampians, St Vincent’s and Maroondah). to continue living independently in their own and continuity of care for young people 0–25 homes for as long as possible, funding has years in the Western Region. Collaboration between Public and been made available over four years to expand Private Sector Psychiatry MH-Sky integrates Child and Adolescent HACC services to meet this need. Additional Mental Health Services and components of The Second National Mental Health Plan Victorian Government funds in 2000–01 flowed Adult Mental Health Services, and is currently recognises the importance of partnerships to service providers to enable: jointly auspiced by Women’s and Children’s between the public sector and the private g The expansion of adult day care groups to Health (W&CH) and Melbourne Health (MH). sector. A document was produced by the ensure that there are at least 35 hours Department of Human Services, in conjunction The service planning process has resulted in a per week of day care within each local strong commitment from each health service with the Royal Australian and New Zealand government area. College of Psychiatrists, which outlines a range for the ongoing development of MH-Sky as an g of practical models for Victorian public mental An expansion of core HACC services. integrated specialist mental health program. Each Health Service supports a new MH-Sky health services to work collaboratively with g The implementation of the Hospital-to- facility to be built on site at the Western private psychiatrists in rural and regional Home policy, to ensure that older people Hospital. Construction of Stage 1 (total end Victoria, as well as in metropolitan Melbourne. receive in-home support after discharge cost $8 million) of this purpose-built facility has from an acute setting. Quality of Care in Public Sector been approved. Residential Care Public Dental Services Capital Development and Asset In 2000–01, a range of initiatives were The School Dental Program offers dental Management implemented to support public sector surveillance and treatment, with particular residential aged care services. These initiatives emphasis on early detection and prevention. The ACMH Division has addressed capital included: These services were extended in 2000–01 to development and asset management over the past twelve months through the planning, g The establishment of a specialist include disadvantaged young people in Years 9 to 12 who previously faced waiting times of up design and development of capital projects. consultancy team to assist service The focus has been on the upgrading of providers improve service quality and the to two years for dental treatment through a public dental clinic. facilities to meet Commonwealth Residential establishment of ongoing quality Care Certification requirements, replacement of enhancement systems. Eight new public dental clinics were opened in poor capital fabric and improving operational g The improvement in the Department’s Wodonga, Bendigo, Frankston, Orbost, efficiency. Work has been undertaken on rural capacity to monitor and benchmark the Dandenong, Wonthaggi, Lilydale and and metropolitan aged care accommodation performance of Victoria’s public sector Newcomb. under the Residential Aged Care Strategy residential care facilities. A number of significant strategic activities ($47.5 million program approved for 2000–01), were undertaken in 2000–01. The Dental community and mental health facilities, the development of a strategy for community health facilities, and identification of physical requirements for future service needs. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 44

44 2001 Annual Report

Opening of New Mental Health engaging the Commonwealth to ensure that Inpatient Services at Sunshine Victoria receives an appropriate share of Hospital national resources for older people. Currently, analysis indicates that Victoria is significantly A new 26-bed Adult Rehabilitation Unit and 20- below Commonwealth benchmarks for bed Aged Persons Mental Health Unit were operational residential care places, and is opened at Sunshine Hospital in October 2000. being significantly disadvantaged by The two units were completed at a cost of $7.8 Commonwealth polices to equalise HACC million. funding across states and territories. This service development enables facilities that were formerly located at Royal Park Hospital to OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF be relocated with a mainstream health service, COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. and forms part of the Government’s program of developing integrated, accessible health Ministerial Advisory Council of services for local communities. Senior Victorians Review of Security at Victorian The Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians was established in 2000–01 to The Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Institute of Forensic Mental Health Victorians consists of fourteen older people from (VIFMH) provide direct advice to the Victorian diverse backgrounds across Victoria. The Council Government on issues that affect older people’s will work with the Victorian Government through In response to recent breaches of security by lives and well-being. The Ministerial Advisory the Department to enhance the relationship inpatients of the Thomas Embling Hospital, Council has a broad charter to represent the between the Government and older people, and to Mental Health Branch has initiated reviews of challenge the cultural biases against older people. views of senior Victorians, and will work both Pictured are Council members Dr John Jago, the security arrangements at Thomas Embling to enhance the relationship between the Bessie Yarram and Chairperson Janet Wood. Hospital. Government and older people, and challenge In March 2001, Justice Frank Vincent was cultural biases against older people. appointed to chair an Independent Review Secondary School Nursing Program School Nursing Service Panel that considered all aspects of patient leave from the Victorian Institute of Forensic The Secondary School Nursing Program Number of Primary School Entrants employed 100 new school nurses for high need Health Assessments Mental Health (VIFMH). The Panel provided a report with recommendations in June 2001. secondary schools. Secondary school nurses 59 have a broad health promotion and early Improvements have been made to security at intervention focus. In addition, as part of their the hospital and while patients are on escorted role, they respond to a wide range of health leave. The Branch receives regular reports from issues facing young people, such as 58 the VIFMH on the implementation of the depression, suicide, eating disorders, drug and recommendations. alcohol abuse and obesity. The School Nursing Access to Aged Care Services Program has resulted in the establishment of 57 linkages with health and welfare providers in The Aged Care Branch: the community to ensure at risk young people g Identified 110 residential care beds to be receive the support and treatment they need at

56 re-opened. an early stage. g Participated in the Department of Human The New Dual Diagnosis Program Services Emergency Demand Two million dollars in additional recurrent Management initiatives. 55 funding has been committed to enable the 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 g Continued work on the development of Mental Health Branch and the Drug and Health improved, comprehensive assessment for Protection Branch jointly to implement a Note: School nursing figures are based on the school older people. year, not the financial year. statewide dual diagnosis initiative. The Expanded home and community-based care Program has funded three additional substance services to meet the preferences of older use and mental illness treatment partnerships, people to remain in their homes. each based around a lead metropolitan agency with strong links to rural services. Helping people to remain in their homes will continue to be a significant area of work for Aged Care in future years. This will involve 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 45

45 2000-01 Annual Report

People with a mental illness and a drug or This included $675,000 from Aged Care and alcohol use problem (dual diagnosis) consititute $550,000 from Home and Community Care to one of the most significant groups at risk of enhance the capacity of existing carer services. relapse or readmission, as well as suicide or This funding enabled the provision of additional self-harm. one-on-one support to carers, as well as additional respite services. Development of a Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders Acquired Brain Injury The Mental Health Branch began work towards The commitment to the development and the development of a Centre of Excellence in strengthening of services designed to support Eating Disorders, for which the Government has people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) was committed funding totalling $1.2 million over supported with funding in 2000–01. These three years. The Centre will provide: funds were provided for: g Consultation to primary care and g Additional case management services. specialist service providers. g Brokerage packages. g Education and training. g Counselling services for the family unit g Research into effective models of service affected by acquired brain injury. delivery across primary and specialist g Additional neuropsychological service systems and metropolitan and assessments. rural populations. Hospital-to-Home In addition, two regions have entered negotiations to pilot rural specific models for As part of the Plan for Older Victorians, funding treating eating disorders. was allocated to the five Department of Human Services rural regions to achieve continuity of Strengthened Services for Children of care and enhance service infrastructure for Parents with a Mental Illness older people and younger people with In 2000–01 a number of initiatives were disabilities. In 2000–01, these funds helped implemented to strengthen programs and older people and younger people with a services for parents with a mental illness and disability to be supported in their own homes, their dependent children. These include and so reduce the incidence of inpatient funding of: admission. If inpatient care is required, funds will provide post-discharge support in the g Peer support groups, including holiday community. camps, to reduce isolation and increase understanding of mental health issues OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED amongst children who have a parent with SERVICES RESPONSE. a mental illness. g A range of information and training Primary Care Partnerships— resources to assist children, parents and Improving the Coordination and mental health professionals to focus on Responsiveness of Primary Health the needs of families where a parent has Services a mental illness. The Primary Care Partnership strategy is a Carers Services major initiative that seeks to improve the The commitment to provide assistance to planning, coordination and delivery of primary carers recognises the key role they play in care services, and enable providers to work supporting people who require care to live in together effectively to improve the health and the community. The Aged, Community and well-being of the Victorian community. It Mental Health Division, through the Aged Care, represents a major effort to help clients gain Mental Health and Home and Community Care maximum benefit from integrated service programs, contributed $32.1 million in 2000-01 delivery. Primary Care Partnerships are formal of total Departmental funds to support carers of alliances of primary care providers, and provide frail older people and people with disabilities. services to a geographic area that usually comprises two to three local government areas. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 46

46 2000-01 Annual Report

Thirty-two Primary Care Partnerships have been Implementation of Primary Mental established in Victoria to strengthen the Health Teams Primary Care system. These Primary Care Twenty-two million dollars has been committed 8-14 October 2000 Partnerships involve approximately 800 over four years, to develop and implement mental health week agencies, including local governments, what do you know? Primary Mental Health Teams. The teams will hospitals, general practitioners, community expand the capacity of primary health care and health, women’s health and dental health. All specialist providers to provide clinical Primary Care Partnerships submitted their first treatment for people with non-psychotic, high Community Health Plan in June 2001. The Plans prevalence disorders, including depression. In describe how service providers, communities the past, these people may have had difficulty and governments will work together to better in accessing appropriate services. plan, coordinate and deliver services. Eleven best practice projects were funded that Partnership in the New National Depression Initiative For information about Mental Health Week, telephone the focus on gender sensitivity, rural issues, service Mental Health Foundation (Victoria) on (03) 9427 0406 or fax (03) 9427 1294. Internet address http://www.vicnet.net.au/~mhf or access for culturally and linguistically diverse http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/acmh/mh Three and a half million dollars per annum has groups and consumer and carer participation. A been committed over five years for Victoria to Common Planning Protocol with the Municipal join with the Commonwealth Government as Winner of the 2000 Mental Health Foundation Consumer Art Competition: Louise Kyriakou Association of Victoria was agreed to, which the senior partners in the establishment and outlines how the Department and local operation of the National Depression Initiative, Mental Health Week is a collaborative project governments will work together to promote a which is located in Melbourne. The Initiative, coordinated by the Mental Health Foundation coordinated approach to primary care planning. known as beyondblue, was officially launched (Victoria) in association with the Mental Health Week Advisory Committee, regional committees New Mental Health Promotion on 23 October 2000. and organisations. The cover illustration features Initiatives beyondblue’s key functions are to: the artwork Sunny and Fine by Louise Kyriacou, winner of the 2000 Mental Health Foundation Reflecting the principles of the Second g Increase community awareness. Consumer Art Competition. National Mental Health Plan (1998–2003), the g Increase professional training and Mental Health Branch has undertaken a development. number of activities in the areas of mental health promotion and prevention of mental g Improve the quality and effectiveness of health problems. These include support for: services g The development of VicHealth’s Mental g Research causes, consequences and Health Promotion Plan (1999–2002) and treatment. funding of $4.3 million for a range of Residential Aged Care Strategy projects to implement the Plan. In 2000–01, funding was made available over g The dissemination of Mind Matters, a three years to assist public sector residential school-based mental health promotion aged care facilities to meet Commonwealth program in Victorian secondary schools building certification standards. The Strategy ($250,000 for 2000–01). was formulated to improve residential aged g Suicide prevention programs targeting care and rural health facilities and provide a rural youth ($1.25 million over four years priority listing of capital works required in the commencing 1999–2000) with specific short and longer term. funding for gay and lesbian young people Capital Upgrade Works ($250,000 over three years, commencing 1999–2000). During 2000–01, upgrade works were completed at 21 residential aged care services operated by public sector agencies, and these facilities all met the 1999 Certification Instrument standards. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 47

47 2000-01 Annual Report

Palliative Care g Inclusion of variables that reflect the need Community Connection Program for HACC services (socioeconomic status, A review of the activity, performance and Over the last 12 months the Community rurality, health status, cultural and achievements of community-based palliative Connection Program (CCP) has consolidated its linguistic diversity, and Koori status). care services over the past three years was place in the community, providing flexible completed in 2000–01. The review indicated g The possibility of giving a higher outreach support to over 1,500 people with that a satisfactory service is being provided to weighting to one variable (for example, unmet complex needs who experience, or are all areas of Victoria, including remote rural socioeconomic status) if it is seen as an at risk of homelessness in metropolitan and areas. important driver of demand for HACC rural Victoria. In addition to working directly services. with individuals and families, the Program In 2000–01, funding was provided for inpatient works strategically with mainstream services to services and community-based palliative care The Review also highlighted the need to improve access and, where required, develop services. This funding enabled the provision of improve intra-regional funding allocation specific responses for this client population. nursing, medical services, allied health services, processes, and to examine unit prices for HACC counselling, bereavement support, volunteer services. Work commenced on both of these programs, pastoral support, equipment, and activities in the 2000–01 financial year. support groups. Additional funds were also Dementia provided for the Peninsula Health Service to support the expansion of existing palliative care The Victorian Dementia Advisory Committee services from six to 15 beds and three was established in 2000, to assist in additional beds at the Austin and Repatriation developing appropriate responses to dementia Medical Centre. related issues. The Committee includes health and community support professionals, carers OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED and individuals with an expertise in the area of INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND dementia. The Committee considers issues WELL-BEING. relating to the delivery of services to people with dementia, their carers and families, with a Women’s Health and Well-Being focus on ensuring continuity of care, and Strategy advises on how to improve service delivery for Victorians affected by dementia. As a major The Department commenced development of a part of its work, the Committee contributed to Women’s Health and Well-Being Strategy. the development of the framework Dementia Initial research resulted in the development of Care and Support in Victoria 2000 and Beyond, five consultation papers focusing on women in which was launched in November 2000. and post-prison, women with a disability, Koori women, working women and lesbians. These New Intensive Support Services for consultation papers will shape the direction of Homeless People with a Mental the Women’s Health and Well-Being Strategy Illness in 2001–02. This initiative has significantly expanded the Relative Resource Equity Formula capacity of psychogeriatric assessment and (RREF) Review treatment teams, and psychiatric disability support services, to target people with a A review of the Relative Resource Equity mental illness who experience, or are at risk of Formula, which distributes HACC growth funds homelessness. A total of $2.2 million of between Department of Human Services recurrent expenditure has been committed to regions in Victoria each year, commenced in the initiative. October 2000. As part of the Review, consultation meetings were held in each The services will work with residents in region, with additional consultations being held Supported Residential Services and other for HACC agencies in Geelong and Mildura and accommodation facilities to assist clients with Koori groups. The consultant’s report develop independent living and social skills, identified three key elements to be considered and gain and maintain long-term alternative in reaching a decision on a revised formula: accommodation. g Adjusting the HACC target population for the frail aged. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:35 Page 48

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Community Care

Recognise the particular needs and circumstances Introduced improved data collection to support Key Objectives of diverse rural communities, and work service planning and monitoring for family support collaboratively towards addressing social programs and enhanced home visiting in the Strengthen communities, because strong inclusive inequality and promoting social inclusiveness. maternal and child health service. communities are essential for family and individual well-being. Recognise the increasing complexity of families Provided energy concessions to over 96.5 per cent needing support from community care services. of eligible households. Encourage an equal start in life, so that all Victorians secure a sound foundation for future Recognise the need to continue to find the most Provided financial counselling services to over health and development. effective way of assisting Koori families children 14,500 low income clients. and young people. Offer services as early as possible, so that Released the Stronger Citizens, Stronger Families, problems and difficulties are addressed before the Work towards establishing the right balance of Stronger Communities—Partnerships in need for statutory intervention. community support and custodial services for Community Care document, a strategic framework young offenders. intended to ensure that services will be planned, Improve services to vulnerable and marginalised designed, delivered and evaluated to promote The need to build a continuous quality children and young people and their families, social inclusion. particularly where the Government has a duty of improvement approach into all Community Care care. services. Release of the Ministerial Statement: A Balanced Approach to Juvenile Justice in Victoria, which Deliver services in partnership with non- resulted in implementation of a range of government organisations and local government. Key Results diversion, rehabilitation, transition and post- release strategies for young people. Develop and maintain a resourced and Completed the first audit of young children and accountable protection and placement system. young people in residential care to allow the Completed the Review of Preschools, and Develop a balanced and proactive approach to development of firm plans to improve the quality implemented the Community Information Strategy juvenile justice. of service provision and to support the to increase preschool participation and provide a implementation of new service standards. fee subsidy for four year old children from Strengthen staff skills through enhanced training vulnerable families. support. Investigated over 37,000 notifications of suspected child abuse or neglect and supported Allocation of funding in a balanced way to Improve service accountability through enhanced an average of 3,890 children and adolescents in support both preventative and early intervention monitoring and review mechanisms. out of home care. services, as well as child protection statutory services. Improve balance in the service system through the More than 13,000 children with a developmental implementation of improved funding methods. delay and/or disability and their families received Completed a new funding framework to address a range of early intervention services. the increasing complexity of client needs in Residential Services. Key Issues Strengthen the provision of Neighbourhood House services and their links with communities by Completed a range of induction and ongoing Provide and fund community care services that funding an extra 76 houses and providing new professional training and development programs support the development of capable communities computer facilities and training to 186 houses and to prepare and further develop the skills and to provide safe, sustainable and nurturing 8 neighbourhood house networks. knowledge of Child Protection practitioners. environments for families, children and young people. Introduced a more equitable funding model for Implemented a new Problem Gambling Strategy, telephone counselling services and boosted which included a highly acclaimed advertising Recognise that communities, families and carers funding for information technology in rural campaign. are the focus of program design and delivery. services. Extended the Maternal and Child Health Line to Acknowledge that all services delivered need to Improved the quality of services to Centres for provide 24-hour coverage and an enhanced quality be of high quality and meet the needs of those Sexual Assault (CASA) through the introduction of of telephone counselling services. accessing them. new quality standards and provided funding for Developed the First Time Parent Resource Kit. Recognise the importance of developing extra service provision. partnerships between all levels of government Provided services to 98 per cent of infants and other services in communities. between 0–1 month who enrolled at Maternal Acknowledge that the special needs of culturally and Child Health Centres across the state. and linguistically diverse (CALD) children, young Provided funds to support the provision of trustee people and families need to be met within financial services to 11,000 people during the year. mainstream services. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:36 Page 49

49 2000-01 Annual Report

Utilisation of capital funding for the completion of The Community Care Future Directions new residential facilities by the end of 2001–02. Division is responsible for Implement the Stronger Citizens, Stronger Undertake a review of the Koori Justice Families, Stronger Communities – Partnerships Program as part of a strategy designed to the policy and program in Community Care document, to ensure that further reduce the level of over-representation services will be planned, designed, delivered of young Aboriginal people in the Juvenile framework for services for and evaluated to promote social inclusion. Justice system. Victoria’s children, young Increase service capacity in allied health Implement an enhanced publicity strategy to services to children under the age of six with deal with concessions entitlements. people, families and disabilities and developmental delays. Commence a Service System Integration Project vulnerable individuals. In Develop an integrated strategy for Child that aims to develop a common client layer Protection and placement services, with a across the Child Protection, Juvenile Justice, addition, the Division has focus on service delivery models and demand DisAbility Services and Information Systems. responsibility for the management. With the support of the Commonwealth development and Develop a response to the Review of Preschool Government, develop an Indigenous Family Services. Violence Strategy in partnership with Aboriginal coordination of the delivery Affairs and the Department of Justice. Implement Stage 2 of the Problem Gambling of State concessions and Strategy. Enhance the service system capacity to promote flexible, accessible and responsive relief grants to eligible Improve the quality of care for children and services for families to assist with young people in Residential Services. strengthening family functioning and emotional households and individuals, Expand the rural after-hours service capacity well-being. and community service for Child Protection. Develop and implement regional plans based Continue an audit of clients in home-based on the audit of children and young people in obligations for trustee care to establish baseline data focusing on residential care, to improve the quality of care services. client well-being and identify areas that to children and young people living in require future development. residential services who are unable to live with their natural family and to ensure that the Upgrade existing facilities, and purchase new new residential care standards are met. facilities, to accommodate and support children and adolescents at risk of abuse or neglect. Implement a residential care initiative that includes an integrated quality framework, encompassing new standards of care, a flexible approach to funding to better meet individual needs, and a new pricing structure to simplify the funding of these services.

The Victorian Government has a commitment to ensuring that all four year old children are entitled to one year of funded activities prior to commencing school. In April 2001 58,876 four year old children were enrolled in a funded preschool program. This was 96 per cent of eligible four year olds, an increase of 0.6 per cent over the previous year, and a cumulative increase of 4.8 per cent over the two year period. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:36 Page 50

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Divisional Description Service Groups In addition to a focus on building robust The Community Care Division is responsible communities, Community Care services for the policy and program framework for support members of the community at critical services for Victoria’s children, young people, life stages—particularly families and young families and vulnerable individuals. In people—and promote their health and well- addition, the Division has responsibility for the being, as well as developing their capacity to development and coordination of the delivery function independently. of State concessions and relief grants to The five major service groups in the eligible households and individuals, and Community Care Division are: community service obligations for trustee 1. Early Childhood Services The Victorian Problem Gambling Strategy was services. launched during 2000–01. This image is from one of 2. Family and Community Support the television advertisements for Phase One of the Vision Statement 3. Juvenile Justice $1.8 million community awareness campaign ‘Think Community care services will be planned and of What You are Really Gambling With’. The target 4. Child Protection and Placement Services audience for Phase One was Victorians aged 25–39 delivered to promote social inclusion, to years. strengthen individuals, families, children and 5. Concessions to pensioners and young people, and to build community beneficiaries. capacity, through partnerships between Government, community service organisations and the community. Principles The Community Care Division has developed principles to guide its services and program development, which are: g Citizens are to be the basis of programs. Planning, design, provision and evaluation of Community Care Services will include service users, and should accord them respect. g Families are the building blocks of communities, and strong communities are needed to ensure strong families. g Service activities must improve the quality of life for Victorians, address inequality and assist inclusion. g Diversity in individuals, communities and services must be valued and respected. g Enhancing existing partnerships between citizens and communities, as well as between Government and service providers, should underpin the delivery of services. g Service delivery must be evidence-based and inclusive. g Accountability for the community’s investment in services is a shared responsibility between Government and service providers. g Prevention and early intervention offer an investment rationale for service delivery. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 51

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MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES Proportion of Cases of Financial Counselling by Household Gross Income Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 2000–01 Measure BP3 Target Actual Performance

Children’s Services Quantity Funded preschool places (a) Number 59,700 60,380 Preschool participation rate Per cent 95.4 96 Quality Funded preschool services with a quality assurance process Per cent 90 94 $0 2.25% Timeliness $1-$8,000 8.77% Licensees rectifying non-compliance with $8,001-$16,000 41.95% statutory requirements within Department $16,001-$2,0000 16.61% of Human Services timelines Per cent 65 47 $20,001-$25,000 12.29% $25,001-$30,000 8.29% Total output cost (b) $ million 78.0 82.9 $30,001-$40,000 6.03% $40,001-$60,000 2.79% Parenting and Child Developement $60,001+ 1.03% Quantity Total number of clients (c) Number 66,200 66,000 Total number of occasions of service/calls Number 56,000 60,000 Funded hours of neighbourhood Child Protection Workers Average Length house coordination (d) Number 314,500 314,101 of Service, by Year, 1993 to 2001 (months) Quality Proportion of Maternal and Child Health 50 clients receiving Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services Per cent 5 5 Timeliness Children 0–1 months enrolled at Maternal and Child Health Services from birth notifications Per cent 98 98

Total output cost (b) $ million 58.1 61.3 40

Family, Youth and Individual Support Quantity Total number of clients (e) Number 103,000 86,250 Total number of calls/contacts (f) Number 204,800 236,000 30 Quality 1993 1994 1995 1996 19971998 1999 2000 2001 Youth Services measuring client satisfaction Per cent 75 77 Timeliness Problem gambling clients receiving initial response within five working days Per cent 95 98

Total output cost $ million 76.7 77.1 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 52

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Number of Child Protection Notifications, Juvenile Justice Services by Year, 1992 to 2001 (‘000) Quantity 40 Juvenile Justice custodial facilities occupancy rate Per cent 85 85.4 Male Senior Youth Training Centre 35 custodial capacity (g) Number 90 124 Quality 30 Juvenile Justice clients on community- based orders Per cent >80 79.8 Juvenile Justice custodial clients 25 participating in community integration programs Per cent 7.5 10.9 Juvenile Justice clients receiving 20 post-release support services (h) Per cent 40 90.7 Timeliness 15 Young people on supervised orders who 93 94 95 96 99 97 98 01 00 have a client service plan completed – – – – – – – – – within six weeks of commencement (i) Per cent 85 91.1 1992 1993 1994 1995 1998 1996 1997 2000 1999 Total output cost (j) $ million 45.5 57.5

Number of Child Protection Notifications Protection and Placement Substantiated, by Year, 1992 to 2001 (‘000) Quantity 8 Notifications to Child Protection services Number 38,100 37,009 Daily average number of placements Number 3,500 3,894 Quality 7 Protective cases re-substantiated within 12 months of case closure Per cent <20 18 Daily average number of clients receiving a 6 specialist support service Number 820 994 Proportion of placements that are home- based care Per cent >80 88

5 Timeliness Protective intervention cases closed within 90 days (k) Per cent 80 68

4 Total output cost $ million 232.8 239.2 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 – – – – – – – – –

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 (a) Enrolment figure as at 30 April 2001. A higher than expected result reflects strong participation in preschool activities in the community (b) Increased cost primarily reflects budget adjustments made during the year to accommodate wage award movements Proportion of Placements that are Home- (c) Estimate Based, by Year, 1997 to 2001 (per cent) (d) Slight reduction in funded hours due to shortfall in applications for new funding from Neighbourhood Houses. Remaining funds were allocated to Neighbourhood House Networks for 2000-01 90 (e) Estimate. The budget target was formally varied in 2000-01 to 86,250 (f) Estimate. Higher than expected performance recorded by Sexual Assault Services during the year indicates the

88 actual will significantly exceed the target. Implementation of revised data collection system in 2000-01 more accurately reflects performance of this program (g) Changes in sentencing have prevented the closure of 30 Male Senior Youth Training Centre beds. Actuals also 86 include 5 newly established beds in the pilot community houses program. (h) New measure in 2000/2001. Targets were originally set in the absence of data as an estimate. 2001/2002 targets have been adjusted to reflect actual performance. 84 (i) Performance has increased throughout the year at a higher rate than expected. (j) The original budget target excluded Capital Assets Charge and other Corporate attributions. These amounts have been included in the revised budget for 2000-01 and the 2000-01 Actual costs. Increased costs also resulted due to 82 increased custodial receptions at male Senior Youth Training Centres. (k) Performance reflects increasing complexity of client needs.

80 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 53

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OUTPUTS DELIVERY PERFORMANCE IN CONCESSIONS TO PENSIONERS Energy Concessions, by Year, 1995 to 2001 AND BENEFICIARIES ($ millions)

Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Measure BP3 Target Actual 1995–96 Performance

Energy Concessions 1996–97 Quantity Households receiving mains electrical 1997–98 concessions Number 700,740 719,565 Households receiving mains gas concessions (a) Number 530,400 512,893 1998–99 Households receiving non-mains energy

concessions Number 19,270 21,718 1999–00 Total output cost $ million 93.2 83.1

2000–01 Water and Sewerage Concessions Quantity 50 60 70 80 Households receiving water and Note: Figures exclude administration costs. sewerage concessions (a) Number 581,900 512,000

Total output cost $ million 68.2 63.9 Water Concessions, by Year, 1997 to 2001 Municipal Rates Concessions ($ millions) Quantity

Households receiving pensioner concessions 1997–98 for municipal rates and charges Number 384,300 393,500

Total output cost $ million 55.9 48.7 1998–99

Trustee Services 1999–00 Quantity Number of services provided to State Trustee clients Number 11,500 11,000 2000–01 Quality Compliance with standards (a) Per cent 90 90 50 55 60 65 Timeliness Responses and ongoing management within agreed product specific service level (a) Per cent 90 90 Utility Relief Grants, by Year, 1996 to 2001 Total output cost $ million 5.1 5.2

1996–97 (a) Estimate based on preliminary results

1997–98

1998–99

1999–00

2000–01

5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 54

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OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE community-based staff and two non- Reporting on SYSTEM. government agencies with contracted case Departmental management responsibilities. Child Protection and Placement The larger part of the Juvenile Justice training Objectives Services budget is expended on custodial staff. All Child Protection Services aim to protect custodial staff (320) received training in case management and client assessment and OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN children and adolescents at risk of significant harm from abuse and neglect. During 2000–01, planning, and in drug and alcohol ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES competencies. Additional courses covered BASED ON NEED. Child Protection Services responded to 37,009 notifications of abuse or neglect, of which mandatory skills, such as first aid and specially customised courses to manage conflict. State Concessions 7,161 were substantiated. The past year has seen a renewed focus on State concessions contribute to the health, OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF service quality, with the successful completion well-being and independence of low income COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. of several quality improvement projects households through improving the affordability relating to Child Protection Services. These of key services, including gas, electricity, Problem Gambling Strategy included a client survey of 900 children and water, transport and municipal rates. young people and their families, and an The Victorian Government has been Of the 1.8 million households in Victoria, evaluation of both the High Risk Infants and responsible for the most significant and 720,000 households received concessions. It is High Risk Adolescent Service Quality effective changes to reduce and address the estimated that 96.5 per cent of eligible initiatives. The outcomes of these projects will harmful impact of problem gambling on households received their concession inform future program enhancements. Victorians and their local communities. During entitlement, with take-up rising slightly faster 2000–01 a total of $6.5 million has been A complaints resolution manager was than the estimated two per cent growth in the provided to services for problem gamblers and appointed to coordinate and monitor responses eligible population. their families. These services are provided to complaints received by the Minister and via through an extensive network of over 100 Despite the planned cessation of the three- the Office of the Ombudsman. The role outlets in Victoria. Gambler’s Help services year Winter Power Bonus, low income involves the development of a process for assisted over an estimated 5,000 people during Victorian households continued to benefit from complaints resolution that is rigorous, this period. In addition, updated promotional the Winter Energy Concession. During 2000–01 endorsed by key stakeholders and informs the material has been rolled out into gaming there was an increase of 4.3 per cent in ongoing quality improvement process for Child venues, which gives revised information about households provided with this concession. Protection Services. Gambler’s Help services in 536 venues The Division also administers the Community Substantial investment was made in the throughout Victoria. Services Obligation Contract with State training of child protection workers. The Child Further achievements include: Trustees for the provision of financial Protection Training and Development Unit g administration for low income vulnerable provided professional training to 2,145 Better integration of telephone people. The trustee services met the 90 per participants during the past year. In addition, counselling and face-to-face services for cent compliance standard in almost all areas. greater emphasis was placed on the problem gamblers, to ensure that development of staff through innovative appropriate referrals are made quickly Family Support and Early Intervention and effectively. Services training programs, including the Child Protection Leadership Development Pilot, which g Further development of the network of The development of the Maternal and Child aims to develop leadership and coaching skills. Gambler’s Help services to promote the Health Enhanced Home Visiting Services for Additional funding was provided for home- sharing of skills and expertise in relation families experiencing significant early parenting based caregivers of children and young people to problem gambling (for example, difficulties has enabled additional services to be who cannot live with their family. For those statewide forums, service development available to parents on the basis of need. children unable to live in home-based care, a activities, training). Early Intervention Services aim to support new residential care price structure was g The establishment of a single statewide families with a child from birth to school age established to ensure that community-based name and referral system called who has a disability or developmental delay. organisations are able to provide appropriate Gamblers Help for problem gambling The service helps families to manage standards of care. Standards covering the services effectively, and promotes the health, well- design and development of residential A $1.8 million community awareness campaign being and developmental needs of the child. facilities were also completed. launched, titled ‘Think of What You are Really The program provides professional services The Juvenile Justice Training Unit (JJTU) Gambling With‘. The strategy also included and case management for families. Extra provided training to 470 Juvenile Justice direct specific targeting for people from culturally funding has allowed 500 families greater service workers, including custodial and and linguistically diverse communities. access to the service. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 55

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Strengthening Support for Families A research proposal has been provided in the and Communities Community Care Research Agenda 2002–04: The relationship between preschool The Community Care strategy has a three- participation and the need for remedial pronged approach to achieving this goal: education. The target group is preparatory to 1 Strong, well functioning families. grade 2. 2 Child centred, family focused services. OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED 3 Relief of family pressures that can lead SERVICES RESPONSE. to child abuse or neglect. Major strategies for this goal include Juvenile Justice Neighbourhood House funding and Maternal The Government’s policy framework for A and Child Health Enhanced Services. During Balanced Approach to Juvenile Justice in 2000–01, 340 Neighbourhood Houses were Victoria was released in August 2000. The funded for coordination hours. In recognition of framework emphasises: the important early intervention role played by g The diversion of minor offenders from Maternal and Child Heath Services, an unwarranted detention. enhanced outreach service was implemented to provide in-home support to vulnerable g The rehabilitation of more serious families to increase their resilience. offenders. In response to recent research findings that g The expansion of pre-release, transition demonstrate the importance of children’s and post-release support programs. Having completed her tertiary studies under the environment on their future development and Department’s Indigenous Training and Recruitment The key objective of Juvenile Justice New Initiatives Program (INTRAIN), Joanne Borg (left) is well-being, a ‘best start’ approach has been Initiatives is to provide more effective now Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency developed to strengthen family formation. The community-based responses for young (VACCA) Extended Care Program Coordinator. Maternal and Child Health Home Visiting offenders aged 17–21 years who have been INTRAIN scholarships provide Aboriginal Victorians Service was extended to provide additional with financial support and work placements in key sentenced by an adult court, and so enable a areas relevant to the programs of the Department. support to families experiencing early reduction in custodial capacity. Joanne is seen here talking with extended care parenting difficulties, and was implemented worker Helen Archibald. across Victoria. In 2000–01 services operated Diversionary initiatives include the statewide in all nine regions. expansion of the adult Court Advice and Bail Support Pilot, and the joint Department of Preschool Transition Human Services–Department of Justice pilot Number of Sentences of Detention Better support for children in transition from of a new supervision model for the Imposed on Young Persons 1984 to 2001 preschool to school has been achieved by management of 17 to 20 year olds on (Children’s Court and Adult Court) involvement in the Early Years of Schooling community-based orders. Reference Group with the Department of Improved health and offence-based services 1200 Education, Employment and Training (DEET). will continue to strengthen the rehabilitation of young offenders. The development of partnership models has 1000 been a key feature. Numerous local initiatives Strengthened post-release programs will have occurred at a regional level. For example, ensure that young offenders are actively in the Barwon-South West Region a number of supported through transition from custody. 800 preschool teachers now work in partnership with local preparatory coordinators to offer a The over-representation of young Koori people, preschool-to-school transition program during the increased numbers of young women and 600 the fourth term. This helps to ensure a smooth young people from ethnic minorities are being targeted through specific programs. transition from preschool to primary school. 400

Working Together Strategy 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 01 In addition, discussions have been held – – – – – – – – –

between Department of Human Services Koori The Working Together Strategy is a quality 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Early Childhood Programs and the improvement initiative that seeks to achieve Commonwealth Government regarding the better health and welfare outcomes for high need implementation of literacy and numeracy clients who require access to multiple services. principles in kindergartens. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 56

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The first stage of the Working Together OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED Strategy focused on creating an environment INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND for service improvement and specific service WELL-BEING. initiatives. All nine Department of Human Services Koori Preschool Program Regions have established Working Together The Koori Early Childhood Education Program Strategy processes that are dedicated to has continued to have a significant impact on strengthening links between Child Protection, the numbers of Koori children attending Mental Health, Drug Treatment Services, preschools throughout Victoria. Enrolments of Juvenile Justice, Housing and DisAbility Koori children in preschool services increased Services at a local level. A number of by a further 19 per cent during 2000–01 across innovative service approaches are being Victoria, with similar total increases in both piloted or have been fully implemented in rural and metropolitan areas. regions, including: Most regions maintained or increased g Enhanced therapeutic residential participation levels, with four regions services. demonstrating increases of over 30 per cent Strengthening Support for Families and g Inter-service protocols. on the previous year. Communities. The Community Care Strategy has a g three-pronged approach: Joint professional orientation and Preschool Participation Rates 1 Strong, well functioning families. training programs. The Victorian Government has a commitment 2 Child centred, family focused services. Multi-Service Coordination Project to ensuring that all four year old children are 3 Relief of family pressures that can lead to entitled to one year of funded activities prior to The Multi-Service Coordination Project is an child abuse or neglect. commencing school. inter-Divisional initiative, sponsored by the Community Care Division through Connecting Two initiatives were introduced to support this Victoria and integrated with the Department’s commitment: Working Together Strategy. The purpose was 1 An increase in fee subsidy for low to develop and test a case coordination income families. In February 2000, the framework to better meet the needs of clients subsidy to all low income families was and their families who had complex increased from $100 to $250. requirements for assistance—often spanning multiple programs and services. 2 The introduction of a $65 per capita grant to all funded preschools. The aim of the The design of the framework was the outcome grant is to assist preschools in the of consultation with all participating programs running of programs and, where possible, (Juvenile Justice, Child Protection, Mental reduce fees paid by parents. Health, Alcohol and Drugs, and Housing) in two pilot sites. It creates the structure and processes The success of these initiatives is reflected in to facilitate information sharing–as well as a a rise in the preschool participation rate, collaborative, coordinated response to address culminating in a rate of 96 per cent during issues that may arise through differing protocols, 2000–01. legislative requirements and systems that act as Community Building Study Grants barriers to effective case management. The Government has provided five educational Over the last 12 months this approach to case grants to young adults who have an coordination has been successfully understanding of a South East Asian language implemented in the Western Metropolitan and and community, to assist them to undertake Grampians regions. At the present time, an postgraduate studies in the field of welfare evaluation of the pilot experience is underway and community work. to assess the impact and value to our clients, the service system and Department. The final It is expected that these grant recipients will report will be available by the end of 2001 and make significant future contributions to the there are already indicators that the welfare needs of young people from these coordination process was of ‘significant communities. benefit to both the client and the practitioners in the field’. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 57

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Koori Preschool Enrolments in the 2000 Young Koori People in the Juvenile and 2001 School Years, by Region Justice System, by Month, 1998 to 2001

120

100

80

60 Jun 1999 Jun 2000 Jun 2001 Dec 1998 Dec 1999 Dec 2000

0 20 40 60 80 100

2000 School Year 2001 School Year

Koori Preschool Enrolments in the 2000 and 2001 School Years, by Rural and Metropolitan Victorian Areas

Rural

Metropolitan

0 100 200 300 400

2000 School Year 2001 School Year 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 58

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DisAbility Services

Key Objectives Key Issues Key Results

Increase the lifestyle choices for people with An ageing population increases the demand for The allocation of an additional $50.7 million to disabilities through the coordination of a whole- disability services through increased prevalence DisAbility Services in the 2000–01 budget enabled of-community approach to the design of services of disability and the reduced capacity of ageing the expansion of existing services and the and supports tailored to meet individual needs. carers. development of new services that reflect the aims of the Government’s One Community vision. Enhance the ability and opportunities of people There is a need to build the skills of our with a disability to express their views on the workforce, to ensure it can meet the demands of An additional 425 people benefited from services they use. the increasing number of people with a range of community-based accommodation support. The complex support needs. Homefirst program provided support to 271 people Ensure available resources are effectively used to with cognitive disabilities to enable them to achieve positive outcomes for people with a Development of a partnership approach with remain in their own homes. disability, through a greater focus on individual DisAbility Service providers needs to continue. choice and enhanced flexibility. An additional 520 households benefited from a $4 People with disabilities are seeking to be more million to increase respite services across rural Enable people with a disability to participate fully involved in the important decisions that affect and metropolitan areas, including increased in the life of the community. their lives, both at the individual level and at the weekend and holiday respite services through the service system level. Provide better information and referral at the local provision of the Great Breaks respite program. level, placing a stronger emphasis on early There is a need to ensure people with a disability Over 2,000 people with disabilities, as well as intervention and integration of services. are active participants of their community. their families and carers, participated in wide- Increase support for families and carers by There is a need to build the capacity of reaching consultations around Victoria as part of recognising the key roles families and carers play, communities to be inclusive of all people. the development of the State DisAbility Plan and and providing greater flexibility in the supports the Aspirations of People with a Disability project. The recommendations in the Auditor-General’s available. review of DisAbility Services under the Membership of the DisAbility Advisory Council of Strengthen direct care staff through enhanced Intellectually Disabled Persons Services Act 1986 Victoria (DACV) was announced. The advisory recruitment practices, training and support. require consideration and response. council was established to give a voice to people with a disability in the operation of Government. Enhance accountability through improved There is a need to ensure that people with The DACV comprises 19 people, 12 of whom are monitoring and review mechanisms. disabilities from rural communities have equity community members from across Victoria. regarding access to services and supports that are Enhance balance in the service system through close to where they live. The redevelopment of Kew Residential Services, the implementation of improved mechanisms of the largest institution of its kind in Australia, was funds allocation. People with a disability, and the community in announced. The redevelopment forms part of the general, expect quality services to be delivered, commitment to the vision of One Community, and the evidence of the effectiveness of service where the lifestyle opportunities for people with a interventions to be continuously reviewed. disability are as consistent as possible with those experienced by the rest of the community. The successful piloting of the RuralAccess initiative demonstrated that through the use of a partnership approach, the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in their local communities can be enhanced. The Local Government and People with Disabilities—Towards Inclusive Communities initiative commenced. The initiative is designed to assist in planning and building communities that are inclusive of people with disabilities. Over 21,500 daily episodes of service were provided for the year. An overall reduction in the average waiting time for Departmental case management was achieved, falling from 41 days to less than 19 days. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 59

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DisAbility Services purchases and provides continuing care for people with intellectual, physical, sensory or neurological disabilities, and acquired brain injury.

Continue the development of an integrated Future Directions community on the Kew Residential Services site.

Finalise the State DisAbility Plan. Address issues raised in Auditor General’s Report on Intellectual DisAbility Services, by: Strengthen advocacy services, including self- advocacy. g Improving the timeliness of eligibility assessments and access to case Develop client-focused, independent management services. complaints mechanisms. g Developing and implementing improved Continue the development of individualised service monitoring and review procedures planning, funding and monitoring approaches. and practices. Focus on developing inclusive communities g Investigating options to verify the that support people with disabilities, by: DisAbility Services Self-Assessment. g Building friendship networks. g Establishing more comprehensive client g Encouraging community use of specialist satisfaction mechanisms. DisAbility Services infrastructure. Implement the Acquired Brain Injury Strategy, g Improving access to community facilities including the development of accommodation and transport. and support options for younger people in aged care nursing homes. g Completing research on the basis of perceived negative community attitudes. Implement the recently developed workforce management plan to improve the recruitment, g Continuing to research and develop retention, reward and recognition of direct strategies to build communities so that care staff. they are more welcoming of people with a disability. Continue the development of a client-based information strategy to better manage g Expanding the RuralAccess initiative. services and budgets.

The One Community vision seeks to change the attitudes of all levels of Government, service providers and the broader community, by ensuring that people with disabilities are included, that barriers are removed and that facilitation of partnerships with people with disabilities becomes a normal way of life. Sang Vo and his son Tam, 4, took part in the Department’s Western Region’s Speaking Out project. The Speaking Out report found that Vietnamese people in Melbourne’s western suburbs were not using disability services. In response, funding has been provided for a Community Development Officer in the western suburbs dedicated to developing services for people from Vietnamese backgrounds with a disability. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 60

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DisAbility Services Budget Distribution The 2000–01 financial year saw a number of 2000–01, by Proportion Divisional Description opportunities presented to further the work of the program in meeting its primary objective. DisAbility Services purchases and provides The process for the development of the State continuing care for people with intellectual, DisAbility Plan provided opportunities to meet physical, sensory or neurological disabilities, with people with a disability from all walks of and acquired brain injury. life, and talk with community members. The Primary Objective successful budget outcome provided the opportunity to expand and develop services in DisAbility Services aims to improve the quality line with the aspirations of people with a of life for Victorians with a disability, through disability and in partnership with them and the services that enhance independence, choice community. and community inclusion. Shared Supported Accommodation 40% Accommodation Outreach Support 1% In 2000–01, the budget for DisAbility Services Home Support 1% grew by $96.6 million to $668.5 million. An Family Options 1% additional $50.7 million was devoted to new In-Home Accommodation Support 3% services, including $12.3 million of additional Specialist Behavioural Services 4% Commonwealth funds. Community Access 18% Respite 4% Major Outputs/Deliverables Training Centres 10% Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Aids and Equipment 3% Measure BP3 Target Actual Quality Improvement Services 0% Performance Information/Advocacy Services 1% Case Management and Brokerage 6% Output Management 4% Congregate Residential Care Services Administration 4% Quantity Clients in Training Centres Number 810 811 Quality Training Centre Clients with appropriate day activities Per cent 90 99 Total accommodation and support clients in Training Centres Per cent 12 11

Total output cost $ million 73.0 72.9

Community-Based Accommodation and Support Services Quantity Clients in community-based accommodation support services (a) Number 6,700 6,344 Quality Shared Supported Accommodation outlets reporting a minimum of two planned quality improvement activities in the forthcoming year Per cent 90 96 Timeliness Shared Supported Accommodation client program plans reviewed within 60 days of the end of each 12-month service period Per cent 90 96

Total output cost $ million 345.9 346.7 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 61

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Community Access Quantity Clients with day activities Number 7,220 7,417 Future For Young Adults (FFYA) clients Number 3,600 4,262 Quality Day activity clients program plans reviewed within 60 days of the end of each 12-month service period Per cent 90 95

Total output cost (b) $ million 161.2 128.0

Equipment Services Quantity Aids and equipment items supplied Number 41,300 45,000 Clients accessing aids and equipment Number 23,040 32,000 Quality Referrers satisfied with response to clients’ needs Per cent 85 87

Total output cost (c) $ million 17.1 20.9

Respite Services Quantity Carer households provided with a respite service (d) Number 9,600 10,634 Quality Carer households satisfied with quality of services provided Per cent 80 85

Total output cost (e) $ million 24.5 32.3

The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program is a Case Management and Brokerage Services Victorian Government program which aims to assist Quantity children and adults to access subsidised aids, equipment, and home modifications to enhance Clients receiving case management services Number 4,750 4,919 their safety and independence, support their family Clients receiving flexible care packages (f) Number 1,910 2,945 and carers and prevent premature admission to institutional care or high cost services. Quality Case management outlets reporting a minimum of two planned quality improvement activities in the forthcoming year Per cent 90 97 Timeliness Clients waiting less than three months for a case management service Per cent 95 96

Total output cost (e) $ million 32.9 45.2

Specialist Behavioural Services Quantity Clients receiving a Behaviour Intervention Service Number 1,300 1,336 Quality Clients referred to the same service type more than once in an 18-month period Per cent 10 10 Timeliness Clients waiting less than three months for specialist services (g) Per cent 90 83 Total output cost (h) $ million 8.7 23.7 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 62

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DisAbility Client Numbers by Age Group Information/Advocacy Services 2000–01 Quantity Clients receiving advocacy support Number 910 1,023

0–9 Quality Websites complaint with appropriate guidelines for accessibility Per cent 100 100

10–19 Total output cost (l) $ million 4.0 6.5

20–29 Quality Improvement Quantity Number of service improvement 30–39 projects funded Number 30 36 Quality Eligible providers participating in a 40–49 quality self-assessment process (j) Per cent 100 84

Total output cost (e) $ million 1.1 2.9 50–59 (a) The target was revised from 6,700 to 6,300 during the first quarter of the financial year to enable an increase in the provision of respite services and flexible care (see notes (d) and (f)). 60–69 (b) Variation from estimated target reflects the approved distribution of new policy funding resulting from the consultation process with the disability sector undertaken by the Program and the movement of Therapy activities to the Specialist Behavioural Services Output.

70–79 (c) Variation from estimated target primarily reflects the redistribution of new policy funding for Incontinence Aids and additional non-recurrent funding to reduce the outstanding waiting lists. (d) This target was revised and increased to 10,000 households during the first quarter of the financial year.

80–89 (e) Variation from estimated target reflects the approved distribution and application of new policy funding resulting from the consultation process with the disability sector undertaken by the Program . (f) This target was revised and increased to 2,200 clients during the first quarter of the financial year.

90+ (g) While there are improvements in waiting times, the effects of new initiatives in service delivery are yet to be fully realised. (h) Variation from estimated target reflects the approved distribution and application of new policy funding resulting 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 from the consultation process with the disability sector undertaken by the Program and the movement of Therapy activities from the Community Access Output. Note: Total = 13,589 Unknown: 5 (i) The variation from the estimated target primarily results from the published budget being underestimated by $1.4m and additional non-recurrent funding to non government agencies. (j) This is a relatively new target and a graduated take-up rate is anticipated.

Percentage of Clients by DisAbility Type 2000–01

Intellectual Disability 67% Physical Disability 13% Acquired Brain Injury 4% Sensory Disability 6% Other Disability 10%

Note: Total = 13,594 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 63

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The DisAbility Services Self-Assessment OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE Reporting on System (DSAS) has been in place for two SYSTEM. Departmental assessment periods, and is currently being evaluated. The value of the DSAS as a tool for Learning and Development Strategy service providers to use to assess their Objectives performance against the Victorian Standards In partnership with key stakeholders, DisAbility for DisAbility Services will be considered. An Services has developed a comprehensive OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN 83 per cent return rate of DSAS completion learning and development strategy to refocus ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES reports in the second year of implementation the current model of training and ensure that all direct care staff are adequately and BASED ON NEED. demonstrates a continued commitment to quality improvement across the service appropriately trained and assessed against national competencies. The Department is The Aspirations of People with a provider sector. working cooperatively with the Vocational Disability Client Facilitation Training Education and Training Sector, Industry Training This project was designed to give a voice to In 2000–01, a stronger emphasis has been Board, Australian National Training Authority the goals and dreams of people with a placed on client and carer involvement in the and universities to promote consistency in disability and, in doing so, inform the DSAS assessment process, and in providing course delivery and increase the relevance of development of the State DisAbility Plan. The meaningful input into the operation of the training and education to industry. The project involved more than 500 people with services they use. A range of initiatives to Learning and Development Strategy aims to disabilities, including parents of children with enhance input from clients has been establish a learning culture in all disability disabilities and carers of adults with established across the State. The overall aim services to enhance recruitment and career disabilities. A wide range of people from all of the Client–Carer Consultation and pathways by use of a competency framework walks of life participated in the study, Information Project is to increase client–carer linked to all jobs. providing a rich array of views and involvement by supporting the development of One of the initiatives managed by the Learning experiences, as well as their hopes for the skills and knowledge so that they can and Development Strategy team was a one- future. The final report has been made effectively participate in DSAS. year pilot project to provide a range of available in a number of formats, including DisAbility Study Scholarships and Study Tour audiotape, on the Internet and in plain English As part of the Project, thirty people with a disability have been trained as peer Awards. The pilot project gained a huge (also known as Easy English) to ensure it is response with 129 TAFE scholarships, 55 accessible to people with disabilities. facilitators. The peer facilitators work with Departmental staff to assist clients to Tertiary scholarships and 14 Ethel Temby Study The Promotion of a Culture of participate in their services’ quality Tour Awards granted. The outcomes of this Continuous Improvement improvement initiatives and have input into the initiative will assist in setting DisAbility DSAS process. Services Branch priorities through identifying DisAbility Services aims to encourage a culture emerging needs of clients and supporting of continuous improvement in the delivery of Community Visitors academic study and research that will lead to services to people with a disability and their In 2000–01 a key focus concerning the a skilled workforce delivering quality services associates. Disability Stream of the Community Visitor’s to people with a disability. As a result of the Working Towards Best Program related to the expansion of its Workforce Management Practice funding round four, 22 DisAbility mandate (in line with amendments to the Services across Victoria have been supported Disability Services Act 1991) to encompass In conjunction with the Human Resources to undertake projects. Grants allocations visits to all disability funded residential Branch, DisAbility Services has undertaken the projects included examples of using existing services from 1 July 2001. Prior to this time development of a Workforce Management Plan resources to encourage and enhance visits have been restricted to government- for DisAbility Accommodation Services. The meaningful recreation options for people with managed residential services only. To prepare first stage of the Plan was to undertake a a disability, and the provision of opportunities for this significant change, the Office of the research report, which has identified major for service users, and their carers, to learn new Public Advocate and DisAbility Services ran areas where the retention and recruitment of skills that promote independence in the joint information sessions across the State and staff can be improved, as well as issues community and reduce the risk of injury. A Best consulted widely in the development of new pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety, Practice website, linked to the DisAbility protocols for the program. reward and recognition and the development Services website, has been created to provide of a learning culture. The Plan is now being information about funded projects. finalised. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 64

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New Places in Community Residential Two major reviews, the first of classifications, Work of the Unit incorporates: Units, by Region, During 2000–01 career structures, supervision and training, the g Further development of the DisAbility second of workloads, have been jointly Quality Framework. conducted with the Health and Community Services Union. g Establishment and coordination of a program of performance monitoring Training for DisAbility Services Staff review and audit, focusing on quality From July 2000 to June 2001, the Disability service delivery. Services Training Unit (DSTU) delivered 515 g The development and coordination of a courses and staff development events DisAbility Risk Management Strategy. amounting to 780 days of training. This work will be undertaken in partnership Over 4,000 Department of Human Services with all stakeholders—including people with Barwon-South Western 7 employees attended at least one of these disabilities, their families and carers—both Eastern Metropolitan Region 15 courses or learning events. Employees Government and non-government service Gippsland 5 attended an average of two training days, for a provider agencies, peak bodies and advocates. Grampians 15 total of 9,062 training attendances. All DSTU Hume 0 training courses have been aligned to relevant Information Management Lodden-Mallee 15 National Competency Standards. Northern Metropolitan Region 26 Based on an analysis of information needs, a Southern Metropolitan Region 37 Capital Assistance Fund detailed information strategy has been Western Metropolitan Region 12 developed. The strategy establishes a Grants totalling $2.28 million were provided to framework that will support integration of Total 132 non-government agencies to assist with the business functions and information—as well development and redevelopment of services as supporting the Aids and Equipment Program for people with a disability. and Home-Based Support. Policy Resources on the Internet OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF New Places in Community Residential The ongoing maintenance and enhancement of COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. Units, by Area, During 2000–01 Policy Resources on DisAbility Services’ KnowledgeNet and Internet sites continued. One Community These sites provide access to over 25 policies, guidelines, practice instructions and protocols, The announcement of the One Community which apply to disability services delivered by vision seeks to start to change the attitudes of the Department. all levels of Government, service providers and the broader community, by ensuring that Improved Information, Monitoring and people with disabilities are included, that Funding Arrangements barriers are removed and that facilitation of The Australian Institute of Primary Care, La partnerships with people with disabilities Trobe University, was commissioned by becomes a normal way of life. A number of DisAbility Services to guide the development new initiatives were funded under the One Metropolitan Regions 90 of a consistent, coherent and, where Community vision in 2000–01. Rural Regions 42 appropriate, integrated approach to funding Disability Advisory Council Total 132 services over the next two to five years. DisAbility Services has a long-term aim to Membership of the DisAbility Advisory Council develop a new, streamlined DisAbility Services of Victoria (DACV) was announced. The DACV funding strategy that focuses more clearly on provides advice to the Minister for Community outputs and outcomes for individuals and Services on disability issues across the range target groups. of community matters. The DACV takes a whole-of-community approach, in order to Quality Monitoring enhance the Government’s response in The Quality Monitoring and Review Unit has education, justice, training, transport, housing been established within DisAbility Services. and recreation for people with a disability. This Unit will coordinate and manage the The DACV comprises 19 people—12 of whom DisAbility Services’ development of a broader are community members selected from across quality framework and reporting mechanism. the State, including people with a disability. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 65

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The DACV will be one important mechanism awards were for councils that showed for people with disabilities, their carers, they recognised that community inclusion service providers, Government departments and participation of people with a and other key stakeholders to be actively disability affect all areas of planning and involved in policy, planning and delivery of operations. services. g The allocation of 20 developmental State DisAbility Plan grants towards best practice in local government. The State DisAbility Plan has a ten-year outlook, and is being developed over four International Day of People with a phases, two of which were completed in Disability 2000–01. Prior to the release of the final Plan, DisAbility Services sponsored 37 community a Draft State DisAbility Plan is being events throughout Victoria as a result of the developed, based on extensive consultation Community Grants Program for the with the Victorian community, including people International Day of People with a DisAbility with a disability, their parents, families and 2000. Events included community fetes, art and carers, service providers, government, craft exhibitions, sports carnivals and drama community groups and members of the broader performances, community radio workshops and community. The Draft Plan will set out the mural painting. The International Day of People Government’s proposed vision for the future with a Disability aims to increase community and strategies for realising that vision. awareness of, and provide recognition for, the Technical Aid to the Disabled volunteers Eric A total of more than 1,700 people participated positive contributions that people with a Jennings and Jack Rogers of Mildura working on their design and development award-winning in the consultation process, which was held disability make to our community. modifications of a scooter lift. from September to November 2000. The RuralAccess Initiative Disability Advocacy The RuralAccess initiative emerged from a In partnership with the Commonwealth commitment by DisAbility Services to create Department of Family and Community Services communities that recognise the citizenship and community advocacy agencies, DisAbility status of people with disabilities by developing Services has begun to develop a new opportunities for participation and inclusion in framework for coordinated, effective advocacy all aspects of community life. for people with a disability throughout Victoria. Access to the community can be particularly The framework looks at ways of strengthening problematic for people with disabilities living advocacy at the local level and how to ensure in rural areas. The RuralAccess initiative will a more vibrant and viable advocacy sector enhance the capacity of communities to work across the State. with people with disabilities to develop Local Government and People with services and supports that are responsive to Disabilities—Towards Inclusive their needs and aspirations. A range of Communities strategies will be introduced to build stronger and more inclusive forms of community This initiative is a joint venture between the support and involvement. A number of Municipal Association of Victoria and community forums that focused on community DisAbility Services to assist local governments inclusion and participation have been held in to plan and build communities that are several rural communities. inclusive of people with disabilities and their families. This year the initiative resulted in: The RuralAccess initiative includes the strategic placement of 25 workers in rural and g The development of the Local regional communities. Government Access Action On-Line Resource Kit. g Five Victorian councils were awarded $5,000 in 2000–01 and 2001–02, as part of the Building Better Communities— Accessible Communities Awards. The 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 66

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OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED g New funds were made available to SERVICES RESPONSE. develop innovative responses to adolescents with a disability who have HomeFirst offended or are at risk of offending. In October 2000 the HomeFirst program was g Additional funds were made available to launched to address the needs of people with regions to support clients with complex an acquired brain injury or intellectual behavioural needs, including those with disability. The objective of the program is to acquired brain injury. provide people with a cognitive disability with Kew Redevelopment home-based and community-based support to assist those people to continue to live The announcement of the $100 million independently in their own homes and redevelopment of Kew Residential Services community, or to assist individuals living in (KRS) by the Victorian Premier represents a Artists from Colac’s Art Connection were among the staffed accommodation to move to more major turning point in the development of many regional Victorian entrants in the 2001 human rights for people with disabilities in Intellectual Disability Review Panel poster independent living arrangements. competition. Victoria. Some 460 people with an intellectual The program is designed to maintain or disability live in KRS, which is the largest develop people’s independent living skills. The institution of its kind in Australia. The program also provides, as a secondary benefit, redevelopment forms part of the commitment much-needed support to parents who may be to the vision of One Community. ageing or experiencing poor health. The redevelopment will be implemented on a In 2000–01 $10.4 million was allocated to the staged basis over six to ten years, with the HomeFirst program, with a total of 271 people final timeframe and schedule for the staging to provided with support. be decided following further planning and Respite consultation. An extensive consultation program, which commenced in June, will occur An additional $4 million was allocated to prior to finalisation of the plans. increase respite services across rural and metropolitan areas. Weekend and holiday The Acquired Brain Injury Strategic respite services were increased through the Plan provision of Great Breaks respite program. Matthew Withers and Graham Jackson (seen here The announcement of the ABI Strategic Plan pictured with attendant carer Graham Stewart) Complex Communications Strategy provides a new way to address significant issues participated in the 'Living and Breathing Standards' that confront people with ABI, their families and The development of services to address the camp held in Hume region in August 2000. The carers. The Plan incorporates a number of camp was an initiative of the Client/Carer needs of people who have a disability and initiatives, including a range of accommodation Consultation and Information Project which aims to complex communication needs continued. support options, assessment, the provision of support the active participation of people with Increased communication, education and disabilities in assessing quality in the services they information, and research on the needs and training opportunities were provided for direct use. This is achieved through developing an service requirements of people with ABI. understanding of the Victorian Standards for care staff in training centres, Community- DisAbility Services and of the agency self- Based Accommodation Services (CBAS) and The Centre for Developmental assessment process. Adult Training and Support Services (ATSS), Disability Health Victoria (CDDHV) which are responsible for supporting people The CDDHV secured funding to undertake two with complex communication needs. projects into the health needs of people with Specialist Services developmental disabilities who live in rural communities. Anticipated outcomes include: In order to increase the capability of families, specialist agencies and the broader community g The identification of needs that are services sector to support people with a common across rural, remote and disability whose behaviour challenges existing metropolitan communities, in order to services, a number of initiatives were inform health care policy and services for implemented in 2000–01: people with developmental disability. g The expansion of human relations g The provision of resources and education training and counselling services for by CDDHV to meet those communities people with a disability. identified needs. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 67

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OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED Changes in the Balance of DisAbility INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND Services Accommodation Placement, by WELL-BEING. Year, 1991 to 2001 (‘000)

Nutrition 1991–92 The promotion of the importance of optimal nutrition for people with a disability was emphasised through the implementation of a

number of initiatives, including: 1992–93 g The regular production of the Food Matters newsletter.

g The development of a Nutrition Resource 1993–94 Kit for Outreach and HomeFirst workers. g The development of a Menu Planning Kit for staff of supported accommodation 1994–95 services. In addition, the Health Care Policy for DisAbility Services staff working with people with a disability who require assistance in 1995–96 managing their health was completed. Enhancing Health Care The negotiation of a five-year agreement with 1996–97 the CDDHV will enable the Centre to continue its work to improve the quality of health care

available to people with developmental 1997–98 disabilities. The CDDHV plays a key role by enhancing the capacity of local primary health care providers and other health professionals to meet health needs, through the provision of 1998–99 leadership, education, clinical and research activities.

Let’s Get Active 1999–00 The Let’s Get Active guidelines are designed to help people with a disability be more physically active and lead healthier lives. This 2000–01 publication also provides practical suggestions for carers and staff working with people with an intellectual disability, including guidelines 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 for the development, planning and implementation of physical activity strategies. Training Centres Community-Based Accommodation 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:40 Page 68

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Office of Housing

Melbourne housing prices and rents continue to Key Objectives Key Issues rise at a rate above CPI, while Commonwealth Rent Assistance levels are tied to CPI. Expand and improve social housing through: Annual funding under the Commonwealth–State Housing Agreement (CSHA) has declined in real The Government Home Loan portfolio has g Restoring social housing as safe and secure terms for more than a decade, and has been declined from approximately 50,000 loans with housing for low income and disadvantaged reduced by 30 per cent, or $90 million (excluding balances of $1.4 billion in 1990–91 to families. GST compensation). This has significantly reduced approximately 12,000 loans with a book value of g Improving the quality of social housing stock. the available funds with which to buy or build $316 million in 2000–01, and a fall of 2,230 loans houses, or maintain and improve existing (or $76 million) over 2000–01. This reduction g Increasing social housing that is community- properties to appropriate standards. compounds the effects of the decline in CSHA managed housing. funds on public housing growth. The decline in Application of available funds must balance the the portfolio reduces revenue available for Develop housing assistance policies that need for expansion of affordable housing in the encourage tenant involvement and participation, housing investment, and compounds the effect of light of pressures on the private rental market, reducing CSHA funds. improve access to social housing and ensure with the competing requirement to protect tenancies are sustainable. existing public and community housing assets. Key Results Improve the response to homelessness, including: CSHA will provide funding certainty for the g Increasing the capacity to intervene earlier Housing Program only until June 2003. There is a During 2000–01, new assistance was provided to and more effectively prevent homelessness, need to develop new and more flexible CSHA some 71,000 additional households. particularly targeting those with complex funding arrangements and workable private sector needs. financing packages that will: To expand the supply of social housing $197 million was spent on acquiring properties and g g Responding more effectively to the needs of Provide funds for long-term protection of redevelopment of older estates and high rises. people who experience, or are at risk of housing assets. Stock numbers grew both overall and in each homelessness. g Establish Commonwealth support for longer- specific housing program, including the g Developing effective and adequate term cost and risk associated with attracting acquisition of 1,522 properties (1,448 Director of homelessness services that are well located private sector institutional funds. Housing properties plus 74 community-owned joint venture properties). At June 2001, the total and appropriate to meet need. g Develop innovative packages to utilise social housing pool comprised 74,773 properties. Develop a community building approach, with private funds. Inner city stock numbers were maintained, housing investment as a catalyst for local social g Provide a case for more flexible use of and economic rejuvenation. notwithstanding a program of demolitions Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) at a associated with inner city redevelopments. Stock Improve access to appropriate and affordable State level. levels were 26,347 at June 2001. The major housing for all Victorians, through flexibility and There is a need to improve services to clients, regional centres of Bendigo, Ballarat, Mildura, innovation, including encouraging private sector including those with complex needs, through: Shepparton, Warrnambool and Wodonga also saw investment in expanding the supply of social growth in stock numbers. housing. g Innovation in the range and type of services provided to maximise choice. Major redevelopment projects commenced in Deliver the State Government’s $94.5 million Melbourne (Ashburton, Carlton, Kensington, Port g commitment (2000–01 to 2002–03) to expand the Improved support arrangements that Melbourne and Richmond) and regional centres supply of affordable housing, by enabling diverse complement housing assistance. (Bendigo, Geelong East, Shepparton and and innovative housing solutions to be developed. g The sensitive allocation of housing services Wodonga) will improve public housing quality and Secure adequate funding for housing (including so as to avoid concentrations of better integrate new and upgraded housing into Rent Assistance) and Supported Accommodation disadvantage. local communities. Assistance Programs (SAAP), through negotiation The level of Commonwealth funding provided for Physical improvements with major works with the Commonwealth Government. the Supported Accommodation Assistance expenditure items amounted to spending of $150 Further improve both housing and SAAP programs, Program (SAAP) is inequitable on a per capita million, and included: in order to maximise the number of people basis for Victoria relative to other states. g Upgrading high rise estates, including assisted. Notwithstanding the injection of supplementary emergency lighting and lift upgrades. State funds, SAAP services continue to be underfunded by the Commonwealth, while g Fire safety works, including installation of homelessness remains a growing issue. fire sprinklers in high rise and walk-up flats. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 69

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The Office of Housing provides a comprehensive range of assistance for people who are in housing need or need support in a situation of homelessness. The program consists of the Housing Program and the Supported Accommodation g Upgrades and physical improvements in A further $14.8 million, over four years, was units for families and older persons, committed by the Victorian Government for Assistance Program (SAAP). including modifications to improve access additional funds to assist people who for people with disabilities. experience, or are at risk of homelessness, in addition to the $17.2 million already committed g Minor capital items, including re-roofing, in the 2000–01 Budget. replacement of hot water services and upgrading of spot purchase properties. Funds were secured in June 2001 as part of the Government’s Latrobe Valley taskforce initiative g Upgrading community-managed housing. to enable community renewal to commence. Asset investments increased the stock portfolio value from $6.8 billion at June 2000 to $7.8 billion (including revaluations) at June 2001. Innovative joint venture projects, valued at $47.8 million, were announced in April 2001. These will deliver housing to approximately 400 families and individuals over the next three to four years, and includes $13.3 million equity contribution from community organisations. The Victorian Homelessness Strategy: Working Report was released in April 2001 as a first step towards developing a preventative and early intervention approach to homelessness, and improving services in partnership with the community sector.

In line with public housing policy, the Government aims to provide our older people with more than just a dwelling. For example, 15 new homes in Ringwood, valued at more than $1 million, provide a safe, central and modern landscaped haven for senior citizens and a number of people with disabilities. Pictured are residents Pearl Hubbins, Lucy the cat and Christina Davies at the opening of the new units. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 70

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numbers expanded, improved and disposed of Future Directions to provide a sustainable resource base into the Divisional Description future. More effective role in housing markets The Office of Housing provides a and affordability. The OoH will work towards Improving financial sustainability. Factors comprehensive range of assistance for enhancing its role as an enabler in the wider influencing long-term financial planning people who are in housing need or need housing market. This will be achieved through include: support in a situation of homelessness. The increased involvement by regional staff, g The decline in real terms of funding program consists of the Housing Program government housing partners and local under the Commonwealth–State Housing and the Supported Accommodation government in assessing local housing market Agreement (CSHA) over the last decade. Assistance Program (SAAP). conditions, and using this information to guide The Housing Program provides long-term social g The inequitable share of Commonwealth wider initiatives. housing, emergency and transitional SAAP funds allocated to Victoria on a per accommodation, private rental assistance and Addressing priority needs. Major areas capita basis relative to other states. include closing gaps in services, addressing home ownership assistance to low income homelessness, and ensuring that the stock g Funding uncertainty, due to the fact that Victorians. profile reflects need and that tenancy the current CSHA will expire in June At the end of June 2001, the Office of Housing management is better able to link customers to 2003. The nature and quantum of CSHA directly-owned property portfolio had an asset a wider range of the Department’s services. funds after 2003 are yet to be negotiated. value of $7.8 billion. Building successful tenancies and g The lack of opportunity to increase At June 2001, total social housing stock communities. A key direction for the Housing income from rental operations or the comprised 74,773 properties (see the table Program is to become more proactive in home finance portfolio. ‘Social Housing Stock at End of Year’ for details). improving living conditions in housing estates. The OoH will need to adopt a longer-term This involves not only upgrading and replacing approach (ten-year financial strategy) aimed at the physical fabric, but also extensive identifying potential sources of alternative community development projects to better funds, including private, local government and integrate public tenants and the estates with community sector partnerships. The injection their local communities. The focus will be on of $94.5 million provides an opportunity to maintaining the asset base through a program alleviate prevailing financial pressures in the of upgrades and estate renewal, involving immediate future, as well as to develop tenants, the local community and stakeholders partnerships within the community sector. through a community building approach. The OoH will also implement local allocation Building partnerships. The OoH is policies that complement support and committed to working together with employment needs. customers, community agencies, regional staff, other programs in the Department of Improving services to customers. Priority Human Services, local government and the areas will include improved tenancy and private sector, in order to meet the challenges property management functions, as well as ahead, gain a consensus on the directions that improving access for tenants to a wider range must be taken and formulate strategies to of human services. To support this, achieve them. improvements will be sought in staff training and development, including the introduction of Applying business systems to support new technologies to improve workers’ jobs, as strategic changes. The OoH’s Business well as the quality of services to customers. System and IT strategy for 2001–2005 has been specified, and major implementation Supporting our staff. Initiatives over a three- steps will commence during 2001–02 involving to five-year period will include implementing the the tender, product evaluation and employment outcomes of the proposed Housing Officer of a supplier for the core components of the Review, and improving the training, development new system. and support for housing services workers. This will include the introduction of improved Encouraging a diversity of providers. Given technology to automate functions and free up that Commonwealth funding certainty is resources for improved customer service. limited and that internal sources of revenue are declining, more flexible and innovative Effective asset management. To guide approaches to expand supply will need to be investment in current and new assets and explored. This includes diversifying the sector provide the maximum amount of assistance to complement public housing and building possible while minimising recurrent capacity, developing partnerships with the maintenance costs. This ensures that private sector and community organisations, properties can be occupied and generate and developing affordable housing strategies income through successful tenancies, and that with local government. stock can be strategically acquired and stock 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 71

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Programs and Services Overview

Supported Accommodation Rental Housing Home Ownership Assistance Program Assistance Assistance (SAAP)

Short/Medium Term Long Term Joint Venture HEF Assistance Bond Assistance Assistance Partnerships (Homeless)

Homeless Support Community Aboriginal Housing Crisis Supported Transitional Housing Public Rental Services Managed (AHBV)

Social Housing Stock at End of Year Type of Housing Stock Number of Units

Crisis supported and transitional housing (including leasing) (a) (b) 2,987 Total long-term public rental (c) 65,429 Long-term Director of Housing community-managed housing (c) 2,997 Aboriginal Housing Board Victoria (AHBV) 1,096 Community-owned community-managed properties (for example, joint ventures, Common Equity Rental Cooperatives, or CERCs) 2,264

Total social housing stock 74,773

(a) Crisis supported accommodation provides a short-stay response from one night up to six weeks. (b) Transitional Housing provides short- to medium-term accommodation from three to 18 months. (c) Supported housing stock (included in both public rental and long term community managed housing) is for clients of the DisAbility, Mental health, Aged Care and Drug and Alcohol programs. 1,080 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 72

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Social Housing Stock, Including Leased Rental housing subsidies totalling $210 million During 2000–01, a total of 71,645 households and Community Owned, by Year, 1996 to were provided to 89 per cent of public rental received new assistance during the year, 2001 (‘000) households in the form of rebated rents. Older including: persons are predominant among public rental g New entries into social housing tenants, comprising 34 per cent of households, accommodation numbered 26,068. New 1996 followed by single parent households at 26 per households can be accommodated with cent. rental housing during the year, only when 1997 a vacancy arises (a household has left) or As at 30 June 2001, 84,390 households were when additional stock is added (through accommodated in housing-funded programs. purchase, construction or leasing). 1998 This included 72,204 in rental properties (62,526 public rental and 9,678 community- g The number of households that received managed) and 11,807 accommodated with new assistance in the form of Housing 1999 home loans, which had a portfolio value of Establishment Fund assistance to $316 million. homeless people numbered 27,600. 2000 During the year to 30 June 2001, 2,230 loans g The number of households that received were repaid, as conditions in financial markets bond loan assistance to enter private 2001 enabled home finance clients to purchase rental markets numbered 13,602. other properties or repay or refinance their g The number of households with older or 70 71 72 73 74 75 loans. disabled residents that received advice on home renovations to keep their homes safe and secure to enable them to remain living independently was 4,252. Very few new loan arrangements are being Supported Housing Stock, by Year, 1996 to entered into, and many of these are to 2001 (‘000) provide loans for people to undertake home renovation advice received.

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 73

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HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Types of Assistance New Households Total Households Assisted from Assisted at 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001(b) 30 June 2001(a)

Types of Assistance

Rental Housing Accommodation (including transfers) Households accommodated with crisis supported and transitional housing (estimate) 14,841 3,140 Households accommodated with public rental housing 9,407 62,526 Households accommodated with long-term community-managed housing (estimate) 1,564 5,506 Households accommodated with Aboriginal Housing (AHBV) 256 1,032 Households Accommodated with Social Housing Properties 26,068 72,204 Households receiving private rental bonds loans during the year 13,602 n/a

Households receiving Housing Establishment Many residents of the high-rise public housing Fund assistance during the year 27,600 n/a tower at 229 Hoddle Street, Collingwood have taken Households holding existing home loans, or part in planning and working on three art projects receiving hew home loans with Director of Housing 77 11,807 inside and outside the building, demonstrating the pride they have in their community. Households receiving home renovation advice during year 4,252 n/a Office of Housing’s Viviane Lacey, community worker Jane Worrall, tenant Priscilla Werner, Kylie Group self-build commencements 46 n/a Brusaschi and artist Liisa Piesto admire the new Households accommodated with Shared Home outdoor sculpture at the high-rise. Ownership Scheme at end of year (with no loan component) - 379

Total Housing Assistance 71,645 84,390

Supported Housing (included in public rental Public Tenant Household Types (n=62,529) and long-term community housing figures) 65 1,296

a) ‘New households’ are clients allocated a housing service during 2000–01, but does not include those allocated in previous years who are still receiving a service. b) ‘Total households’ represents tenancies and loans active at 30 June 2001.

Spending on housing capital outlays for The Supported Accommodation Assistance properties and assets totalled $376 million. Program (SAAP) assists people who are The most significant expenditure items were homeless or at imminent risk of becoming $192 million for property acquisitions and homeless as a result of a crisis, including Youth 1% redevelopments, and $150 million for physical women and children escaping domestic Singles 14% improvements. In addition to the $376 million, violence. Services include supported Couple, no child 4% five million dollars was provided for joint accommodation, counselling, advocacy, links to Couple with children 10% venture projects. health, education and employment services, Single parent 26% outreach support and meal services. Older persons 34% Other group 11% An estimated 28,500 clients are assisted by SAAP over a 12-month period. Note: Total = 62,529 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 74

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Funding MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES The financial year 2000–01 was the second Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 year of the current Commonwealth–State Measure BP3 Target Actual Housing Agreement (CSHA) and Bilateral Performance Agreement with the Commonwealth for the period July 1999 to June 2003. Over the past Homelessness Support Services ten years, there has been an effective reduction of Commonwealth CSHA funds of Quantity about 30 per cent. Homeless persons support capacity at end of year Number 7,559 7,600 A total of $407.4 million was received from Quality Commonwealth and State sources for Housing Clients with an agreed case plan Per cent 75.5 76 and SAAP programs. Timeliness Under the current CSHA, all states and Average duration of episodes of support for clients Weeks 10 10 territories are required to commence Total output costs $ million 58.4 61.4 discussions for a new CSHA in 2001 and complete them by June 2002. Victoria will seek a replacement arrangement that will Crisis Supported and Transitional Housing address housing need in this State over the Quantity longer term. While still to be endorsed by Homeless persons (households) assisted with government, key outcomes should cover: accommodation during year (estimate) Number 14,800 14,840 g Effective solutions to homelessness. Quality g Increasing the stock of affordable Households paying 30 per cent or housing. less of income on rent Per cent 100 100 Timeliness g A more diverse housing management and Average vacancy period per annum, per delivery system to respond to key market vacant property requiring maintenance Days 30 30 segments (complex needs) and provide effective client choice. Total output costs $ million 36.3 37.8 g Funding arrangements that will support these outcomes and provide resources for Aboriginal Housing current and future mandatory asset Quantity investment. Households assisted (tenancies) at end of year In 2000–01, the State Government injected (Aboriginal Housing Board Victoria—AHBV) Number 1,030 1,032 $11.5 million additional funds as the first Quality instalment of its committed $94.5 million of Households paying 30 per cent or less of income on rent Per cent 100 100 funds over and above those required under the CSHA. The provision of these funds in the Total output costs $ million 13.0 13.0 period 2000–01 to 2002–03 will mitigate the continued decline in CSHA funds and help Long-Term Housing Assistance expand the supply of public housing. The Social Housing Innovations Project (SHIP) report was Quantity prepared to advise the Government on options Households assisted at end of year (a) Number 68,800 68,032 for maximising the impact of these funds. Total allocations during year to priority segments (b) Per cent 50 55 Quality Tenants satisfied or very satisfied (measured by national customer satisfactions surveys) (c) Per cent 95 89 Timeliness Average waiting time to allocation for priority segments (d) Months 4 2.7

Total output costs $ million 290.2 290.6

Private Rental Assistance Quantity Bonds and Housing Emergency grants issued during year (e) Number 26,000 41,202 Timeliness Bonds approved within three days Per cent 90 90

Total output costs (f) $ million 9.1 7.4 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:41 Page 75

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Home Ownership and Renovation Assistance Quantity Home renovation inspection reports during year (g) Number 3,500 4,252 Group self-build projects commenced within target timeline of 12 months (h) Number 58 46 Quality Loans in arrears by more than 30 days (i) Per cent <4 6 Timeliness Time from request to receipt of home renovation service Days 20 20

Total output costs $ million 0.4 0.4

(a) This target was 98.9% achieved. Result reflects stock taken off-line for upgrades and redevelopments. (b) Due to tight private rental market conditions, there were fewer than expected total allocations. The proportion of priority allocations to total allocations was therefore above target. (c) The most recent survey saw an increase in the Australian average of responses for satisfied/very satisfied and a decrease in the Victorian response. The result is that Victoria has moved to being 89% of the national average. It is Assistant Commissioner Noel Perry, Victoria Police, believed that Victoria's higher proportion of High Rise Estates has impacted negatively on the Victorian results in joined Mrs Pat Ockwell, Chair of the Aboriginal this survey. Housing Board Victoria and Wurundjeri Elder and (d) Waiting times were kept lower than target. AHBV Chief Executive, Bev Murray in celebrating the Board’s 20th anniversary. (e) Better reporting, available after the State Budget papers were produced, revealed that HEF figures were significantly higher than estimated. In addition, a budget increase enabled significantly more households to be assisted with HEF. Bond assistance remained at target levels. (f) The budget included contingency funds held to assist with anticipated GST costs in the Housing program. Actuals show cost of program. Aboriginal Housing Stock, by Year, 1996 to (g) Result reflects much higher level of demand for this service than was expected. 2001 (‘000) (h) Several factors have affected the take up rate for this program, including the introduction of the GST, falling interest rates and the increase in Federal Government's first home owner’s grant. (i) Result reflects the fact that, while the number of loans in arrears has fallen, the total home loan portfolio has 1996 declined more, and this has led to the proportion of loans in arrears being above the target.

1997 including 1,448 Director of Housing-owned Reporting on properties and 74 joint venture properties. After taking into account property disposals for 1998 Departmental stock management purposes, total social housing stock numbers grew by 566 units to Objectives 74,773 properties. 1999 During the past year, $197 million was spent OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN on acquiring properties to expand the supply of 2000 ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES social housing, including $132 million for BASED ON NEED. public rental, $19 million for redevelopments, 2001 $19 million for Crisis Supported and Expanding the Supply of Social Transitional Housing, $10 million for Long-Term 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Housing Community-Managed Housing, $12 million for One of the key objectives of the Office of housing managed by the Aboriginal Housing Housing is to expand and improve social Board Victoria, and $5 million for joint ventures housing. Within the constraints of declining with community and local government funds from the Commonwealth Government, organisations. A further $150 million was the Office of Housing has sought to balance spent on physical improvements. the need for expanding stock numbers with Acquisitions are aimed at boosting the number maintaining and upgrading stock to preserve of properties to better match the growth in the asset base. smaller households, and adding to the supply A total of 1,522 properties were brought into of properties that are accessible for people the social housing stock pool during the year, with disabilities. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 76

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STOCK AQUISITION BY HOUSING PROGRAM 2000-01

Social Housing Stock Aquisitions During the Year Number of Units

Crisis supported and transitional housing 169 Public rental (including supported housing) (a) 1,100 Long-term Director of Housing community-managed housing, including Supported Housing (a) 89 Aboriginal Housing Board Victoria (AHBV) 90 Community-owned joint ventures 74 Total social housing acquisitions during year 1,522 (a) Supported Housing (included in both public rental and long-term community-managed housing) is for clients of the Disability, Mental Health, Aged Care, and Drug and Alcohol Programs. 54

Through the Social Housing Innovations Project demolitions, have commenced at Ashburton, (SHIP), the Office of Housing has sought to Bendigo, East Geelong, Kensington, increase the capacity to expand social housing Maidstone/Braybrook, Raglan Ingles and by entering into joint partnerships for housing Shepparton. Construction works are planned to projects with community organisations. commence in 2001–02 on the following Maxine Golding-Clarke (right) was presented with estates: Ashburton, Bendigo, Geelong East, the Frances Penington Award during Housing week In April 2001 a series of partnership projects Kensington, Raglan Ingles, Shepparton, and in recognition of her contribution to the lives of under the Social Housing Program were other public housing residents in the Warnambool Wodonga—subject to the normal planning announced. Forty of these projects were area. Community worker, Sharon Umbers (left) permit and tendering processes. nominated Maxine for the award. approved and ten required further development before being finalised. In total, these involve OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE an investment of $47.8 million, of which the SYSTEM. Victorian Government would provide $34.5 million and the partners would contribute Crisis/Transitional Housing Management One of the major initiatives of the Office of $13.3 million worth of land and funds. Stock (includes leases), by Year, 1996 to Housing is to link physical expenditure on 2001 (‘000) When completed over several years, these stock to a wider objective of improving living projects are expected to provide housing for conditions on estates. This means linking the 400 families and individuals in metropolitan work being done in policy reviews to make 1996 and rural Victoria. It is expected that 140 them more sensitive to local situations—not properties would be added to the social just in terms of getting people into housing as

1997 housing stock pool through joint ventures in fast as possible, but making sure that they 2001–02. The Office of Housing is working have a physical and social environment that is with those nominated organisations on the ten at community standards, feels safe and secure, 1998 housing projects set aside for further and is part of the local community. development to finalise details of their projects In order to implement the Government’s policy pending approval. 1999 commitments and improve housing services, Of the 40 projects approved, three were for work in 2000-01 included: the Segmented independent living units for older persons from Waiting List review; a review of public housing 2000 culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. eligibility; a review of broad-banded waiting The funding for these projects totalled $2.57 list areas; a Residential Tenancies Act review; 2001 million. Women’s Housing Policy; a review of tenure arrangements in public housing; the State and Redevelopment Projects 0123 Local Government Affordable Housing Policy; The Office of Housing has been progressing and the Social Housing Innovation Project work on a number of major redevelopment (SHIP). All reviews have had substantial projects. During the year a considerable community input in the form of committee amount of effort has gone into consultation representation and by way of consultation and planning for the appropriate action to be feedback. Generally, the feedback from the taken on these projects. The focus of community is that: redevelopments has become wider than physical g The consultation process has been well works, as it has become increasingly evident received. that allocations policies have a role to play in whether or not the communities are sustainable. g Real contribution to the development of The focus will be to carry out necessary property new policy has occurred through improvements and replacements, and to improve substantial and considered submissions. social living environments for tenants and the g Consideration of the directions arising wider community. out the review processes will form the Of the announced redevelopment projects, next stage, forming the basis of a three- physical works, including upgrades and to five-year housing strategy. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 77

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OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF With respect to the targets identified in the The Victorian Homelessness Strategy Ministerial COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. 2000–01 Departmental Plan, the Office of Advisory Committee (VHS MAC) produced a Housing achieved: Working Report titled Building Solutions for Individuals and Families Who Experience Housing can serve as a focal point for g Additional crisis accommodation, which Homelessness, community building and strengthening. Funding provided 77 places in outer Melbourne which was released publicly in has been provided for community development and rural areas in 2001. April 2001. The Report explores a range of initiatives to increase recreational and training issues identified through community consultation g options for young people, and to provide An additional 350 adults and their and preliminary research, and contains a number support to families and individuals affected by accompanying children were provided of strategies that might assist in responding to drug dependency. For example, a three-year with transitional support and homelessness. accommodation. Jesuit Social Services project is underway on An Action Plan and Strategic Framework will the Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond estates. Funding approvals were granted for crisis be developed by the Office of Housing, g The new Public Housing Advocacy centres as follows: drawing heavily on the strategic advice of the Program (PHAP) commenced in July 2001, g Hanover Welfare Services, to manage MAC. replacing the former Rental Housing and operate the new crisis support The Action Plan will include initiatives relating to: Support Program (RHSP). PHAP has a service in the Greater Dandenong area. g number of components. The tenancy The prevention of and early intervention g The Salvation Army, to manage and advice, referral and support component of in homelessness. operate the new crisis support initiative the program is largely unchanged, and g in Geelong. Improving the service systems that submissions were sought in April 2001 homeless people call on for assistance. from interested agencies to provide g An interim crisis response in the eastern g Strengthening the social housing system. regional and statewide services for a suburbs was established, while a crisis further three-year period. facility is being sought. g Improving data and knowledge in the sector. g Major PHAP initiatives are to increase g A multi-agency response in the western opportunities for tenants to participate in suburbs, through a range of providers, The Strategic Framework will provide direction decision making and to improve including the Salvation Army and to Government on initiatives to be undertaken community development opportunities. Melbourne Citymission. over a longer timeframe. Additional funding has been provided to g Central Hume Support Services to There is wide recognition of the growing support tenant groups to increase their manage and operate a new youth crisis complexity of the homeless population, with activity in local communities and become support service in Wodonga. many people who experience, or are at risk of more involved in the running of community homelessness also having issues of drug and facilities and community gardens. OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED alcohol dependence and/or mental health g Funding has also been provided for initial INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND problems. In conjunction with other parts of work surrounding the research and WELL-BEING. Government, a key task of the Victorian provision of community development Homelessness Strategy is to develop improved initiatives, particularly the assessment of Inequalities arise because of varying preventative and reactive responses that regional and local needs, investigation of geographical, economic, health and social reduce the incidence of homelessness and partnership opportunities with other conditions. Those most vulnerable include alleviate its impact. people who experience, or are at risk of agencies, and development of priority Linked Government initiatives that respond to homelessness, those with complex needs, and setting for future community homelessness have been developed as a result those who are located in areas that suffer development activities and projects. of work commenced in the VHS particular economic and social disadvantage. g Overall, funding has been increased by $1 Interdepartmental Committee. The Victorian Homelessness Strategy (VHS) million for PHAP in 2001–02. During 2000–01, the Victorian Government and the policy reviews that the Office of All major redevelopment projects have provided an additional $17.2 million funds for Housing is currently undertaking are aimed at included resident and community involvement. the SAAP program over four years to provide for providing directions that will assist in better an expansion of crisis services, more assistance addressing inequalities. OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED for single adults, additional services for SERVICES RESPONSE. The Victorian Homelessness Strategy will homeless people, access to interpreter services deliver a comprehensive and coordinated and to address gaps in the services system The Office of Housing has endeavoured to response, with an emphasis on a preventative relating to children in families using SAAP. improve the links with other Departmental and early intervention approach to tackling A further $14.8 million has been committed to services and expand housing services to cater homelessness, as well as improving current support funding for initiatives that tackle for clients with complex needs. It is also responses. homelessness for four years from July 2001. seeking to provide a greater range of housing An extensive process of consultation has been The focus of these funds will be targeted assistance and tenancy options for low income undertaken throughout the term of the VHS to particularly at vulnerable groups, including Victorians. ensure that all levels of Government, the those with mental health issues, those exiting community, welfare sector and people who prisons and victims of domestic violence. experience, or are at risk of homelessness are engaged in the development of the strategy. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 78

78 2000-01 Annual Report Public Health

Key Objectives Key Issues Key Results

Foster the ability of all Victorian people and Development of partnerships with key Implementation of year one of the Victorian communities to protect, maintain and improve stakeholders, including community groups. Government Drug Initiatives (funded for $77 good health. million over three years). Implementation of drug strategies to prevent uptake Reduce the impact and spread of disease among of drug use, minimise the harmful effects of drug A joint sitting of Parliament on drugs, and the Victorians through immunisation, early use, provide early intervention, and appropriate, establishment of the Premier’s Drug Prevention intervention, screening and control. accessible drug treatment services. Council. Minimise the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, Implement appropriate strategies to prevent and Demonstration of the dramatic improvements in illicit drugs and other drugs. control outbreaks of disease, such as life expectancy for all Victorians at birth. Legionnaires’ disease. Improve the quality of Victoria’s built and natural Full immunisation coverage in two year old environments in order to promote and protect Increase immunisation rates of children and Victorian children increased to 87 per cent, and health. adults to prevent life-threatening and disabling immunisation coverage with pneumococcal illnesses. vaccine in those over 65 increased to an Encourage all Victorians to increase their level of estimated 65 per cent. participation in physical activity, to optimise body Conduct research and develop strategies and weight and to prevent injury. programs to minimise the transmission of blood- Introduction of new legislation and health borne viruses, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and regulations to improve the controls and Ensure that all Victorians can access and enjoy food related diseases. maintenance of cooling tower systems to reduce that is safe, affordable, varied and nutritious. the incidence of legionnaires’ disease. Develop policies to deal with the increased Decrease disparities in health between social and complexity and rapid advances in technology, Release of the Victorian Burden of Disease cultural groups, geographic areas, and Indigenous such as assisted reproductive technology and Study—Local Government Area information, and non-indigenous people in Victoria. gene technology. which illustrates specific areas for health Focus on action in pregnancy, childhood and interventions across the whole State. Systematically track indicator data and monitor adolescence to improve the future health and demographic gradients and differentials in health Improved availability of Drug Treatment Services, well-being of all Victorians. and socioeconomic well-being, to identify and with a reduction in waiting times of an average of Turn information and research into knowledge address disparities in health outcomes. 72 per cent. skills and action to strengthen the capacity of Promote healthy lifestyles through improved Implementation of tobacco reforms included individuals, organisations and systems. nutrition and increased physical activity. tougher penalties for sale of tobacco products to minors. Improve safe food handling to reduce the occurrence of food poisoning. Enhanced municipal public health planning, through the identification of good practice and Encourage research collaborations, and promote development of a framework that aims to improve research excellence, in order to achieve the consistency and quality of Municipal Public Health Victorian Government’s objective of making Plans. Victoria one of the top five centres in the world for biotechnology. Development of guidelines for requested consent for non-coronial post-mortem examination, a model consent form and information for next-of- kin distributed to all Victorian hospitals. Amended food safety legislation to re-introduce enforceable standards for food handling practices and hygiene standards for food premises. Development of an information kit for head lice management for all Victorian schools, children’s services centres, and local councils. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 79

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Public Health action focuses on improving health and well-being of whole populations and is committed to: g Preventing disease and promoting health. g Addressing health Future Directions Implement a new chlamydia strategy to reduce inequalities and the the morbidity associated with this condition. underlying determinants Develop and disseminate information to Provide a drinking water quality framework enhance planning and management to reduce that will apply to the whole of Victoria. of health. health inequalities and risks to health and Reduce incidence of food-borne disease g well-being. through the introduction of preventive food Empowering individuals, Implement the Victorian Government’s Drug safety management systems. families and Initiative (VGDI), including relevant Enhance community understanding and communities. recommendations of the Drug Policy Expert capacity to respond to drug issues. Committee (DPEC). Enhance capacity of the drug treatment service g Using evidence-based Fully implement the new requirements in the system. Tobacco Act 2001. approaches that ensure Respond to emerging disease threats. Develop and strengthen statewide health value for money in promotion strategies, with a particular focus Finalise strategies for the prevention of HIV on social and environmental causes of disease and hepatitis C. achieving optimal health and injury. Strengthen Victorian biomedical and public for all Victorians. Increase the availability and quality of the health research. evidence base for public health policies and Prevention of Q fever among abattoir workers, interventions in Victoria. sheep shearers and related meat processing Develop a Code of Ethical Practice for Users of workers. Gene Technology and establish an independent advisory body to Government on ethical issues associated with gene technology. Foster improved procedures and practices in relation to non-coronial post mortem examinations under the Human Tissue Act 1982, consistent with national guidelines.

What’s there to eat? A practical guide to feeding families has been developed for child care workers, Maternal Child Health nurses and kindergarten teachers. Public Health nutritionist Veronica Graham and Piumi De Alwis, 5, enjoy a healthy snack at the Princes Close Childcare Centre in Prahran. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 80

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The actions of the Division focus on prevention Public Health also promotes and supports: Divisional Description and early intervention to minimise the g Healthy lifestyles (including good incidence and impact of disease and ill-health. nutrition, physical activity, psychosocial Public Health’s role is to prevent and control: VISION STATEMENT health, sexual health and safer sun g Communicable diseases (including HIV exposure). By 2010 Victorians will be on course to and other blood-borne viruses, such as g Health of specific population groups enjoy the highest levels of health and hepatitis C, childhood infections, (including Koori people, people from well-being in the world, with the least tuberculosis and other infectious culturally and linguistically diverse diseases such as legionnaires’ disease). disparity between population groups. backgrounds, children and adolescents, Public Health action focuses on improving g Chronic diseases (including genetic older people, men, women, gay and health and well-being of whole populations disorders and the National Health lesbian people). and is committed to: Priorities of cardiovascular disease, The Division also includes the role of Chief cancers, injuries, depression, diabetes g Preventing disease and promoting health. Health Officer, who provides high-level advice on and asthma). public health issues. This includes professional g Addressing health inequalities and the g Drug use and abuse (including tobacco, support, leadership and regulatory duties in underlying determinants of health. alcohol, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs outbreak control, food and water-borne illness, g Empowering individuals, families and such as heroin). control and investigation of environmental communities. incidents, and other matters of concern to public g Environmental hazards (including g health, under the Using evidence-based approaches that land/air/water contamination, food-borne Health Act 1958. ensure value for money in achieving infections and radiation). optimal health for all Victorians.

MAJOR OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES Breastscreen Program (‘000) Performance Measure Unit of 2000–01 2000–01 Measure BP3 Target Actual 1996 Performance

1997 Disease Control and Support Programs Quantity

1998 Screens for preventable illness (cancer screening, genetic screenings and TB undertakings) Number 973,400 982,331 Needles provided under the Needle and 1999 Syringe Exchange Program (NESP) (a) Number 6,600,000 6,445,500 Quality 2000 Target population screened within specified timeframe for breast cancer (b) Per cent 56 58 Immunisation cover at two years of age (c) Per cent 80 87 2001 Immunisation cover at school entry Per cent 85 86

100 120 140 160 180 200 Immunisation cover at 17 years of age Per cent 80 79 Target population screened within specified timeframe for cervical cancer (d) Per cent 70 67

Total output cost (e) $ million 133.2 138.4 DHS Funded Drug Treatment Episodes of Care (‘000) Licit and Illicit Drug Programs Quantity 1995–96 Number of licences and permits for the manufacture, sale or use of drugs and poisons maintained Number 1,670 1,631 1997–98 Residential-based drug treatment services (f) Episodes 5,000 4,965 Community-based drug treatment services (g) Episodes 35,500 30,288

1999–00 Number of clients on the methadone program (h) Number 8,800 8,026 Quantity Implementation of Poison Control Plan 2000–01 (self assessment tool) among licence and permit holders Number 1,385 1,398

0 10 20 30 40 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 81

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Timeliness Victorian Methadone Program: Quarterly Average number of working days between Patient Numbers and Trends (‘000) screening of client and commencement of residential based drug treatment (i) Working days 15 8 Average number of working days between Jun-96 screening of client and commencement of community-based drug treatment (j) Working days 6 4 Sep-96 Total output cost (k) $ million 44.8 56.6 Dec-96 -97

Health Development and Research Programs Mar

Quantity Jul-97 Research papers approved by the Department

of Human Services Ethics Committee (l) Number 55 81 Oct-97 Enquiries on the Public Health Internet home page (m) Number 4,800,000 6,634,399 Jan-98 Environmental Health inspections and -98

investigations undertaken Number 1,400 1,540 Apr Number of local agencies or agency alliances supported to develop health promotion plans Number 50 50 Jul-98 Timeliness Oct-98 Public health emergency response calls dealt

with within designated plans and procedure timelines Per cent 100 100 Jan-99

Total output cost $ million 36.2 37.3 -99 Apr

(a) This measure decreased as a result of the heroin drought. The decrease in supply of heroin is uncharacteristic of Jul-99 the trend since 1995.

(b) The improvement is due to the strenuous efforts by BreastScreen to increase efficiency. Oct-99 (c) The improved performance results from an increase in the quality of data being reported to the Australian

Childhood Immunisation register. The Register has introduced new processes via a series of collaborative working Jan-00

groups throughout 2000-01. -00

(d) This result is within the general variation for this service. Apr (e) The variation from target results from additional funds from the Commonwealth. Jul-00 (f) Preliminary data as at July 2001 and subject to revision. (g) Preliminary data as at July 2001 and subject to revision. The 2000-01 published target was set in advance of the Oct-00 release of the Drug Policy Expert Committee's Stage 2 Final Report and was predicated on the operation of new

services from 1 July 2000. The expected outcome for 2000-01, as published in the 2001-02 Budget Papers, was Jan-01

31,000 as this reflected actual funding and system capacity. 2000-01 performance is 2.3% below this revised figure, -01

but represents a 5.1% increase over the 1999-00 result. Apr (h) The actual figure is derived from a census of consumers and pharmacies as at 1 April 2001. This figure represents a

9.3% increase over the 1999-00 actual. The program fully met demand for requests for methadone permits. The July-01

number of clients is dependent on a number of factors external to Public Health. 0 2 4 6 8 10 (i) Preliminary data as at July 2001 and subject to revision. A better-than-expected outcome has been achieved due to an expansion of community support which allowed improvement in throughput. (j) Preliminary data as at July 2001 and subject to revision. A better-than-expected outcome has been achieved due to an expansion of service and improvement in the operation of the service system. There has also been improved reporting by agencies. (k) The variation from target reflects the carryover of programs from 1999-00 and the transfer of funds from the Aged Care and Primary Health Output Group. (l) There has been increased awareness of the role of the DHS Ethics Committee. (m) The target for the year has been exceeded due to increased use of the internet by the community. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 82

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g Identify those at risk in order to medical research community and other Reporting on appropriately target prevention and stakeholders. control strategies. Departmental Food Safety g Evaluate prevention and control strategies. The Food (Amendment) Bill passed through Objectives Drug Treatment State Parliament in May 2001 and received Royal Assent on 23 May 2001. The amendment In November 2000 the Government announced introduces Standard Food Safety Programs and OBJECTIVE 1: CONFIDENCE IN a $77 million package of initiatives as part of provides for the registration of templates, ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES the Victorian Drug Initiative, to be developed which some food business proprietors may BASED ON NEED. over a three-year period. choose in preparing their food safety program. Preventable Hospital Admissions The new initiatives package includes service The amendments remove the requirement for for young people, families and services that these particular food business proprietors to The Victorian Ambulatory Care Sensitive enhance the existing service system, initiatives have their food safety programs audited. Conditions Study: Preliminary Analyses provided on the streets under the Saving Lives The Food (Amendment) Act 2001 also introduces Strategy, and prevention initiatives. Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions are the core provisions of the National Model Food conditions where community-based primary In the area of treatment a number of youth- Act. These core provisions relate to definitions, and secondary preventive measures are known focused drug services have been established, offences and penalties and are now the to lead to significant improvements in significantly increasing and improving the applicable law in Victoria. In conjunction with outcome—including reduced demand for response to young people with drug problems. the core provisions of the national Model Food emergency hospitalisations. This report The range of treatment initiatives includes the Act, the national Food Safety Standards of the provides some important indicators of Post-Withdrawal Linkage Support, improved Food Standards Code will become enforceable inequality across Victoria relating to access to extended hours capacity, and the Homeless under the Victorian Food Act. health services. Further work is nearly Persons Support Service. These services have complete, and highlights evidence-based resulted in improved service levels, in terms of Mosquito-Borne Disease public health intervention opportunities that bed availability and reduced waiting times for The Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program can realistically result in reductions in drug treatment services. aims to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne inequalities in health for Victorians. diseases in Victoria, most notably Ross River OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE SERVICE HIV/AIDS Action Plan Virus disease, through mosquito abatement and SYSTEM. landowner education. The Division provides The Ministerial Advisory Committee on matched funding to non-metropolitan local HIV/AIDS was established in June 2000. One Biomedical Research Operational governments to monitor and control mosquito of the first activities of the Committee was to Infrastructure Support numbers, and reduce breeding sites. develop an HIV Action Plan. The Department of Human Services provides OBJECTIVE 3: FOUNDATION OF The initiatives include targeted education and operational infrastructure support for medical COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING. prevention activities among men who have sex research organisations that conduct with men, a review of the Code of Conduct for fundamental or clinical-based biomedical Sex on Premises Venues, studies of research. Minimising the Harmful Effects of transmission risk among gay men, and Drugs strengthening of HIV surveillance. Operational infrastructure support provides funding for essential activities underpinning The Department has implemented a range of The HIV Action Plan targets general research but not funded through research prevention initiatives to prevent people from practitioner education as a specific area of grants. This includes institutional using drugs and to prevent those who action. An evaluation of the General administration and management, intellectual experiment with drugs from moving on to Practitioner HIV/hepatitis C Education property and commercialisation management, becoming dependent. The Department also Program has been completed. basic utilities, support services and aims to reduce the harm that people using drugs may do to themselves and to others. Hepatitis C maintenance of specialised premises in which to conduct research. The initiatives include: The Department has committed to a national strategy to improve surveillance of hepatitis C The Department’s operational infrastructure g Community Strengthening Initiatives, infection. This strategy recommended the support program is intended to: which enhances the capacity of local establishment of routine systematic g Support research of high national and communities to respond to drug issues by assessment of all new hepatitis C diagnoses to international standing and promoting social cohesion, encouraging identify incident cases, and the development of competitiveness. participation in community activities and a standardised protocol for collection of more promoting community understanding of g Encourage clustering of research effort so detailed data on incident cases. This aims to: drug issues. that critical mass is achieved. g Ensure collection of up-to-date g Community Drug Education, which A new policy concerning access to operational information on the epidemiology of targets young people through a media infrastructure support funding for biomedical hepatitis C infection. campaign (TV, radio and print) and a research was recommended by the Department range of information products for specific g Detect novel modes of transmission, of Human Services’ Strategic Health Research target groups. including transmission in health care Investment Committee. In February 2001 the g settings. Draft Policy was released for comment by the Targeted Drug Education, which includes a number of initiatives, including the 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 83

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Heroin Overdose Prevention Strategy, The Building (Legionella) Act 2000 and the which provides information and Health (Legionella) Regulations 2001, along workshops targeted at intravenous drug with building and plumbing regulations, users. Rave Safe activities were also establish the framework for industry to held over the summer months, whereby improve controls associated with the safe messages about the harms maintenance and standards of cooling tower associated with drug use were provided systems and warm water systems. at summer rave parties. The main elements of the strategy include: g Families Drug Information and Support g Registration of cooling towers so that Service, which supports nine self-help information about risk management can groups for family members of drug users. be sent to owners, and to enable future This service commenced in October 2000 case investigations to be streamlined. and has provided assistance to Victorian During 2000-01 the Department consulted widely The registration system includes GIS families through a number of initiatives. with stakeholders and the community on the mapping feature to enable cooling towers introduction of reforms contained in the Tobacco Tobacco Legislation to be plotted for quicker identification in (Amendment) Act 2000, which are aimed at case investigations. minimising the impact of smoking on the The Tobacco (Amendment) Act 2000 was community. Staff from the Department’s Tobacco passed by Parliament in May 2000 and the g Improved maintenance requirements, Policy Unit are pictured here at the launch of reforms implemented on 1 November 2000 and testing and record keeping, establishing a smoke-free dining. 1 July 2001. This Act included a number of new standard for water treatment, reforms aimed at minimising the impact of cleaning and disinfection processes. smoking on the community. The reforms g The requirement for property owners to included tougher penalties for sale of tobacco develop a risk management plan, so that products to minors, the abolition of smoking in maintenance can be applied and varied Victorian restaurants and eating places, and according to risk levels. the requirement for tobacco retailers to display g health warning signs or signs advertising Quit An annual review and audit of records, Victoria’s quit smoking telephone line. The including the risk management plan. Tobacco (Further Amendments) Bill 2001, g Industry support arrangements with an which was passed in May 2001, will also information and education focus. introduce mandatory display of ‘No Tobacco g Additional Department of Human Sales to Under 18 Year Olds’ signs in tobacco Services inspectors to undertake random retail outlets and smoke-free laws for all inspections of cooling towers. enclosed retail shopping centres. Since July 2000 the Legionella Risk Management g Establishment of a Code of Practice for What’s There to Eat—A Practical Project has been established to implement the Water Treatment Service Providers. Government’s strategy to reduce the incidence of Guide to Feeding Families legionnaires’ disease. The Department of Human The Department of Human Services Guide to Services Guide to Developing Risk Management In response to the growing evidence regarding Developing Risk Management Plans for cooling Plans for cooling tower systems has been the importance of good nutrition in early life, tower systems has been developed with developed with considerable industry consultation. families and children are a priority group for considerable industry consultation. It has also the Department’s Public Health Nutrition been independently quality assured against the Program. What’s there to eat? A practical Australian Standards for Risk Management. guide to feeding families is a newly developed The Guide, which includes a planning nutritional resource for early childhood service template, has been well received by industry, providers. The kit has been specifically with many business owners developing plans developed for child care workers, maternal prior to the legislative obligation. child health nurses and kindergarten teachers. The strategy is targeted specifically at young Nearly 800 industry representatives attended families, and contains messages about healthy the launch of the industry education eating, with particular emphasis on the conference Legionella—Managing the Risk, consumption of more fruit and vegetables. It held in April 2001. contains practical information and tips to help The Department has appointed four additional parents of young children provide a varied and inspectors, both to support the implementation of nutritious diet for their families. the new requirements and ensure that industry to All people with diabetes are at risk of vision threatening retinopathy and blindness. business interests comply with the new Legionella Reforms Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of legislation. Since April 2001 inspectors have visual loss in adults under the age of 60. Retinopathy The Legionella Risk Management Project has checked over 500 cooling towers, and have screening is an important secondary prevention been established since July 2000 to implement provided property managers with resource activity and early detection of retinopathy can result the Government’s strategy to reduce the incidence materials to assist with improving standards. in improved outcomes for people with diabetes. This picture demonstrates use of the non-mydriatic of legionnaires’ disease. The project management Additional resources have also been put into arrangements include an interagency partnership retinal camera, which is one of the methods used in case investigation, to improve outbreak detection screening for diabetic retinopathy. with the Building Control Commission and the and control of potential sources of disease. Plumbing Industry Commission. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 84

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Immunisation at Two Years of Age OBJECTIVE 4: REBALANCED The data quality officer will order a monthly (per cent) SERVICES RESPONSE. report (through the ACIR Internet site) of all children aged under six who are overdue for Municipal Public Health Planning any vaccine doses by 90 days or more. The Project will initially concentrate on those local 1998–99 Successful local public health strategies lead government areas in the region with the to prevention and reduction of disease and lowest coverage at two years of age. disability, and to the creation of communities

1999–00 and environments in which people can lead Communicable Diseases productive and rewarding lives. The Municipal Infectious diseases still occur frequently Public Health Plan (MPHP) program provides a throughout the world, and constant vigilance is holistic framework for public health planning 2000–01 required to prevent the reappearance of by Victorian local governments to help diseases thought to have been conquered. communities achieve maximum health and 0 20 40 60 80 100 Health authorities depend on medical well-being. practitioners for information on the incidence The framework was developed by the Public of infectious diseases, and general practitioners have an essential role in aspects State and Commonwealth (NHMRC) Health Division in partnership with the of infectious disease control. Early notification Medical Research Funding ($ million) Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, local is vital in efforts to prevent or control the governments and other stakeholders. It has spread of infection. been informed by an extensive consultation For example, increasing testing, diagnosis and 1997 process, including forums across the State and notification of legionnaires’ disease has written submissions. greatly increased knowledge and awareness of This new framework will ensure that the disease, and helped shape public health Municipal Public Health Plans can inform other policy in relation to appropriate control 1998 planning processes effectively and prevent measures. Early detection and prompt duplication of planning effort at a local level. notification leads to early identification of Promoting a renewed effort in local area possible sources of infection, and allows planning, it provides the tools for working prompt disinfection and prevention of further 1999 across a wide range of other Department of cases. Human Services and local plans, including The Communicable Diseases Section of the community health plans. Department of Human Services offers divisions Immunisation of general practice educational modules in 2000 aspects of the public health management of Due to the limitations of opportunistic key infectious diseases, focusing on the role of targeting of children overdue for immunisation, general practitioners. Topics offered included: it has been recommended that a greater percentage of resources be invested in a g Pertussis control. 2001 statewide approach to data cleaning, in g Measles control. conjunction with local government authorities g and Divisions of General Practice. This Meningococcal disease—diagnosis, 0 20 40 60 80 emergency management, and contact 100 approach, which was recently carried out by management. Victorian State Infrastructure Contribution the Whitehorse Division of General Practice g NHRMC grants received by Victoria and surrounding local government authorities, Hepatitis A—post-exposure prophylaxis. has been shown to produce the greatest g Tuberculosis. improvement in reported immunisation coverage, and is one of the recommendations g Investigation and public health of the Report of the second evaluation of the management of food-borne and Australia Childhood Immunisation Register. The gastrointestinal disease. process identifies children who have fallen The presentations were well received and will behind with their immunisation allowing continue in 2001–02. focused follow-up of such children to occur. One project officer (to be known as the Regional Data Quality Officer) will be allocated to each Department of Human Services region, to regularly review data from the ACIR Internet site and check these data against local providers’ records and parent held records. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 85

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Expansion of the Victorian Family Health Promotion Rural Men’s Health Promotion Cancer Genetics Service into Rural Health promotion initiatives funded and Rural Men’s Projects were delivered through Victoria undertaken by the Public Health Division, or nine agencies across the State. Strategies The Genetics Service Clinics provide expert supported through cross-Divisional work, utilise were developed to address some of the medical, counselling and testing services to a range of tools and resources to address identified health risks in rural areas, including: inequalities. These include the use of individuals with an inherited disposition, and g Isolation address the concerns of people with a family socioeconomic indicators and Burden of Disease g history of cancer, and operate consistent with data to allocate funding for health promotion Reduced access to services world best practices. and plan strategies, the adoption of key g Poverty population group health strategies, recognition g Genetic Health Services Victoria is the of access issues (particularly in rural Victoria), Increased risk of injury statewide service provider for clinical genetics and the use of a wide range of interventions to g Indigenous health needs. services. It conducts clinics in a number of address the broad determinants of health. These were delivered through programs such sites throughout the Melbourne metropolitan Examples of Public Health Division health as social involvement through drama, area, as well as at ten rural Victorian sites. promotion projects aimed at addressing social awareness raising about health issues, peer In partnership with the other three providers of inequalities include the Health Promotion in education, self-help models of care and the Victorian Family Cancer Genetics Service, Public Housing Project, the Indigenous Nutrition workplace programs. Outcomes included: Genetic Health is piloting an expanded Family Needs Assessment Project, ABC—123 for Koori Cancer Service to include clinics at: Teeth, a Food Insecurity Project and Breast g Identification and discussion of local Feeding Retention targeted at women from low health issues. g Warragul/Traralgon/Sale socioeconomic groups. g Increased liaison between men and g Bendigo/Shepparton The Local Initiatives in Diabetic Retinopathy health professionals/agencies. g Ballarat/Geelong/Warrnambool Screening Project aims to increase the uptake g Increased participation in workplace g Wodonga. of retinopathy screening in people with programs. diabetes. Five projects have been funded, g OBJECTIVE 5: REDUCED which aim to reduce inequalities in access to Improved responsiveness by men to INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH AND diabetic retinopathy screening in rural and health services. WELL-BEING. remote populations, and in Koori and culturally FarmSafe Alliance and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The Department of Human services has Effective strategies to increase the awareness Victorian Burden of Disease supported the Farmsafe Alliance since its of and uptake of diabetic retinopathy formation in 1997. The FarmSafe Alliance aims The Victorian Burden of Disease study provides screening, reducing barriers to access in the to improve the quality of rural life by reducing a detailed analysis and description of the populations served by these five projects are farm injuries and accidents and the associated relative burden of disease across regions and being developed. local government areas in Victoria. It also economic loss. The Alliance brings together offers important projections of expected The Public Health Division works with a key stakeholders in farm injury prevention, burden, based on current trends, over the next number of non-government organisations in a including farmers, community groups and 20 years. Information is provided that assists variety of activities. One example of this Government agencies. collaboration is with Diabetes Australia on local health service planners and policy makers Rural Workforce Development to understand the contribution from various public health activities that target health disease states to premature loss of life professionals and people with diabetes. The The Public Health Division supports a range of (mortality) and loss of years of healthy life activities undertaken include the development initiatives in rural Victoria to strengthen and lived through disability. This work has of linkages between Diabetes Australia and support the health promotion workforce. A highlighted areas of relative disadvantage local government to enhance needle and Regional Health Promotion Officer Program, across Victoria for populations with poor syringe disposal mechanisms for people with which operates across all regions, provides health status. diabetes. The aim has been to enhance the strategic support and advocacy for regional community’s awareness of risk factors health promotion, including a role in supporting associated with diabetes. A consumer and advancing the workforce. A Health empowerment card was developed and also a Promotion Workforce Development and weight management directory, to assist Infrastructure Program is being implemented consumers on how to better manage their across the State, and includes a core health diabetes (working in conjunction with the promotion skills course, a leadership program North West Division of General Practice). for health promotion managers, and a pilot course for Koori health workers. The Program is delivered in all regions to increase access to workforce development opportunities. Further training and professional development opportunities are being provided to the Maternal and Child Health sector, to enable them to respond appropriately to clients with drug and alcohol problems. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 86

86 2000-01 Annual Report Policy and Strategic Projects

Joint agreement with the Commonwealth of the Victorian public hospitals received around 61 per Key Objectives AHMAC work program on care needs for older cent of the fringe benefit tax (FBT) transitional Australians. allowance provided by the Commonwealth, as Provide high level policy advice to the Victorian part of the national taxation reform process. Government, and oversee the development and Implementation of the new national tax system implementation of key policies. arrangements affecting the Department and its The Productivity Improvement Projects Register funded agencies. established. Oversee whole-of-Department policy planning, budget development and program evaluation to Implementation of the Chinese Medicine Program Review Coordinators Network ensure priority resource needs are identified and Registration Act 2000, and reforms contained in established, to encourage and enhance work on existing resources are used most effectively. the Health Practitioner Acts (Amendment) Act productivity improvement throughout the 2000, the Nurses (Amendment) Act 2000, and the Department of Human Services. Ensure a strong corporate approach to negotiation Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act Review of the Victorian Patient Transport and implementation of Commonwealth–State 1981. agreements in the Department of Human Assistance Scheme. Services, and support programs in negotiation Key Results Establishment of new programs to build and with the Commonwealth. strengthen the medical and allied health workforce in rural Victoria. Develop and implement policies that promote a A total Departmental output budget increase of viable nursing workforce. $684 million in 2001–02, with provision for multi- Finalisation of the Acquired Brain Injury Strategic Improve the health and well-being of Koori people year funding of the Hospital Demand Plan. through the provision of culturally responsive Management Strategy, which totalled $582 million over four years. Coordination of the Department’s response to the services. arrival of Kosovo and East Timor refugees and Provide leadership across the Department of Development and implementation of the Victorian holders of temporary protection visas. Nurse Recruitment Strategy, which attracted over Human Services to promote culturally and Successful passage through Parliament of the linguistically responsive service delivery. 2,300 nurses back into the workforce including 1,100 nurses receiving Government funding to Health Practitioner Acts (Amendment) Act 2000 Provide support to rural human services, bush complete nursing refresher or re-entry programs (which reformed the Medical Practice Act 1994), nursing agencies, rural hospitals and their and provided 923 additional Division 2 nurse the Nurses Amendment Act 2000 (which reformed communities, in order to continually improve training places. the Nurses Act 1993) and the Chinese Medicine sustainability, quality and development of services Registration Act 2000 (which established a across Victoria. Allocation of $10 million, through the Human regulatory framework for Chinese Medicine Services Productivity Investment Fund, to develop practitioners and herbal dispensers). innovation and continuous improvement in the Key Issues human services sector. The first Chinese Medicine Registration Board in Australia established. Working with other Divisions to develop the Towards an Aboriginal Services Plan developed In partnership with Department of Premier and 2001–02 budget strategy, incorporating the and released for consultation with communities, Cabinet conducted four Public Policy Seminars. Hospital Demand Management Strategy. peak organisations, regions and programs. Negotiation of the Nurse Enterprise Bargaining Koori Counts published, which profiles access to Agreement. hospital services by Aboriginal community members. Development of a Metropolitan Health Strategy and Rural Human Services Strategy. Coordination of a whole-of-Government response to the International Year of the Volunteer. Development and implementation of the Human Services Productivity Investment Fund. Management of research projects established to address national acute-aged care interface issues. Coordination of the Government’s International Year of Volunteers involvement. All funded agencies obtained Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) and GST registration where Provision of a humanitarian response to the appropriate. growing number of temporary protection visa holders. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 87

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The Division provides a cross-program focus for research, policy analysis and strategic planning to support the Departmental Executive in determining portfolio priorities, and ensure that they are delivered in a coordinated and Contribute to the development of a whole-of- Future Directions Government multicultural performance collaborative manner. reporting framework and a whole-of- Address issues of strategic importance to the Government review of language services. portfolio, including the Emergency Demand, Best Start and Quality in Service projects. Evaluation of Healthstreams. Reform of Commonwealth–State Ensure Victoria continues to receive its responsibilities in Health, Housing and appropriate share of the FBT transitional Disability. allowance over the next two financial years, without being subject to Commonwealth Grants Further development of collaborative Commission fiscal equalisation processes. relationships with funded agencies to facilitate delivery of high quality services to the Expansion of rural youth suicide prevention community. programs, with an emphasis on local community interventions. Development of the 2002–03 Departmental budget strategy and corporate plan. Support of community building initiatives, incorporating social, economic and Implementation of the Nurse Enterprise environmental development. Bargaining Agreement and the Nursing Recruitment and Retention Committee Further development of strategic recommendations, including a review of the approaches to address workforce Graduate Nurse Program and an exploration of shortages, and other workforce issues, the establishment of a regional nurse bank in such as workforce distribution and rural areas. recruitment and retention. Development and implementation of the Review of the complaints and disciplinary Aboriginal Services Plan. functions of health practitioner registration boards. Establishment of the central Aboriginal Advisory Committee to meet regularly with the Secretary of the Department.

During 2000-01, a Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee was established to oversee the development of the Victorian Nurse Recruitment Strategy. Through the Strategy 2,300 nurses returned to the workforce, with over 1,100 nurses receiving Government funding to complete a nursing refresher or re-entry program. As a major component of the Strategy 923 additional Division 2 nurse education places were provided. Nurses at Western Hospital are pictured with copies of the Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee Report, June 2001. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 88

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3 The Quality in Services Project, which During 2000–01, a Nurse Recruitment and Divisional Description aims to strengthen the Department’s Retention Committee was established to efforts in quality assurance and service oversee the development of the Victorian The Division provides a cross-program focus improvement. Nurse Recruitment Strategy. The Strategy was for research, policy analysis and strategic very successful, and attracted over 2,300 These projects are outlined in more detail in planning to support the Departmental nurses back into the workforce. Funding was the Flagships Projects Section of this Report. Executive in determining portfolio priorities, provided to enable 1,100 nurses to complete and ensure that they are delivered in a refresher and re-entry programs, and to provide coordinated and collaborative manner. Budget and Corporate an additional 923 Division 2 nurse training The Division provides: places. Funding was also provided for rural Planning Branch clinical placements for undergraduate nursing g A capability to proactively address students, study leave and course cost emerging issues of significance to In its role as the coordinator of the reimbursement for up to 270 Division 2 nurses, human services. Department’s budget processes, the Policy and and for 201 Division 1 nursing scholarships in g A focus on health and social policy Strategic Projects Division managed the areas of acute nursing shortage (critical care, across the portfolio, including strategic 2001–02 budget process, which resulted in an emergency, perioperative, and neonatal policy development, strategic capital increase of $684 million for new initiatives, intensive nursing). planning, multicultural strategies, and the expansion of services to meet growing The Department also contributed funding Aboriginal health services, and service demand and other budget pressures. towards the up-skilling of 300 rural and remote secretariat and support for the The Division worked closely with programs in area midwives. Government’s contribution to the 2001 the development of key strategies, with an International Year of the Volunteer. emphasis on building communities that Other achievements include contributing to the development of the Nurse 2000-01 Enterprise g A Nurse Policy Branch, to develop and promote early intervention and prevention, Bargaining Agreement during the year, funding inform policies to ensure that the support for families and social inclusion. The of the nurse back injury prevention program, Victorian health care system and required Division also contributed to the development of creation of the Nursing in Victoria website and nursing services are supported by an the Hospital Demand Management Strategy. development of the Nursing Workforce Data educated, experienced and skilled nurse The Budget and Corporate Planning Branch Collection Project. The Branch also hosted a workforce of adequate size and also contributed to the refinement and summit series on nursing issues, which distribution, which is responsive to development of improved assessment of involved key stakeholders from hospitals, individual and population health care capital management priorities and strategic educational facilities and government to needs. directions. identify key issues relating to undergraduate g Rural human services, including The Division coordinates the Budget Strategy clinical nurse placements. responsibility for coordinated and Monitoring Committee, which was The Branch is responsible for overseeing the Departmental responses to issues of established during the year to provide a more development and implementation of the nurse particular regional significance. strategic, longer-term focus on resource practitioner role in Victoria, which extends g Whole-of-Department planning and management, streamline the Department’s current nursing practice. It is a multifaceted budget development. internal budget management processes, and clinical role involving collaborative respond more effectively to emerging or g Intergovernmental relations. relationships with other disciplines, which may problematic budget issues. include initiating diagnostic imaging and g Systems reform, service development, laboratory testing, referring to specialists and workforce planning, program Nurse Policy Branch prescribing medications. effectiveness review and research coordination. The Victorian Nurse Practitioner Project’s The Victorian Government has recognised that Taskforce Final Report was released during the The Division has responsibility for the the shortage of nurses is placing a major strain year. The report details the process for nurse management of the three flagship projects on acute care, mental health, residential aged practitioner role implementation in Victoria. identified as Departmental priorities: care and home and community care services. Twenty-three demonstration projects in The Nurse Policy Branch is responsible for the 1 The Best Start Program, which aims to specialty areas, such as diabetes, rural primary provision of high-level policy advice to improve the health, development and care, women’s health, youth drug and alcohol Government, and the development and well-being of all children across Victoria treatment, cystic fibrosis and community implementation of nursing policy. from birth through transition to school. midwifery, have been funded as part of Phase The Nurse Policy Branch works with key 2 of the project. 2 The Emergency Demand Management stakeholders to ensure a viable nursing Project, which aims to address demand workforce that is responsive to individual and pressures and changing patterns of population health care needs. It provides a demand for emergency services across focal point for communication and professional the State, and to ensure that appropriate leadership in relation to contemporary nursing health care services are provided across practice, and support for nursing innovation the continuum of care in the most cost- and best practice. effective way possible. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 89

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The Forecasting Unit will have significant input Service Planning into major planning and budgetary initiatives, as well as relevant workforce studies that Projects Branch examine future demand for, and supply of, key human services professionals. The Service Planning Projects Branch comprises four key areas: WORKFORCE POLICY UNIT 1 Service Planning Unit During the year, the Workforce Policy Unit has 2 Forecasting Unit undertaken an analysis of policy issues and 3 Workforce Policy Unit development of policy proposals. These relate to a wide range of professional groups 4 Practitioner Regulation Unit. regarding issues such as workforce shortage These units focus on major policy and planning and distribution, support, recruitment and Emeritus Professor Margaret Bennett, President of functions within the Department, particularly retention. A number of projects have been the Nurses Board of Victoria with Belinda Moyes, those with a cross-portfolio focus. initiated, including programs designed to Principal Nurse Advisor, Department of Human strengthen the workforce in rural Victoria, and Services at the launch of the Nurse Recruitment SERVICE PLANNING UNIT these are outlined in the Rural Health Unit and Retention Committee Report, June 2001. section below. Current work includes the development of: In addition, a review of the Training and g The Metropolitan Health Strategy (MHS), Development Grant was undertaken during the which will provide a framework and year, and this resulted in broad agreement on service directions to guide future the approach to future funding arrangements investment of capital and recurrent to be implemented in 2002–03. funding in health services, and will assist metropolitan health service providers The Unit assisted the development of the with their forward planning. newly established Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria. It also provided funding for g The Victorian Rural Human Services projects to develop the processes for Strategy (VRHSS), which will provide a accreditation of medical postgraduate Year 2 framework for planning and support for positions, and the investigation of the needs of the delivery of human services to rural overseas trained doctors working in Victorian Victorians over the period 2003–07. hospitals. Improved access and service sustainability are key aims of the VRHSS. The Unit also provided input into the AHMAC Working Party on Out-of-Hospital Training for The Service Planning Unit is undertaking a Medical Specialists, the Australian Medical mapping exercise for transport services across Council Interim Advisory Committee on the the Department, in order to inform future recognition of medical specialties, and the cross-Departmental planning and service national workforce studies and reviews development activities. undertaken by the Australian Medical The Service Planning Unit is instrumental in Workforce Advisory Committee. monitoring the progress of the implementation of the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Strategic PRACTITIONER REGULATION UNIT Plan, and undertaking cross-Governmental service development opportunities for people The Chinese Medicine Registration Act 2000, with ABI. which established a regulatory framework for Chinese Medicine practitioners and herbal FORECASTING UNIT dispensers, was passed by Parliament during the year. The first Chinese Medicine The Forecasting Unit provides a whole-of- Registration Board in Australia was also Department focus to forecasting activities. The established. group plays a pivotal role in providing value- The Health Practitioner Acts (Amendment) Act added information to support and inform the 2000 (which reformed the Medical Practice Department’s activities. As part of the Policy Act 1994), and the Nurses Amendment Act and Strategic Projects Division, the Forecasting 2000 (which reformed the Nurses Act 1993), Unit ensures that work is targeted to support were also successfully passed through current and executive portfolio priorities, and is Parliament. used as a resource to inform policy and planning and service development. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 90

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RURAL HEALTH UNIT During the 2000–01 financial year funding was Support for community building in smaller rural provided for a range of community-based towns included funding for a Youth at the The Rural Health Unit supports the primary care services, including physiotherapy, Centre Project, which focuses on: occupational therapy and podiatry, palliative development of rural and regional health g The retention of young people in rural areas. services across Victoria. A key focus of policy care, health education, community health and program development is to support nursing services, social work and counselling g A Gippsland Partners in Community initiatives that focus on developing and services, as well as programs for pain Building project, which encourages maintaining locally sustainable services and management, cardiac rehabilitation, stress social, economic and environmental build the capacity of rural and regional management and diabetes education. development. communities. g Victorian Patient Transport An evaluation of a community-building The Unit works with other departments and Assistance Scheme program in south Gippsland. statewide rural health and community The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Rural Workforce organisations representing services, Scheme (VPTAS) was reviewed during the year. professionals and consumers. It aims to deliver The Workforce Policy Unit has contributed to As a result of the recommendations of the a broader and more flexible range of services the establishment of new programs to build review, a number of improvements to the to country Victorians to improve the health and and strengthen the medical and allied health Scheme will be implemented from 1 July 2001, well-being in rural and regional communities. workforce in rural Victoria, including: in order to improve access to medical and g The launch and implementation of the Support for Rural and Bush Nursing dental specialist health services by rural Victorian Overseas Trained Doctor Rural Hospitals Victorians. Improvements include increased Recruitment Scheme, including provisions accommodation assistance, the abolition of Funding of $2.55 million in 2000–01 to support to the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria patient contribution for concession rural hospitals and communities was allocated and the Medical Practitioners Board of cardholders, and significant reduction in to improve the sustainability, quality and Victoria for administration of the Scheme patient contribution for non-concession development of rural hospitals. It included and provision of support and mentoring cardholders. Car travel subsidies have also funding for medical equipment and for Scheme participants. infrastructure support in rural hospitals and been increased. Funding of $820,000 for g dental clinics, training for bush nurses to 2001–02 has been provided to support these Funding for ten advanced medical update their clinical skills, and the improvements. specialist training posts in rural Victoria in the 2001 calendar year. development of an acquired brain injury Health Promotion information strategy for rural, remote and g The creation of Strengthening Allied The Rural Health Unit has a key role in Aboriginal communities. Funding also enabled Health in Rural Victoria, which is a supporting integrated health promotion the provision of multidisciplinary telemedicine strategic program to enhance programs, including supporting community conferences linking metropolitan teaching interdisciplinary continuing professional building initiatives that facilitate the social, hospitals with practitioners in rural hospitals education and capacity building. across Victoria, information technology economic and environmental development of g resources for 13 bush nursing centres, and the smaller rural towns and contribute to Funding to the Royal Australian College promotion of health careers to rural secondary community health and well-being. of Physicians for a pilot program in telemedicine conferencing, and for a rural school students through the Victorian The Unit has been involved in the development Secondary Schools Project. of a number of initiatives that address major professorships project. g Funding was also provided during 2000–01 to health conditions affecting rural men and Funding to the Victorian Faculty of the support bush nursing hospitals in the provision women, and ensure that health agencies Australasian College of Dermatologists of urgent and primary care services to rural facilitate gender sensitive service provision. for the Rural Dermatology Registrar and remote communities. A number of men’s and women’s health Travel Scheme. projects were developed during the year, g Funding for a public dental rural Rural Healthstreams Program including: recruitment program. The Rural Healthstreams Program uses a g A Rural Primary Care Partnerships Support for workforce development strategies flexible funding model to enable flexibility in Integrated Health Promotion for People at includes: service delivery within public health care Risk of Chronic Disease Program, which facilities. Under the Program, agencies are able targets prevention or amelioration of g Rural anaesthesia crisis resource to reallocate State funding across programs in chronic diseases among men and women. management and rural emergency crisis order to provide a more appropriate mix of resource management courses for rural g A GPs Working for Men pilot program services to facilitate improved coordination of GPs and nurses provided by the Southern that targets men in Ballarat and the care for people with complex or chronic care Health Simulation and Skills Training surrounding district. needs, and which also provide a mix of services Centre, Monash University. that reflect individual community needs. The Unit has been active in the development g Funding for the Rural Aboriginal Health Further, the Rural Healthstreams Program and implementation of rural youth suicide Strategy, which was provided to the provides an incentive for small rural health prevention programs that engage service Victorian Community Controlled services to rely less on acute bed-based providers in partnership with the general Aboriginal Health organisations to services, and encourages provision of services community. Funding was provided to conduct a address rural health services for that enable and support people to remain in rural youth suicide forum and implement a aboriginal communities. their homes or communities. rural gay and lesbian youth support program. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 91

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g Continued support for Melbourne and Collaborative partnership arrangements are Monash universities for the Victorian being developed with the Transport Accident Advanced Training in General Practice Commission (TAC) and the Victorian WorkCover Program provided by the Monash Centre Authority to explore innovative service for Rural Health. responses for people with ABI.

g The University of Melbourne was funded KOORI HUMAN SERVICES UNIT for an Inter-Professional Education in Rural Victoria Project, involving Victoria’s Aboriginal population continues to development of an undergraduate experience significant disadvantage, with education program focused on rural mortality rates for the Aboriginal population six primary health care practice. to eight times higher than that of the total g Funding to the University of Ballarat population. Centre for Rural and Regional Health for Towards an Aboriginal Services Plan, a The Ministerial Rural and Regional Health Advisory an evaluation of the Southern Health Statement of Intent, was developed and Group provides key advice to the Minister for care Network’s rural anaesthesia course. released for consultation with communities, Health as well as to the Minister for Aged Care, on a broad range of issues relating to the distribution, Support for conferences and professional peak organisations, regions and programs provision, standard and delivery of rural and development activities includes: during the year. Consultation on the Plan is regional health services. The Group is chaired by expected to be complete by September 2001. Bendigo East MP and is supported by g Establishment of Professional The Plan draws together a number of existing a Clinical Issues Panel. Improvement Assistance Fund commitments of the Department of Human Front Row from Left: Dr Wayne Springs, Jacinta Scholarships for rural health Allen MP (Chair), Faye McLeod Services: professionals to attend significant Back Row from Left: Peter Craighead, Anne Marie professional events, such as conferences g Respect and Reconciliation Scully, Bill Whitehead, Judy Clark. and seminars relevant to rural health g Health Agreement Absent are Professor Roger Strasser, Dr Peter issues. Keast, Dr Sam Lees and Dr Nola Maxfield g Justice Agreement g Funding for the new International g Electronic Journal of Rural and Remote Stolen Generation Health Research, Education, Practice and The Plan proposes a new approach to the Policy. Department’s work with, and for, Aboriginal g Sponsorship of a number of events, people, including development of ongoing including the Australian Medical mechanisms for advice and negotiation with Students Association 22nd Asian Aboriginal communities, the establishment of Students Medical Conference held in priority action areas and close collaboration Melbourne in July 2001, the Institute of both within the Department of Human Services Public Administration Australia’s and with other Government departments. The Renaissance of the Regions forums, Rural priority action areas include infants, children Social Work Action Group Conference, and families, young people and lengthening life. and the Victorian Healthcare Association Koori Counts, a publication which profiles Second Victorian Rural Conference. access to hospital services by Aboriginal The Rural Health Unit has a key role in supporting community members, was published during the integrated health promotion programs, including ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY supporting community building initiatives that year. Koori Counts contains important service facilitate the social, economic and environmental planning information that assists in monitoring development of smaller rural towns and contribute The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Strategic Plan the health status of the Koori community and to community health and well-being. was finalised during the year. The Plan decision making regarding priority issues and promotes a coordinated response for people resourcing requirements. with ABI, their families and carers, through the development of a range of initiatives that have MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY UNIT a cross-program and cross-Departmental approach. Additional funding supports the The Department’s Multicultural Strategy Unit following initiatives: was established to provide leadership across g Accommodation support options. the Department of Human Services to promote culturally and linguistically responsive service g Assessment. delivery. The MSU is active in identifying and g Information provision. helping to address disparities in access to service across different Victorian communities. g Integrated service response in the areas of alcohol and drugs and mental health. The MSU operates within the context of Victoria’s whole-of-Government multicultural g Research on the needs and service affairs policy agenda and the national Charter requirements of people with ABI. of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 92

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Society, and works in partnership with Two research projects: Good Governance rulings/determinations that affected stakeholders, program areas and regions of the Practices for Voluntary Committees of Department of Human Services operations. Management, and the Social and Economic Department of Human Services. As part of the national taxation reform process, Value of Volunteering, have also been A key task of the MSU is to foster and monitor the Branch ensured that the State received its instigated as part of the response to IYV. culturally sensitive policy development and appropriate share of the fringe benefit tax practice across the Department of Human PARTNERSHIPS PROJECT transitional allowance in 2000–01. Victorian Services. public hospitals received around 61 per cent of the FBT transitional allowance provided by the The Department of Human Services is the The Development of a Partnership Compact, Commonwealth as part of the national taxation largest user of language services in Victoria, and new consultative mechanisms between reform process. Further, the Commonwealth has with expenditure estimated at $8 million per the Department, the non-government sector indicated that future FBT transitional allowance annum (including funded agencies). The MSU and local government was initiated during the payments to Victoria will be quarantined from manages the Department’s agreements with year. This Project aims to develop improved Commonwealth Grants Commission fiscal the two major providers in the public sector: relationships and clarity of roles, equalisation assessments. All funded agencies the Central Health Interpreting Service and the responsibilities and mutual obligations gained Australian Business Numbers and GST Victorian Interpreting and Translating Services, between the Department and agencies, registration where appropriate. and provides advice and guidance on access, thereby delivering enhanced outcomes to resource and quality assurance issues and individuals, families and communities. In addition, the Branch facilitates policies. presentations for ministerial and senior official ACUTE/AGED CARE INTERFACE level international delegations visiting Victoria. The Unit also assists in contingency planning International delegations received by the and communication during statewide A collaborative work program on the care Department of Human Services during emergencies. In this regard it has worked with needs of older Australians has been 2000–01 included those from the Chinese the Department’s State Emergency Recovery established under the auspices of the provinces of Jiangsu, Nanjing, Xiamen, Fuzhou Unit in promoting effective multicultural Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council and Inner Mongolia, an Indonesian party communication through the Department of (AHMAC). This work is being managed by an headed by the Vice Governor of Central Java Human Services Community Call Centre, as all-jurisdictional working group, co-chaired by as well as several delegations from Hungary, well as with Public Health Division, in Victoria and the Commonwealth. Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. producing and disseminating over 35 Fact Sheets in 20 community languages for use in The objective of the work program is to Topics presented included facets of the emergencies such as flooding or a breakdown achieve improvement in the health outcomes Medicare system, emergency demand, disease of major utilities. for older Australians. Research projects have control, immunisation programs, and rural been commissioned that will identify those versus regional health issues. Field visits to INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF points in the health and aged care system that external agencies were also arranged, VOLUNTEERS warrant either increased effort or different including visits to the A&RMC in Heidelberg approaches, and, new or existing models that and Essendon TAFE. The Department of Human The United Nations declared 2001 to be could be applied more broadly. Services was represented at a European International Year of Volunteers (IYV). The Hon seminar during the year. A training program Christine Campbell MP is Minister Responsible Intergovernmental was arranged for two health officials from the for IYV, and the Department of Human Services United Arab Emirates. has received $1 million to coordinate a whole- Relations Branch of-Government response to the Year around Program Effectiveness the theme of ‘Celebrate, Encourage, The Intergovernmental Relations Branch is Strengthen’. responsible for ensuring a strong corporate Review Branch The IYV Recognition Program has made over approach to negotiation and implementation of 700,000 State Government IYV certificates of Commonwealth–State agreements in the The Program Effectiveness Review Branch was appreciation available to Victorian volunteers. Department of Human Services, and supporting created in 2000 to: In addition, over 50 celebratory functions and programs in negotiation with the g Manage the ERC output funding and 15 strengthening projects in local communities Commonwealth, consistent with the Victorian productivity evaluations. have been funded as part of the Government’s Government’s Guidelines for Negotiating and recognition of the significant contributions Approving Intergovernmental Agreements. g Develop and facilitate the made by volunteers. A Volunteer Heroes During 2000–01, the Branch was also implementation of the Department’s Awards Program has also been implemented to responsible for ensuring that the Department Productivity Improvement Framework. recognise outstanding voluntary effort. of Human Services and relevant funded g Manage a range of high return, usually The IYV has generated significant interest from agencies complied with all requirements of the cross-Divisional, program improvement the public and the media. An official IYV tax reform process. The Branch provided timely reviews to achieve savings or broaden website, a fortnightly newsletter and range of advice on amendments to Acts, Regulations, the revenue base. merchandise have contributed to the promotion Ministerial Determinations and Australian of IYV. Taxation Office draft and final 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 93

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g Monitor the status of Divisional The register will record productivity effectiveness and efficiency evaluation improvements projects undertaken by the programs. various branches and divisions of the Department that have projected quantifiable g Establish and manage the Human benefits. It is a requirement that each of these Services Productivity Investment Fund. projects has specific measurable, achievable, HUMAN SERVICES PRODUCTIVITY realistic time-bound benefits. INVESTMENT FUND PROGRAM REVIEW COORDINATORS The Human Services Productivity Investment NETWORK Fund, designed to encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the The Program Review Coordinators Network is human services sector, was developed during a central element in the establishment of a the year. A total of $10 million was allocated culture of productivity improvements across in 2000–01 to develop and implement the Department. The managerial-level staff productivity improvement projects. who are members of this network are working together with the Program Effectiveness In its first year, the Fund generated significant Review Branch to develop and implement a interest, with over 300 applications received Department of Human Services Productivity from a number of organisations, for amounts Improvement Framework. ranging from less than $1,000 to over $6 million. Funds were directed to a variety of Staff from each of the Department’s programs projects, including: and regions participate in the network. This Nurses Megan Taylor and Carmel Hinchy with broad-based membership ensures a diverse ‘patient’ Bronwyn Senator, try new backsafe g Clinical practice changes, such as new range of ideas on mechanisms to improve equipment at Southern Health’s Dandenong equipment, so more patients can be seen Hospital provided through the Productivity productivity within the Department and the Investment Fund. nearer their homes, and to facilitate better funded sector are shared. ways of handling patient throughput. g The introduction of an electronic referral system replacing existing written referrals, the implementation of a computerised rostering system and a computerised food management system. g The introduction of hand-held computers for outreach staff, local area networks joining rural agencies and a video conferencing system, which will improve remote health care provision and reduce patient transport costs. g The development of an enhanced assessment and screening tool, and the introduction of an improved information During 2000–01 funding was provided to support bush nursing hospitals in the provision of urgent management system, which will allow the and primary care services to rural and remote redirection of resources to care programs. communities. Warley Hospital, located at Cowes on Phillip Island, received funding to assist in the All projects will be monitored and assessed, provision of emergency stabilisation services, and successful projects could lead to the accessed by the local community and large innovations being introduced more broadly. numbers of tourists who visited the island. PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS REGISTER

The Productivity Improvements Project Register has been established as part of building a culture of productivity improvement in the Department. This register formally records and tracks productivity improvement activity and will allow the Secretary to ensure that such work is widespread throughout the Department. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 94

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Portfolio Services

Key Objectives Key Issues Key Results

Provide high quality advice for the implementation Streamlining business processes to improve The establishment of a new Marketing and of Government policy and support services for efficiency, with a particular focus on the Communications Panel, which covers the areas of parliamentary and legislative processes. development of electronic systems, especially multicultural communications, communications where paper-based information storage and management, web and multimedia, advertising, Provide effective liaison with ministers, communication systems have been relied on exhibition and fabrication, and market research. Parliament, Government agencies and the previously. community. The production of over 800 publications. There has been an increase in FOI requests, Assist in the development of Department of A reduction in response times for the preparation particularly for personal documents. Human Services as an efficient, progressive and of draft ministerial correspondence and a 50 per innovative organisation, through the provision of Improving coordination of Departmental activities cent reduction in overdue correspondence. high quality specialised whole-of-Department related to ministerial councils and senior officer Improved management information concerning support services. meetings. statutory boards to ensure implementation of Provide all areas of the Department with legal Business review of communications consultancies Government policy with respect to composition. advice and support with respect to litigation and under the Common Use Agreement (Marketing The Division has participated in the Koori Records legislation. and Communications Panel). Task Force to assist the Victorian Koori community Provide expert advice and support to ministers, There has been an increase in complaints to the to access their Department of Human Services senior Departmental staff and project managers Victorian Ombudsman, resulting in increased records. within divisional or regional programs, on a broad demand and subsequent management of Provision of effective media support to a wide range of communication issues. responses and identified issues. range of health promotion and awareness Ensure that the Department meets the programs designed to improve the health of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act Victorian community. 1982, and is responsive to requests from the Victorian Ombudsman. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 95

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The Portfolio Services Division provides support services to Ministers within the Human Services portfolio, the Secretary, divisions and regions through four business units: g Corporate

Review processes to manage the introduction Communications Future Directions of e-commerce in the Department. g Internal Audit Major redevelopment of business procedures, Compliance programs in the area of taxation with a key focus on electronic processes. and privacy. g Legal Services Establishing new arrangements for the Development of a systematic complaints g management approach across the Department. coordination of the Department’s roles in The Secretariat. ministerial councils and senior officer A high level approach to the development of meetings. key messages across the Department. Further improvements in the efficiency of Lead Department coordination of the Victorian dealing with executive and ministerial Government’s contribution to the United correspondence and briefings, through the Nations International Year of Volunteers 2001. development and increased use of electronic Development of effective communication systems. strategies for Victorians from culturally and Quality improvement measures, including the linguistically diverse backgrounds, and for establishment of a quality assurance Victorians with a disability. framework for FOI procedures, and the Use of broader communication strategies in development of a tracking and monitoring order to reach the diverse range of target framework for undertakings to the Victorian audiences, optimising the use of new Ombudsman. technologies. Ensuring compliance with the new Privacy Implementation and management of issues Legislation. associated with the Whistleblower Protection Act 2001 (cth).

Celebration and recognition were the key themes at an International Year of Volunteers event held in June 2001 for Department staff who contribute to the community as volunteers. Over 220 staff from head and regional offices participated in the event, which was broadcast via Videolink to the Department’s regional offices. Volunteers within the Department dedicate a staggering 32,752 voluntary hours per year. The activities staff are involved in cover the broad categories of aged care, the arts, animal care, charity organisations, church groups, community service, education, safety, service clubs, youth and sport. Anita Francis, Project Manager International Year of Volunteers is pictured with staff members Nicholas Tolhurst and Alan Roberts who received a Certificate of Recognition from the Secretary, Patricia Faulkner. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 96

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The United Nations International Year of MEDIA UNIT Divisional Description Volunteers During 2001 the Department recognised and The Media Unit fields up to 70 telephone calls The Portfolio Services Division provides each day from national, State, regional and support services to Ministers within the celebrated the outstanding contribution of Departmental staff whose volunteer suburban newspapers, TV and radio outlets- Human Services portfolio, the Secretary, and occasionally international media. divisions and regions through four business contributions helped make a strong and units: cohesive Australian society. Staff contribute an Its proactive work extends to formulating estimated 32,752 hours per year to volunteer strategies for the media component of major 1 Corporate Communications efforts, with an average personal contribution campaigns, new service launches and public 2 Internal Audit of 237 hours. education programs. This work is underpinned by media strategy advice to senior 3 Legal Services International Women’s Day Departmental officers, the distribution of up to 4 The Secretariat On 8 March 2001 staff across the State five media releases each day, and by direct observed International Women’s Day to daily contact with key journalists. celebrate and acknowledge the diversity and Corporate strength of women. The Minister for The Media Unit also publishes 11 issues a year Communications Community Services, the Hon Christine of the Department’s newsletter, Peoplefocus, Campbell, and the Minister for Housing and which provides informative, reader-friendly Branch Aged Care ,the Hon Bronwyn Pike, participated news on projects and programs funded by the in a live interview–discussion that was Department and delivered by funded agencies. broadcast to regional offices via videolink. The Peoplefocus is distributed to funded agencies The Communications and Media Units within and published on the Internet. the Corporate Communications Branch provide broadcast was an example of the increasing professional support and expertise for an use of state-of-the-art technology by the extensive range of Departmental Department to communicate with staff. Key achievements during the past communications and education activities for financial year include: the Victorian community, funded agencies and Examples of public communication and g Initiating and managing metropolitan and Departmental staff. Services are provided education campaigns and initiatives regional media coverage of the $77 through partnership arrangements with supported by Corporate Communications million Saving Lives initiative against the divisions and program areas, and are focused during 2000-01: drug problem. on strategic issues, planning and management. g Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre g Extensive statewide media coverage of COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Redevelopment and Mercy Hospital for the most significant reforms to tobacco Women Relocation Project controls in 13 years. This Unit provides support and coordination for g Housing Week g A metropolitan and regional media a range of external and internal activities. g Legionella Risk Management Project campaign on Victoria’s implementation of Activities include significant statewide the country’s toughest controls and education and information campaigns, g Let’s Get Active—Physical Activity for maintenance standards of cooling tower coordination of events, and print and electronic People with a Disability systems aimed at reducing the risk of publications aimed at specific target g Ministerial Advisory Council for Older legionnaires’ disease. audiences. Victorians g Informing and educating Victorians about During 2000-01 there was an increased g Nurse Recruitment Campaign the largest public hospital project in the emphasis on online publishing to complement State’s history—the $325 million g more traditional print media. This was Organisational Values redevelopment of the Austin and consistent with the Government’s commitment g Privacy Implementation Project Repatriation Medical Centre, and to enhancing electronic information delivery. relocation of the Mercy Hospital for g Problem Gambling The Unit managed a number of important Women. g Tobacco Control Reforms whole-of-Department initiatives, including: g A comprehensive $1.8 million campaign g Royal Melbourne Show Victorian Drug Strategy. to fight problem gambling. The Department’s annual stand at the Royal g Continuing the Preschools for Everyone Melbourne Show, held in September, was promotion through statewide and themed Building Better Rural Communities. regional media. More than 100 volunteers from all regions and divisions assisted. Show visitors had basic health check-ups, received health and service information and were entertained by a variety of performers. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 97

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Internal Audit Legal Services Branch Secretariat

Internal Audit independently reviews and The Legal Services Branch provides a broad The secretariat is responsible for executive appraises a wide range of Departmental range of legal advice, litigation advice and correspondence and briefings, parliamentary activities to evaluate whether objectives, support, and legislation support across all and executive services, Freedom of policies, plans, procedures and controls are areas of the Department, to support the Information, Ombudsman review and appropriately implemented. It undertakes a achievement of Government policy and the ministerial and secretarial delegations. It wide range of audits, reviews and financial integrity of Departmental objectives. Its charter provides high quality executive support investigations across the Department, and is to provide accessible, responsive and client- services to the Secretary and Department of provides advice to senior management on focused legal services. Human Services ministers, and liaises between governance matters. In this way it acts as a Department of Human Services divisions, catalyst to focus senior management’s regions, Parliament, Cabinet, central During the past year the Legal Services attention on issues that are critical to the Government agencies, health agencies and the Branch has introduced a number of continuing success of the Department’s public, on a range of matters. Fortnightly strategic initiatives designed to help provision of services to Victorians. management information reports are now prevent legal problems arising, including: distributed to the offices of ministers and the g The production of a comprehensive Department’s senior management. Key activities and achievements for Legislation Handbook, which provides a 2000-01 include: detailed guide to the passage of primary The Secretariat assists the Department g Hosting a two-day conference for legislation. A Steering Committee has deliver high quality services, by: auditors from human services been set up to monitor the progress of departments across Australia and New current legislation. g Maintaining good channels of Zealand (March 2001). communication with the Office of the g The establishment of a Coronial Steering Ombudsman, and providing management g Contributing to the drafting of a Committee to ensure that the Department with relevant information about trends in Department of Human Services risk responds appropriately to adverse complaints to the Ombudsman. management program, and the findings and recommendations of the development of a corporate governance Coroner. g Efficient management and processing of framework for the funded sector that is ministerial and executive correspondence g Support for the Housing Risk consistent with a policy of responsible and briefings. Management Steering Group, which was financial management. set up to consider issues of current and g Management of Freedom of Information g Undertaking a wide range of audits and future risk. requests. reviews across the Department, and the g The coordination and effective provision of advice to senior management transmission of parliamentary and on governance matters. As part of a preventive strategy, the Legal Services Branch publishes a quarterly, Executive documentation. electronic LAWpage. This contains articles designed to raise staff awareness of current legal issues. Legal Services is also developing a series of information booklets and seminars in the areas of corporate governance and administrative decision making. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 98

98 2000-01 Annual Report Resources

Key Objectives Key Issues Key Results

To provide timely and high quality technical Provide technical advice and services in Delivery of a large capital works program. services and advice in the areas of: implementing government policy, and achieve Introduction of regular whole-of-Department service delivery targets. g Finance performance measurement frameworks. Provide secure and stable corporate services that g Capital management Successful upgrade of the Department’s HSNet are cost-effective and recognise client infrastructure (the Department’s computer g Information services requirements for service quality and timelines. network) to Lotus Notes R5, Microsoft Office 2000 g Human resources Promote sound financial management. and Windows 2000 software in more than 7,000 Departmental computers. g Industrial relations Promote a work environment that is open, innovative, equitable and supportive. Implemented a Department-wide records g Administration services management system. Promote the use of information technology and g Business development telecommunications to improve service delivery. Increased the level of Personal Hardship Grants. The support of State emergency recovery Managed expired enterprise agreements. services. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 99

99 2000-01 Annual Report

A Budget Strategy and Monitoring Committee The Resources Division is was also established to oversee the Department’s budget and planning activities. responsible for providing The Department also successfully introduced timely and high quality goods and services tax requirements, including remittance of all 12 Business Activity technical services and Statements before due dates. advice in the areas of Information Services finance, capital

Information Services uses information, management, information information services and telecommunications infrastructure systems to develop policies and services, human resources, technical strategies, in alignment with industrial relations, business requirements. The Information Future Directions Services Branch aims to optimise the administration and business efficiency of business processes and service Successful management of expiring enterprise delivery through technology. development, and support agreements. A Privacy Implementation Strategy was of State Emergency Implementation of human resources strategy developed and implemented in 2001. This projects. Strategy provides the basis for improving Recovery Services. information handling practices throughout the Continued streamlining of agency agreements Department and promoting compliance with and processes in purchasing with agencies. the Department’s 12 Information Privacy Development of a Budget Management System Principles. to improve budget management. The Department’s HSNet infrastructure was Development of Emergency Recovery Planning successfully upgraded to Lotus Notes R5, Tools. Microsoft Office 2000 and Windows 2000 software in more than 7,000 Departmental Financial computers across the State. In partnership with Business Units, new and Management upgraded applications were implemented to support the Department’s business operations. To further enhance the Department’s financial These include the Department of Human management system, the Division successfully Services Executive E-Boardroom, the introduced a new version of the Financial Department’s Records Management System System (Oracle 11i). This is the first Victorian (TRIM), the Regional Agreements Variations Department to introduce this new version. System (RAS) and School Nursing Information. To improve the allocation of budgets, an automated Regional Agreement process was established. This will support the recording, negotiation and allocation of nine regional annual budgets and the online management of variations to regional budgets that are made throughout the financial year.

With 10,610 metropolitan and regional staff to support, the IT Service Centre is kept busy fielding calls from across the State. It is the first point of contact for staff who have a service request or need an IT problem solved. During this financial year, the IT Service Centre took 58,678 calls from staff needing assistance with the average number of calls per week reaching approximately 1,128. The IT Service Centre has sophisticated reporting capabilities to analyse and respond to emerging call trends allowing it to maintain the quality of its service. Pictured are IT Analysts Sheriden Heffernan and Steven Sikorski part of the dedicated team at the IT Service Centre. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:44 Page 100

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The Branch continues to develop a longer-term 1999 and completed in December 2000, at a and line areas of the Department, with a view capacity to meet future needs. A major focus total end investment of $5.7 million. The to concluding agreements consistent with will be developing the e-business strategy for redevelopment has involved refurbishment of Government policy. the Department. To support the use of online accident and emergency, paediatrics, day delivery models, a key task will be the surgery, the surgical ward and the Central STATE EMERGENCY RECOVERY development and implementation of a secure Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), midwifery, technology environment that uses a full privacy obstetrics and high dependency wards and The State Emergence Recovery Unit continued protection regime for client information. haemodialysis. the coordination of community initiatives to minimise the impact of emergencies on AGED CARE CERTIFICATION WORKS individuals and communities, and facilitate the Business restoration of community functioning. Key Minor refurbishments to 13 aged care facilities achievements were made through increasing the Development and major upgrades to five State-owned value of Personal Hardship Grants, completion of nursing homes were undertaken. The works the Community Vulnerability and Resilience The branch continues to refine and enhance ensure that all State-owned aged care Project, a review of statewide recovery training the Service Agreement Management System facilities met current Commonwealth systems and negotiation of streamlined (SAMS). SAMS was further enhanced to requirements and achieved certification within electricity and gas exemption criteria. introduce a more simplified, flexible and less the specified 2001 deadlines. All works were restrictive relationship between the completed within required timeframes, and Department and funded agencies, in addition Human Resources these facilities have now achieved certification to improving SAMS system efficiencies, to Commonwealth standards. flexibility and financial accountability. KEY FUTURE DIRECTIONS To improve the interaction with the ASSET INFORMATION Department’s funded agencies, the Branch Human Resources Strategy The Branch has commenced a series of surveys developed Stage 1 of the Funded Agency The Human Resources Branch collaborated and modelling activities to establish the Channel. The aim of the Funded Agency with the Department of Human Services building condition of the Departmental health Channel is to reduce the administrative burden Executive and senior regional stakeholders to and community services asset base. The placed on agencies by automating some define the strategic human resources priorities information will be used to ensure informed transactions and strengthening communication. for the Department. The primary goal is to decisions are made regarding priorities for enhance the capacity and capability of our refurbishment and renewal of Departmental service delivery workforce to facilitate Capital Management facilities, and to drive future resource planning. improved client service. The five priority Major redevelopments completed and/or initiatives of the Human Resources Strategy commissioned during 2000–01 include: Industrial Relations were scoped with groups of regional and program staff. The Department of Human DANDENONG HOSPITAL ACUTE AND The management of industrial relations was a Services Executive endorsed the Human AGED CARE SERVICES major priority during 2000–01, with the Resources Strategy in June 2001, which sets REDEVELOPMENT renegotiation of enterprise agreements for the Department’s future direction for human nurses (Australian Nurses Federation {ANF}) and resources for the next two to three years. the Health Services Union of Australia, No 1 This major upgrade (total end investment $20 The Human Resources Strategy is linked to Branch (HSUA1), health professionals (HSUA3), million) involved construction for 72 new acute other corporate priorities, including the Values medical scientists (HSUA4), mental health beds, a 30-bed sub-acute ward, rehabilitation Project (coordinated by the Corporate Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) and hydrotherapy facilities, as well as the Communications Branch) and the DisAbility and ambulance services (Ambulance Employees upgrade of acute clinical services and core Workforce Plan (coordinated by the DisAbility Association of Victoria {AEA}). Enterprise infrastructure. The redevelopment commenced Services Division and Human Resources bargaining claims, other than those for in July 1999 and was completed in April 2001. Branches). ambulance services, were referred to the ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITAL Australian Industrial Relations Commission for A Human Resources Strategy Steering REDEVELOPMENT STAGE 2 determination through arbitration processes Committee of Directors and Regional Directors under Section 111AA of the Workplace has been established for the life of the This Stage has provided for the expansion of the Relations Act 1996. The Resources Division has strategy to coordinate the development, front entry building to provide a 21-bed Intensive worked closely with health unions, public implementation, communication and reporting Care Unit and neuroscience wards (60 beds), as hospitals and other public health sector agencies to the Executive on the Human Resources well as the upgrading of adjacent outpatient in interpreting and implementing the Strategy initiatives. areas. The project was commenced in July 1999 Commission’s decisions arising from those The five Human Resources Strategy initiatives and completed in September 2000, at a total end processes. are to: investment of $21.1 million. Towards the end of 2000–01 the Division 1 Promote an organisational culture aligned WARRAGUL HOSPITAL commenced enterprise bargaining discussions with the Department of Human Services REDEVELOPMENT with the Community and Public Sector Union values and desired behaviours by (CPSU) and HACSU, which are the unions establishing integrated recognition The major redevelopment of acute services at representing the vast majority of the strategies, fostering improvements in the hospital was commenced in December Department’s workforce. Those discussions people management performance, and were held in conjunction with relevant program 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 101

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increasing innovation and autonomy in MAKE-UP OF DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES decision making. Sum of FTE VPS grouping Female Male Total 2 Develop and implement a broad-based strategy to improve workplace safety, Child/adolescent/family welfare officers 1128 458 1585 tailored to address specific program Executives 43 60 103 issues. Facility service officers 42 96 138 3 Establish workforce planning processes Health and community services workers 566 84 651 and tools for use across the Department Housing service officers 265 147 412 and implement these in the Housing, Child Protection or Juvenile Justice Human service workers 807 462 1269 workforces. Produce action plans to Intellectual disability services officers 1477 540 2017 address capability gaps, for example, via Mental retardation nurses 251 172 422 training and development. Other 16 19 35 4 Develop and implement a strategy to Victorian public service officers 2465 1456 3921 determine and create the desired Youth employment scheme 31 15 46 workforce profile (including a mix of skills, age, ethnicity, gender and so on) Total 7090 3509 10599 through targeted and efficient entry-level recruitment and training and development of the internal labour force. workplace. This strategy included the 5 Enhance human resources information Professional Integrity development of a detailed policy, systems, and determine key measures supported by publications and education required to provide useful analysis and The Department is required by the and awareness sessions. recommendations on workforce trends. Commissioner for Public Employment (CPE) g The Department continued to support 17 Integrating Departmental Values into under the provisions of the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998 to indigenous tertiary students, and five People Management Practice include in its annual report to Parliament the new students, with scholarship and The organisation has defined five core lived following issues: placement opportunities through the values held within the organisation through a Aboriginal Intrain Scholarship program. g Managing and valuing diversity process of employee consultation. These g A wide range of equity training sessions g values are: Reviewing personal grievances were conducted within and outside the 1 Client Focus g Upholding public sector conduct Department during the year, including information on sexual harassment, g Selecting on merit. 2 Professional integrity technology harassment, managing the 3 Quality Managing and Valuing Diversity ageing workforce, Departmental flexible work practices and preventing and 4 Responsibility The Department undertook a range of merit eliminating inappropriate behaviour in and equity strategies throughout the year that 5 Collaborative relationships. the workplace. were articulated in the Merit and Equity Report The Human Resources Branch will promote ‘living 2000–01. The programs and initiatives Reviewing Personal Grievances the values’ as an integral part of Department of included in the report ensure compliance with Continuing policy initiatives (such as the Human Services activities, by integrating the the Commissioner for Public Employment’s mediation process) has led to a dramatic drop values into the people management systems and Directions issued under the Public Sector in the number of grievances progressing to processes of the organisation. Management and Employment Act 1998. A formal hearing. The number of formal number of other initiatives were also grievances registered continues to decline. CLIENT FOCUS undertaken in the Department to pursue There has been a 19 per cent drop in improvements in equity and diversity. (This includes individuals, families, grievances from 1999–2000 to 2000–01, and a populations, service providers and staff.) Specific Merit and Equity initiatives include the 44 per cent drop in grievances from 1998–99 following: to 1999–2000. The Human Resources Branch defines its clients as the direct workforce of the Department. The g The Department carried out a work and As part of the Health Services Union of Department’s workforce numbers have family evaluation project that analysed Australia Enterprise Agreement 1999, increased from 9,464 full-time employees (FTE) the effectiveness of flexible work policies processes were put in place to enhance local in 1999–2000 to 10,610 in 2000–01. and procedures. Focus groups and survey level dispute resolution. DisAbility Services data were utilised to develop strategies organised and funded a joint The rise in staff numbers is a result of to improve employees’ access to these Union/Management grievance resolution increased funding in directly managed services conditions. training program. This initiative also within the DisAbility and Community Care contributed to the decline in the number of programs and new Government initiatives g The Department developed a formal grievances. including the youth employment scheme, child comprehensive strategy in the prevention protection audits, juvenile justice initiatives and elimination of bullying in the and the developments of new funding models. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 102

102 2000-01 Annual Report

RESULTS OF GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Category 1 July 1998 to 1 July 1999 to 1 July 2000 to 30 June 1999 30 June 2000 30 June 2001

Grievances received 161 91 74 Grievances finalised 174 106 61 Ineligible/rejected 51 9 6 Conciliated/mediated 60 47 28 Withdrawn 29 27 19 Hearing—upheld 23 16 7 Hearing—varied 11 7 1

Upholding Public Sector Conduct Awareness sessions for managers that deal Applying Well specifically with managing performance have Conduct-related issues are an integral part of Career planning and progression support is also been conducted throughout the year. the Department’s Orientation Programs. The provided to staff by an Intranet package called Code of Conduct for the Victorian Public Sector SELECTING ON MERIT ‘Applying Well.’ This was developed by the is distributed to all staff, principally in letters Human Resources Branch to inform and assist of offers of employment and at new employee Selecting Well staff wishing to apply for jobs and plan their induction/orientation sessions. careers. This package continues to receive This year the Department received an award from positive feedback from staff. The Department has a comprehensive the Commissioner for Public Employment for the discipline investigation process to review Selecting Well approach to recruitment. This Exemption from Advertising significant issues and determinate appropriate package is designed to assist and support Vacancies (EAV) remedial action. This remains devolved to managers to recruit effectively and in a way that regional and program areas. In 2000–01 a number of Department of Human upholds the principle of selection on merit. The Services job vacancies were filled without Issues are dealt with pursuant to the basis of Selecting Well is clear job definition using advertising in accordance with strictly defined Department’s Managing Underperformance attributes and generic skills and assessment criteria. These criteria have been designed to and Warning Procedure policies, which were processes based on techniques that validly predict meet operational needs without compromising developed in accordance with the principles job performance. These are now widely and the merit principle. outlined in the Commissioner for Public enthusiastically used in regions, and are Employment’s (CPE) Managing increasingly being used by Head Office Programs Underperformance Direction. within the Department of Human Services.

2000–01 EXEMPTION OF ADVERTISEMENT OF VACANCIES

Criteria

Progression based on competence assessment 0 Reclassification 13 Identical vacancy 22 Recent advertisement 0 Specialised duties 15 Graduate recruitment 1 Temporary vacancy 47 Members of disadvantaged groups 2 Succession planning 0 Workforce stabilisation projects (industrial agreements) 531

Total 631

* A significantly larger number of vacancies were filled without further advertisement during this period than in past years. This was due to a process of workforce stabilisation negotiated between the Department and unions to address issues associated with fixed-term employment, long-term secondments and so on. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 103

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QUALITY capability. Corporate orientation is offered to new staff within four weeks of commencement Responsibility Training and Staff Development of work with the Department of Human Services. To address the gap in the area of Occupational Health and Safety This year, the Human Resources Branch public policy development skills, the HRDU has provided a range of developmental The Department launched its Health, Safety provided lunchtime seminars on public policy opportunities designed to enhance leadership, and Well-Being Policy in January 2001, and issues. management and business skills amongst continued the focus on key health and safety Department of Human Services staff. Training In addition to training provided by the Human issues with the launch of the Occupational and development offered has complemented Resources Branch, Department of Human Assault Reduction Policy and Manual Handling specialist training delivered to staff across Services employees have participated in Policy in April 2001. Each of these policies was program areas. training provided by program training units. finalised after extensive organisational Details of this training are in the Divisional consultation. The most significant development The Human Resources Development Unit reports. A summary of Department of Human with the new policies is the identification of (HRDU) provided a series of flexible and Services training days and number of people key leverage points for reducing these innovative programs offered to Executives attending training in 2000–01 is shown in the workplace safety risks, and the clarification of including leadership programs, executive table Staff Training Numbers. the Department’s commitments to risk seminar series, Victorian public service-wide reduction. programs and national and State programs. Collaborative Relationships Priority risks in the Department continue to be The Senior Management Program provided The Human Resources Branch has restructured to occupational assault, manual handling and challenging and stimulating learning better position itself to deliver the outcomes stress. Strategies for reducing these experiences to assist selected senior non- identified through the Human Resources Strategy. occupational risks to staff will be developed as executive managers in developing the executive This has included the creation of a Workforce part of the HR Strategy initiative relating to leadership skills required by the Department. Planning and Recruitment Branch to focus on key safety risk reduction strategies by Strategic management and organisational systemic workforce issues, and an Organisational workforce sector. change leadership programs offer senior middle Health Unit to focus on developing the desired managers involved in implementing policy and culture and behaviours to promote workplace In the Health, Safety and Well-Being Policy, strategy the opportunity to identify issues health, safety and diversity. the Department committed to integrating health and safety management into critical to organisational objectives and develop The Human Resources Strategy, which action plans. organisational policy and practice, and addresses agreed priority needs of the majority planning for continuous improvement. The Management Development Program, of the Department of Human Services workforce, Delivering on this commitment, an piloted late last year and developed to reflect is being developed with the involvement of organisational Safety Performance the Department’s business goals and strategies, regional and program representatives. Key Management System was implemented in continues to roll out across the State. It organisational stakeholders will be consulted at 2000–01. The system involves senior regional addresses metropolitan and regional staff critical points in the development of the strategy line managers assessing the safety needs. A general Workskills program, featuring projects. Regions and programs also develop management systems in their own area of eight courses aligned to Public Service Training localised strategies to address operational responsibility, and identifying improvement Package competencies, was also delivered to workforce issues. priorities. Regional priorities are collated into front-line staff to help build operational an annual improvement plan. Regions’ achievement of their safety improvement plans will be monitored by the Department of Human STAFF TRAINING NUMBERS Services Executive on a quarterly basis from 2001–02 into the future. Corporate Disability Child Housing Total Services Protection When staff suffer a work-related illness or injury, the Department’s Work Health program Training days 172 480 272 255 1179 supports claims management, and promotes People 1,488 9,062 2,145 2,925 15,620 rehabilitation and a safe and timely return to work. Employee support services, including the Employee Assistance Program and Critical Incident Stress Management Service, were provided to assist staff to manage work- related and personal issues.

pic to come 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 104

104 2000-01 Annual Report Departmental Executives

Senior Officers as at 30 June 2001

SECRETARY

Patricia Faulkner BA, Dip Ed, M Administration Appointed: 14.8.00 Responsible as the CEO of the Department of Human Services which encompasses three portfolios; health, community services, housing and aged care, with a total budget of around $7.2 billion, representing over one third of the State’s operating expenses, as well as $9.2 billion of assets.

Dr Christopher Brook Professor John Catford Angela Jurjevic

Gillian Callister Jennifer Westacott Robert (Bob) Solly

Shane Solomon Pam White Lance Wallace 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 105

105 2000-01 Annual Report

Divisional Directors PORTFOLIO SERVICES POLICY AND STRATEGIC PROJECTS Gillian Callister Shane Solomon ACUTE HEALTH BA, BSW (Hons) B Social Work, MA (Public Policy) Appointed: 21.5.01 Appointed: 29.3.00 Dr Christopher Brook Responsible for facilitating corporate directions Responsibilities include preparation of the MBBS, FRACP FAFPHM, FRAMC, FIPAA and the delivery of specialty corporate support Department’s budget proposals, Appointed: 21.5.97 services in four business areas: Legal Services, Commonwealth–State Agreements across the Responsible for metropolitan health services Public Affairs, Internal Audit and the Department, wider policy and planning and rural and regional hospitals for acute and Secretariat. Responsibility for the liaison directions for the Human Services portfolios, sub-acute, managing casemix and other output relationship with the Health Services and management of the Flagship Projects, price development, system wide service Commissioner, Mental Health Review Board which address key strategic issues facing the performance monitoring, coordination of and the Intellectual Disability Review Panel. Department and require high level of cross service delivery, and ongoing monitoring of the Divisional coordination. financial performance of public providers. Also, OFFICE OF HOUSING funding and monitoring of ambulance services COMMUNITY CARE and line management for Gippsland Region. Jennifer Westacott BA Hons Political Science, Graduate Pam White PUBLIC HEALTH Certificate of Management, Chevening BA (Hons) Scholar Appointed: 22.3.01 Professor John Catford Appointed: 5.3.01 Responsible for management of program MA, MSc, MB BChir, DCH, MHSM, FFPHM, Responsible for efficient management of the functions in relation to Child Protection, FRCP, DM, FAFPHM, FIPAA Public Rental Portfolio, with a value of Placement and Support, Family and Community Appointed: 1.2.98 approximately $8 billion; and the Home Loan Support, Adoption and Permanent Care and Responsible for improving the health and well- Portfolio, valued at around $360 million. In Juvenile Justice. Line manager for Southern being of all Victorians through approaches addition, provision of housing assistance to low and Northern Metropolitan Regions. that: prevent and control communicable and income Victorians and homeless support chronic diseases, drug use and abuse, services through the Supported Accommodation RESOURCES environmental hazards; and promote and Assistance Program (SAAP). Also responsible support healthy lifestyles, health of specific for development and implementation of Lance Wallace population groups, and health and medical community building initiatives. Line manager of research. As Chief Health Officer, responsible the Loddon Mallee Region. Dip Business Studies for public health regulatory measures and Appointed: 30.4.98 communicating to the general public on health DISABILITY SERVICES Responsible for supporting the improvement of related issues. Also, line management for business processes, managing the Grampians Region. Robert (Bob) Solly Department’s financial and administrative systems and capital works program, BE (Civil) (Hons) MA, FIE developing and maintaining information, AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL Appointed: 29.3.00 HEALTH information technology and communication Responsible for executive management of the infrastructure systems, and assisting in Angela Jurjevic DisAbility Services Division that incorporates developing strategies for development and the DisAbility Services Program, and line retention of the Department’s workforce. Line BA, Dip Ed, PGDipLib, B Ed management of Eastern Metropolitan and manager for Hume Region. Appointed 8.3.00 Barwon South West Regions. Responsible for community-based and inpatient mental health services; aged care services including Home and Community Care, positive ageing and public sector residential aged care facilities; primary health services including community and women’s health, and dental and school nursing services. Also, line management for Western Metropolitan Region. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 106

106 2000-01 Annual Report

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Within each Region, Regional Directors are responsible for: g The planning, funding and delivery of the full range of human services programs within the region. g Managing the implementation of fundamental change management strategies, in both directly delivered and purchased services to improve client services. g Representing the Department of Human Services in negotiations with key provider organisations on funding and policy issues, in conjunction with Departmental objectives. The Regional Directors were: Regional Director Region

Mr Richard Deyell Northern Metropolitan Ms Gabrielle Levine Western Metropolitan Mr Andrew Stripp Southern Metropolitan Mr Mike Debinski (acting) Eastern Metropolitan Mr Terry Garwood Loddon Mallee Prof Thomas Keating Hume Ms Jan Snell (acting) Barwon-South Western Mr Vic Gordon Grampians Mr Laurie Harkin Gippsland ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

With regard to a major program or subprogram, Assistant Directors are responsible for: g The planning, development, implementation and monitoring of the service delivery system. g Implementing consistent and coordinated, short- and long-term planning of services. g Promulgating policies and guidelines that define and establish program standards. Office Bearers in Each Division

Loddon Mallee

Grampians Hume

Gippsland Barwon-South Western

050100 Kilometres

Department of Human Services Rural Victorian Regional Boundaries 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 107

107 2000-01 Annual Report

ACUTE HEALTH

Dr Heather Buchan Quality Access and Continuity Care Mr Peter Donnelly Purchasing and Financial Policy Dr Campbell Miller Service Development Ms Susan Medlin (acting) Business Support and Development AGED, COMMUNITY AND MENTAL HEALTH

Ms Jane Herington Aged Care Mr Brian Joyce Primary Health Mr Anthony Nippard Planning and Budget Ms Deborah Podbury Mental Health COMMUNITY CARE

Mr Alan Hall Research, Planning and Budget Management Ms Jennifer McAuley Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Ms Kathryn Lamb Family and Community Support DISABILITY SERVICES

Mr Arthur Rogers Policy and Program Development HOUSING

Ms Carmel Collins (acting) Housing Mr Kenneth Downie Policy and Standards Mr Roger Hudson Property Services Mr Richard Woolaston Community Housing, Homelessness and SAAP POLICY AND STRATEGIC PROJECTS

Ms Laurie Bebbington Program Effectiveness Review Mr Geoff Lavender Strategic Projects (Emergency Demand) Mr Bruce Prosser Budget and Corporate Planning Mr Peter Carver Service Planning Projects Ms Phyllis Rosendale Policy, Inter-Govermental Relations Ms Margaret Wagstaff Strategic Projects PORTFOLIO SERVICES

Mr Graham Morris Legislation and Legal Services PUBLIC HEALTH

Ms Anne Congleton Development and Resources Mr Paul McDonald Drug Policy and Services Ms Jan Norton Social and Environmental Health Dr John Carnie Disease Control and Research RESOURCES

Mr Robert Barr Financial Services Ms Janine de Kretser Human Resources Mr Timothy Lee Industrial Relations Mr Barry Paice Capital Management Mr Robert Reynolds Information Services Ms Kerry MacDonald Business Development 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 108

108 2000-01 Annual Report

Northern Health CEO: Prof Andrew Perrington Chair: Ms Anne-Marie Corboy

Western Health CEO: Mr. George Shaw Chair: Ms Rennis Witham

Southern Health CEO: Mr. Stan Capp Chair: Mr. Garry Richardson

Eastern Health CEO: Mr. Chris Fox Chair: Mr. Alister Maitland

Bayside Health CEO: Dr Michael Walsh Chair: Prof Stephen Duckett

PECUNIARY INTERESTS Peninsula Health DECLARATION CEO: Dr Sharene Devanesen Chair: Ms Stella Axarlis

It is certified that all executives of Human Melbourne Health Services have completed a declaration of CEO: Dr Paul Scown Chair: Prof David Karpin pecuniary interests during the year 2000–01. Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES CEO: Mr. Joe Carbone Chair: Prof Graeme Ryan

Metropolitan Health Care Networks ceased on Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute 30 June 2000 and were replaced by the CEO: Dr David Hillis Chair: Dr Heather Wellington Governor in Council establishing the Metropolitan Health Services on l July 2000. Women’s and Children’s Health The Services are Statutory Authorities, under CEO: Dr Kathy Alexander Chair: Ms Helen Davison the Health Services Act 1998, as amended by the Health Services (Governance) Act 2000. Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre CEO: Ms Jennifer Williams Chair: Mr. James Breheny

Dental Health Services Victoria CEO: Dr Martin Dooland Chair: Ms Jay Bonnington

Note: all positions as at 30 June 2001

Northern

Eastern Western

0 10 20 Kilometres Southern

Department of Human Services Metropolitan Melbourne Regional Boundaries 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 109

109 2000-01 Annual Report

Financial Report

Statement of Financial Performance for the Year ended 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

Revenue from Ordinary Activities

Annual appropriations 3a 6,201,707 5,146,475 Special appropriations 3a 1,018,271 1,207,166 Funds from other authorities 3b 40,651 32,964 Resources received free of charge 3c 770 13,171 Net rent receivable 3d 252,896 243,926 User charges – rental properties 3e 4,494 4,642 Interest income 3f 34,055 32,081 Revenue from the disposal of non current assets 3g, 10 50,486 64,793 Other revenue 3h 57,485 36,881 Net revenues from change in administrative arrangements 3i, 9 191 - Total Revenue from Ordinary Activities 7,661,006 6,782,099

Expenses from Ordinary Activities

Employee benefits 541,456 487,728 Supplies and services 284,448 194,284 Financing – Housing debt assumption costs - 11,500 Grants and other payments to service providers 5 5,964,199 5,165,855 Capital asset charge 297,897 270,548 Depreciation and amortisation 6 111,876 98,389 Rental operating costs 7 175,436 153,190 Home finance operating costs 2,017 731 Resources provided free of charge 8 16,259 54,357 Cost on disposal of non current assets 10 51,246 62,640 Other expenses from ordinary activities 1,961 49,219 Total Expenses from Ordinary Activities 7,446,795 6,548,441

Net result from Ordinary Activities 214,211 233,658

Net increase in asset revaluation reserve 20 735,310 391,830

Accounting adjustments and transitional adjustment 20 - (1,457)

Total revenues, expenses and revaluation adjustments recognised directly in equity 735,310 390,373

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with Victorian State Government in its capacity as owner 949,521 624,031

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 110

110 2000-01 Annual Report

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

Current Assets

Cash assets 11 83,989 73,957 Receivables 12 303,453 297,335 Loans 13 63,146 78,874 Prepayments 5,838 7,506 Inventories 584 552 Total Current Assets 457,010 458,224

Non-Current Assets

Receivables 12 181,903 50,852 Loans 13 273,322 333,416 Properties, plant and equipment 14 8,270,247 7,282,309 Intangible assets 15 25,035 16,603 Total Non-Current Assets 8,750,507 7,683,180

Total Assets 9,207,517 8,141,404

Current Liabilities

Bank 11 18,465 15,470 Payables 16 161,717 128,289 Provisions 17 55,391 61,081 Finance lease 18 - 1,789 Advances 19 149,126 63,579 Total Current Liabilities 384,699 270,208

Non-Current Liabilities

Payables 16 75,243 27,473 Provisions 17 194,400 148,648 Finance lease 18 - 8,481 Advances 19 158,211 241,151 Total Non-Current Liabilities 427,854 425,753

Total Liabilities 812,553 695,961

Net Assets 8,394,964 7,445,443

Equity

Reserves 20 3,323,571 2,588,261 Accumulated surplus 20 5,071,393 4,857,182 Total Equity 8,394,964 7,445,443

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 111

111 2000-01 Annual Report

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year ended 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Annual appropriations 6,179,436 5,070,620 Special appropriations 1,018,271 1,207,166 Funds from other authorities 40,651 32,964 Rent received 247,755 241,051 User charges – rental properties 4,626 4,642 Interest received 34,241 29,145 Other revenue 28,696 36,692 GST recovered from Australian Taxation Office 500,957 - Employee benefits (545,087) (461,074) Supplies and services (237,770) (195,875) Financing – Housing debt assumption costs - (11,500) Services provided by external agencies (6,489,107) (5,162,995) Capital asset charge (297,897) (292,025) Rental operating payments (156,598) (147,528) Home finance operating payments (1,320) (1,808) Other payments (10,226) (10,008)

Net cash inflow from operating activities 32 316,628 339,467

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payment for properties, plant and equipment (441,745) (425,411) Client loans granted (2,497) (2,192) Client loans repaid 80,992 125,202 Proceeds from the disposal of non-current assets 51,052 62,939 Net cash outflow from investing activities (312,198) (239,462)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Advances received 586,922 79 Repayment of advances (584,315) (95,000) Net cash outflow from financing activities 2,607 (94,921)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 7,037 5,084 Cash held at the beginning of the financial year 58,487 53,403 Cash at the end of the financial year 11 65,524 58,487

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 112

112 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING (B) Cash POLICIES For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes short (i) This general purpose financial report has been prepared in term deposits which are readily convertible to cash on hand and accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, Australian are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, net of Accounting Standards, Statements of Accounting Concepts and outstanding bank overdrafts. other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting (C) Rounding of amounts Standards Board, and Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views. Amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest (ii) It is prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, thousand dollars. except for certain assets and liabilities, which, as noted, are at valuation. The accounting policies adopted, and the classification (D) Objectives and funding and presentation of items, are consistent with those of the previous year, except where a change is required to comply with an The Department’s objectives is to enhance and protect the health Australian Accounting Standard or Urgent Issues Group Consensus and well being of all Victorians emphasising vulnerable groups and View, or an alternative accounting policy or an alternative those most in need. presentation or classification of an item, as permitted by an The Department is predominantly funded by accrual based Australian Accounting Standard, is adopted to improve the Parliamentary appropriations for the provision of outputs and some relevance and reliability of the financial report. Where practicable, fees and charges for the direct provision of services to the public. comparative amounts are presented and classified on a basis (E) Outputs of the Department consistent with the current year. Information about the Department’s output groups and the (A) Reporting entity expenses, revenues, assets and liabilities which are reliably The financial statements include all the controlled activities of the attributable to those output groups is set out in the Output Groups Department of Human Services. Schedule (Note 2). Information about expenses, revenues, assets and liabilities administered by the Department are given in the Pursuant to section 53(1)(b) of the Financial Management Act 1994, schedule of administered expenses and revenues (see Note 29) and the Minister for Finance has granted approval for the Department the schedule of administered assets and liabilities (see Note 30). of Human Services to prepare an annual report covering the Department of Human Services and the Director of Housing in (F) Acquisitions of assets respect of the 1995-96 and subsequent financial years. Accordingly, The cost method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of the Department's financial statements incorporate the public body assets. Cost is measured as the fair value of the assets given up or Director of Housing (Housing Act 1983). liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition plus incidental costs Administered resources directly attributable to the acquisition. The Department administers but does not control certain resources Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are on behalf of the Victorian Government. It is accountable for the initially recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition. transactions involving those administered resources, but does not (G) Revenue recognition have the discretion to deploy the resources for achievement of the Department’s objectives. For these resources, the Department acts Generally, revenue received by the Department is required to be only on behalf of the Victorian Government. The accrual basis of paid into the Consolidated Fund. accounting has been used in accounting for administered resources. Revenue becomes controlled by the Department when it has been Transactions and balances relating to these administered resources appropriated by the Victorian Parliament and the appropriation is are not recognised as Departmental revenues, expenses, assets applied by the relevant Minister. In respect to revenue from the or liabilities, but are disclosed in the applicable output schedules provision of outputs, Commonwealth grants and sales of non- (see Notes 29 and 30). current physical assets, the Department may be permitted under Other administered activities on behalf of parties external section 29 of the Financial Management Act 1994 to have these to the Victorian Government revenue initially paid into the Consolidated Fund and an equivalent amount is provided by appropriation. In these instances the revenue The Department has responsibility for transactions and balances “received” by the Department is administered and disclosed in relating to administered funds on behalf of third parties external to Note 29. the Victorian Government. Revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities administered on behalf of third parties are not recognised Amounts disclosed as revenue are, where applicable, net of in these financial statements as they are administered on a returns, allowances and duties and taxes. Revenue is recognised fiduciary and custodial basis, and therefore not controlled by the for each of the Department’s major activities as follows: Department. (i) Output revenue Non-current assets Revenue from the outputs the Department provides to Government All non-current assets, including Crown Land, controlled by the is recognised when those outputs have been delivered and the Department are reported in the statement of financial position. relevant Minister has certified delivery of those outputs in Non-current assets, which the Department administers on behalf of accordance with specified performance criteria. the Victorian Government, are reported as administered resources. (ii) Other Rental income raised represents the sum of the market rents chargeable (as determined by an external valuer) for all properties in a tenantable condition during the financial year. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 113

113 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

Rental income raised is calculated before allowing for rebates to (i) Rental properties tenants on social welfare benefits or low income, subsidies Rental properties are revalued each year by the Department of allowed, and income lost through vacancies caused by tenant Human Services based on capital improved values at the start of changes, repairs and renovations. the year in accordance with advice received from Egan National Revenue from central heating and hot water services and water Valuers (Vic). On this basis these properties reflect valuations as consumption, where individual meters are not in place, and parking bays, at 1 July 2000. also disclosed as User Charge Services, relates to charges (ii) Other properties to tenants in flats and high-rise accommodation for the use of these utilities. Aged Care and Primary Health, Community Care, Mental Health, Profit and loss on the sale of land and houses is accounted for on the Disability and Public Health Services' land and buildings, are re- receipt of the full deposit upon the signing of the Contract of Sale. valued by the Valuer General’s Office progressively over a five-year (iii) Commonwealth grants period according to an annual schedule which is determined by the original revaluation date. The majority of assets are valued as at 30 Grants payable by the Commonwealth Government are recognised June 1999, with no asset having a valuation date earlier than 30 as revenue when the Department gains control of the underlying June 1997. assets. Where grants are reciprocal, revenue is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are The Director of Housing's administrative buildings are valued recognised as revenue when the grant is received or receivable. as at 30 June 2001 in accordance with advice received from Egan Conditional grants may be reciprocal or non-reciprocal depending National Valuers (Vic), with other properties and leasehold on the terms of the grant. improvements being stated at cost. (iv) Miscellaneous revenue (iii) Vacant land As the Department does not gain control over assets arising from Vacant land of the Department of Human Services acquired prior fines and regulatory fees no revenue is recognised. The Department to 1 July 2000 has been valued by the Valuer General’s Office as collects these amounts on behalf of the Crown. Accordingly, the at 30 June 2000. Vacant land acquired after this date has been amounts are disclosed as revenues in the schedule of administered shown at cost. revenues and expenses (see Note 29). (iv) Non-current assets constructed by the Department All other amounts of revenue over which the Department does not The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Department gain control are disclosed as administered revenue in the schedule includes the cost of all materials used in construction and direct of administered revenues and expenses (see Note 29). labour on the project, together with an appropriate proportion of (H) Receivables variable and fixed overhead. Revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset All debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an increment due for settlement. reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset Tenants in arrears are carried at their nominal value less provisions previously recognised as an expense in net result, the increment is for doubtful debts. Estimated doubtful debts are based on historical recognised immediately as revenue in net result. trends of receipts of tenants who have been in arrears. Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in Amounts owing from Victorian Government represents the balance the net result, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists of annual appropriations relating to expenses incurred in the in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of provision of outputs, for which payments have not yet been assets, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve. disbursed at balance date. Revaluation increments and decrements are offset against one Other receivables are carried at nominal amounts due less any another within a class of non-current assets. provision for doubtful debts. (v) Plant, furniture and equipment Collectibility of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for Plant, furniture and equipment with a useful life of 5 or more years doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists. have been valued by the Valuer General and reflect valuations as at 30 June 2001. (I) Revaluations of non-current assets (J) Depreciation of properties, plant and equipment Subsequent to initial recognition as assets, non-current physical assets are measured at either cost or deprival value. Deprival value Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the is deemed to approximate fair value, being the amounts the net cost or revalued amount of each item of property (excluding Department would have to forgo if it were deprived of those land), plant and equipment over its expected useful life to the assets. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure Department. Estimates of remaining useful lives are made on a that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially regular basis for all assets, with annual reassessment for major from its fair value at the reporting date. Annual assessments will items. The expected useful lives, for the financial years ending be made, supplemented by independent assessments, at least 30 June 2001 and 30 June 2000, are as follows: every five years. Revaluations are conducted in accordance with Buildings 50 Years Department of Treasury and Finance Guidelines Recognition and Computers & EDP equipment 4 Years Valuation of Non-Current Physical Assets (January 1995). Furniture and Fittings 10 Years Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are Machines 5 Years recognised as assets and revenues at their fair market value at the Equipment 10 Years date of acquisition and in future years will be subject to normal Motor Vehicles 5 Years depreciation requirements. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 114

114 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

Properties, plant and equipment acquired and disposed of during Tenants in advance — A liability is recognised for the amount the financial year have had pro rata depreciation charged. of rent clients have paid in advance under the department's tenancy agreement. (K) Leasehold improvements (N) Advances The cost of improvements to or on leasehold properties is amortised over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated Advances are carried at historical cost and are non interest useful life of the improvement to the Department, whichever is the bearing liabilities. shorter. Leasehold improvements held at the reporting date are (O) Maintenance and repairs being amortised over 5 years. (L) Land and buildings for disposal Buildings, plant and equipment of the Department are required to be overhauled on a regular basis. This is managed as part of an This item relates to surplus land and buildings which fall within the ongoing major cyclical maintenance program. The costs of this Government's Asset Sales Program. Responsibility for these assets maintenance are charged as expenses as incurred, except where remains with the Department until the total sale price is fully they relate to the replacement of a component of an asset, in discharged. The valuation methods are based on values provided by which case the costs are capitalised and depreciated in accordance the Valuer General's Office or estimated sale prices. with note 1(j). Other routine operating maintenance, repair costs and minor renewals are also charged as expenses as incurred. (M) Trade and other creditors (P) Goods and services tax (GST) systems changes These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Department prior to the end of the financial year and which Costs incurred to update existing systems or to design, develop and are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within implement new systems to deal with the GST are charged as 30 days of recognition. expenses as incurred, except where they result in an enhancement of future economic benefits and are recognised as an asset.

(Q) Financial instruments The Department of Human Services' accounting policies and terms and conditions of each class of financial asset or liability recognised at 30 June 2001 are as follows: Recognised Financial Instruments Note Accounting Policies Terms and Conditions Financial Assets Cash at bank, Trust Funds 11 Cash at bank, trust funds and deposits are Cash, trust funds and deposits are made at call and Deposits carried at their nominal values. and variable interest rates. Short Term Deposits 11 Cash surplus to the Department's current Short term deposits may vary from overnight to needs is invested short term with sixty days, with interest rates governed by the Government and Private Financial Institutions market varying. as governed by the Borrowings and Investment Powers Act 1987. Receivables – Tenants in Arrears 12 Tenants in arrears are carried at their Rents are charged on a weekly basis from Sunday nominal value less provisions for doubtful to Saturday. Tenants are required to pay one week debts. Estimated doubtful debts are based in advance. on historical trends of receipts of tenants who have been in arrears. Receivables – Amounts Owing 12 These relate to monies held on the These monies may be held indefinitely and from the Victorian Government Department's behalf which have not been accrue no interest. drawn down from the Department of Treasury and Finance. Receivables – Other 12 Other receivables are carried at nominal Normal credit terms are generally 30 days. amounts due less any provision for doubtful debts. Provisions for doubtful debts are recognised when collection of the fulll nomina amount is no longer probable. Loans 13 Loans receivable are carried at the balance Loans receivable are generally secured by first or outstanding less provisions for doubtful second mortgages. Loan terms are generally not for debt and return of equity. Provisions are a fixed term, those that are for a fixed term are calculated based on loan balances, generally in the region of 25 to 40 years. Interest rates valuations, arrears and a history profile of vary over the portfolio. previous loans written off. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 115

115 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

(Q) Financial instruments (continued)

Recognised Financial Instruments Note Accounting Policies Terms and Conditions Financial Liabilities Bank Overdrawn in Ledger 11 That part of the Department's ledger bank The bank overdrawn is a cash book entry and as such account which reports a deficit, relates to does not accrue interest charges. timing issues associated with government fund flows. Borrowings and Advances 19 The Treasurer of Victoria granted an interest The advance is for an indefinite term with repayments free advance to the Department, this being determined by agreement between the Minister advance is held at its nominal value. for Housing and the Treasurer. Tenants in advance 16 A liability is recognised for the amount of Rents are charged on a weekly basis from Sunday rent clients have paid in advance under the to Saturday. Tenants are required to pay one week department's tenancy agreement. in advance. Creditors and accruals 16 Creditors and accruals are recognised for Terms of settlement are generally 30 days from date amounts payable in the future for goods of invoice in line with Government guidelines. and services received, whether or not the Department has been billed.

(R) Employee entitlements (S) Borrowing costs

(i) Wages, salaries and annual leave Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred, except where they are included in the costs of Liabilities for wages, salaries and annual leave are recognised, and qualifying assets. are measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees' services up to that date. The (T) Intangible assets and expenditure carried forward calculation of annual leave includes the related on-costs of payroll tax, workcover and superannuation contributions. (i) Software (ii) Long service leave Significant costs associated with the acquisition or development of computer software are capitalised and amortised on a straight line A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured as basis over the periods of the expected benefit, i.e. 4 years. the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. (ii) Web site costs Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, Costs in relation to web sites controlled by the Department are experience of employee departures and periods of service. charged as expenses in the period in which they are incurred Expected future payments are discounted using interest rates on unless they relate to the acquisition of an asset, in which case they national Government guaranteed securities with terms to maturity are capitalised and amortised over their period of expected benefit. that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash Generally, costs in relation to feasibility studies during the planning outflows. The allocation of long service leave liability between phase of a web site, and ongoing costs of maintenance during the current and non-current parts has been based on the expected operating phase are considered to be expenses. Costs incurred in pattern of usage of staff leave entitlements. The calculation of building or enhancing a web site, to the extent that they represent Long Service Leave includes the related on-costs of payroll tax, probable future economic benefits controlled by the Department workcover and superannuation contributions. that can be reliably measured, are capitalised as an asset and (iii) Superannuation amortised over the period of the expected benefits. The amount charged to the statement of financial performance in (U) Inventories respect of superannuation represents the contributions made by the Department to the superannuation fund. Stores, work in progress and finished goods are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first-in, first- The Department of Human Services, in respect to former employees out principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the of the Director of Housing, is required to pay into the Consolidated inventories and bringing them to their existing condition. Fund an amount to cover the Government's contribution to the Government Superannuation Office for the shortfall of (V) Capital asset charge superannuation benefits paid to staff who retired or resigned on or The capital asset charge is imposed by the Department of Treasury before 14 December 1987 or were employed by the Director of and Finance and represents the opportunity cost of capital invested Housing as at 14 December 1987 and retired or resigned prior to or in the non-current physical assets used in the provision of outputs. on 30 June 1994. The present value of the unfunded liability that The charge is calculated on the carrying amount of non-current relates to the Director of Housing's obligation as calculated by the physical assets (excluding heritage assets) of budget sector entities. Government appointed Actuary, which is included in the Statement of Financial Position of the Department is $63.2 million. (W) Resources provided and received free of charge

The Department of Human Services has no liability to fund the emerging Contributions of resources and resources provided free of charge are costs (that is, pension costs) of existing and new staff. The accrual costs recognised at their fair value. Contributions in the form of services of existing staff are being paid on an ongoing basis and there is no exit are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined cost obligation for new staff. The State's policy is that the Department and the services would have been purchased if not donated. of Treasury and Finance assumes the liability for existing employees and therefore the Department does not report a liability in relation to existing staff in the Statement of Financial Position. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 116

116 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 2. OUTPUT GROUPS OF THE DEPARTMENT Output Group 6: DisAbility Services

Output Group 1: Acute Health Services Description of Output Group Provision of continuing care and support services for people with Description of Output Group disabilities, their carers and their families.

Acute and sub-acute hospital inpatient, ambulatory and emergency Outcome expected services; community-based services which substitute for hospital care. Access to high quality services that advance the development and Outcome expected promote the dignity of people with intellectual, physical and/or sensory disabilities. Enhanced health outcomes by purchasing high quality acute and sub- acute health services which are accessible and relevant to individual and Output Group 7: Community Care community needs. Output Group 2: Ambulance Services Description of Output Group Purchase or provision of preschool and child care services, a range of Description of Output Group primary and secondary services which support the role of families as primary carers, early intervention services for individuals and families Emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and clinical training facing personal or financial crisis, protective services for children at risk, of ambulance paramedics. and juvenile justice services. Outcome expected Outcome expected Access to high quality, responsive and efficient patient treatment and Access to services that support members of the community at critical life transport services. stages, particularly families and young people and promote their health Output Group 3: Aged Care and Primary Health and well-being and develop their capacity to function independently. Output Group 8: Concessions to Pensioners and Beneficiaries Description of Output Group

A range of in-home, community-based, in-patient, specialist geriatric, Description of Output Group palliative care services and community health services, dental services Development and coordination of the delivery of concessions and relief to aged care persons and other eligible Victorians. grants to eligible consumers and concession card holders. Outcome expected Outcome expected Provision of high quality responsive health care and community support Access to affordable basic services for pensioners and low income groups. to aged persons and other eligible Victorians. Output Group 9: Aboriginal Services Output Group 4: Mental Health Services

Effective from July 1 2000 Aboriginal Services were transferred to the Description of Output Group Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The description Purchase of services for people with a mental illness and provision of below refers to the 1999/2000 objectives of this group. residential rehabilitation and community support to people with a serious Description of Output Group mental illness. To implement policies, programs and services which meet the needs of Outcome expected Victoria's Aboriginal communities and promote their self-management. Access to high quality services at the community level which are Output Group 10: Housing Assistance accessible and responsive to the needs of people with a mental illness. Output Group 5: Public Health Services Description of Output Group

Provision of homelessness services and adequate, affordable and Description of Output Group accessible short term emergency and transitional housing, and longer term Provision of purchased and direct population and client health services needs-based housing assistance, targeted to greatest need, delivered cost- aimed at promoting good health, researching and informing the effectively and coordinated with support services where required. underlying causes of ill-health, detecting and responding to major health Outcome expected threats, controlling health hazards by licensing regulation and codes of practice and providing quality advice on policy matters. Responding to homelessness, and increasing the stock of crisis accommodation; renewing and redeveloping social housing; and Outcome expected expanding the supply of public and community managed housing on Promote and protect the health and well being of all Victorians, by a needs basis. providing leadership, support and services, in partnership with key stakeholders and the community. 4254 AR.fa30/10/0112:47Page117

NOTE 2. OUTPUT GROUP SCHEDULE – REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2001 (CONTINUED) Notes toandformingpartoftheFinancialStatementsat30June2001

Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Other * Total Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 Group 9 Group 10 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Revenue

Annual appropriations 2,985,459 112,990 543,115 516,109 243,191 618,673 514,983 259,766 - 407,421 - 6,201,707 Special appropriations 724,133 31,179 197,617 - 265 65,077 - - - - - 1,018,271 Funds from other authorities 2,236 - - 395 20,095 1,743 16,182 - - 349 (349) 40,651 Resources received free of charge 540 ------723 (493) 770 Net rent receivable ------252,896 - 252,896 User charges – rental properties ------4,494 - 4,494 Interest income 15 1 23 7 8 16 35 - - 33,950 - 34,055 Revenue from the disposal of non current assets ------50,486 - 50,486 Other revenue 37,550 - 348 4,254 - 75 216 - - 15,042 - 57,485 Net revenues from change in administrative arrangements ------191 - - 191 Total Revenue 3,749,933 144,170 741,103 520,765 263,559 685,584 531,416 259,766 191 765,361 (842) 7,661,006

Expenses

Employee benefits 29,133 1,211 29,448 11,329 27,114 256,618 143,394 825 - 42,384 - 541,456 Supplies and services 85,629 1,596 13,038 10,773 40,448 51,827 50,394 890 - 29,853 - 284,448 Financing – Housing debt assumption costs ------Grants and other payments to services providers 3,479,659 129,496 679,893 458,501 182,507 350,076 319,732 258,020 - 105,246 1,069 5,964,199 Capital asset charge 210,998 7,035 18,149 35,361 1,896 14,725 9,719 8 - 6 - 297,897 Depreciation and amortisation 2,466 28 1,697 1,677 1,185 6,706 4,976 34 - 93,107 - 111,876 Rental operating costs ------175,436 - 175,436 Home finance operating costs ------2,017 - 2,017 Resources provided free of charge - - 4,231 3,654 - 592 8,275 - - - (493) 16,259 Cost on disposal of non current assets - 3,400 - - - - 1,128 - - 46,718 - 51,246 Other expenses - 740 - - - - (387) - - 1,608 - 1,961 Total Expenses 3,807,885 143,506 746,456 521,295 253,150 680,544 537,231 259,777 - 496,375 576 7,446,795

Output Operating Result (57,952) 664 (5,353) (530) 10,409 5,040 (5,815) (11) 191 268,986 (1,418) 214,211

Net increase in asset revaluation reserve 225 8 1,699 7,976 231 4,476 1,206 5 - 719,484 - 735,310 Accounting adjustments and transitional adjustment ------

Total revenues, expenses and revaluation 117 adjustments recognised directly in equity 225 8 1,699 7,976 231 4,476 1,206 5 - 719,484 - 735,310 2000-01 AnnualReport Total changes in equity other than those resulting from contributions of Victorian State Government as owner (57,727) 672 (3,654) 7,446 10,640 9,516 (4,609) (6) 191 988,470 (1,418) 949,521

* Output group results are reported at gross value with elimination of transactions between output groups reported in this column 4254 AR.fa30/10/0112:47Page118 118 2000-01 AnnualReport NOTE 2. OUTPUT GROUP SCHEDULE – REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2001 (continued) Notes toandformingpartoftheFinancialStatementsat30June2001

Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Other * Total Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 Group 9 Group 10 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Revenue

Annual appropriations 2,168,032 80,873 620,183 465,090 181,421 546,903 514,267 252,217 9,901 307,588 - 5,146,475 Special appropriations 874,029 36,211 236,319 - - 60,607 - - - - - 1,207,166 Funds from other authorities 1,979 - 18,211 199 1,684 - 10,891 - - 150 (150) 32,964 Resources received free of charge 694 3,696 423 314 - 99 8,086 - 30 - (171) 13,171 Net rent receivable ------243,926 - 243,926 User charges – rental properties ------4,642 - 4,642 Interest income 15 1 38 6 4 14 29 1 - 31,973 - 32,081 Revenue from the disposal of non current assets 23 - 20 11 17 157 208 1 3 64,353 - 64,793 Other revenue 28,929 4 171 - - 2,653 214 - - 4,910 - 36,881 Net revenues from change in administrative arrangements ------Total Revenue 3,073,701 120,785 875,365 465,620 183,126 610,433 533,695 252,219 9,934 657,542 (321) 6,782,099

Expenses

Employee benefits 22,221 1,377 24,049 12,671 21,762 227,101 133,472 816 3,328 40,931 - 487,728 Supplies and services 23,848 702 13,805 8,130 13,349 55,901 50,900 795 1,661 25,193 - 194,284 Financing – Housing debt assumption costs ------11,500 - 11,500 Grants and other payments to services providers 2,797,000 114,909 798,383 405,893 137,044 293,297 330,553 250,562 4,452 32,636 1,126 5,165,855 Capital asset charge 179,222 5,190 33,939 32,849 794 11,870 6,642 4 38 - - 270,548 Depreciation and amortisation 2,021 42 1,251 1,766 768 5,391 4,385 29 162 82,574 - 98,389 Rental operating costs ------153,190 - 153,190 Home finance operating costs ------731 - 731 Resources provided free of charge - - - 54,357 - - - - - 171 (171) 54,357 Cost on disposal of non current assets 122 5 145 90 112 901 1,171 5 34 60,054 1 62,640 Other expenses 3,061 - (685) 32,690 13 2,476 (6,662) - - 18,326 - 49,219 Total Expenses 3,027,495 122,225 870,887 548,446 173,842 596,937 520,461 252,211 9,675 425,306 956 6,548,441

Output Operating Result 46,206 (1,440) 4,478 (82,826) 9,284 13,496 13,234 8 259 232,236 (1,277) 233,658

Net increase in asset revaluation reserve 3,120 - 31 37,690 13 22,203 4,587 - - 324,186 - 391,830 Accounting adjustments and transitional adjustment - - - - - (1,045) (412) - - - - (1,457) Total revenues, expenses and revaluation adjustments recognised directly in equity 3,120 - 31 37,690 13 21,158 4,175 - - 324,186 - 390,373

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from contributions of Victorian State Government as owner 43,086 (1,440) 4,509 (45,136) 9,297 34,654 17,409 8 259 556,422 (1,277) 624,031

* Output group results are reported at gross value with elimination of transactions between output groups reported in this column 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 119

119 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

NOTE 3. REVENUE

(a) Revenue from Government Output Appropriation 4(a) 6,118,598 5,080,636 Additions to net asset base 4(a) 83,109 65,839 Special appropriations 4(a) 1,018,271 1,207,166 Total Revenue from Government Appropriations 7,219,978 6,353,641 (b) Funds from other authorities Dept. of Premier and Cabinet - Provision of services (Community Support Program) 40,546 32,964 Other authorities 105 - Total Revenue from Other Authorities 40,651 32,964 Total Revenue from Government 7,260,629 6,386,605

Revenue from Other Parties

(c) Resources received free of charge Department of Treasury and Finance Supplies and services - 11 Assets - 484 Other Assets received free of charge 770 12,676 Total Resources Received Free of Charge 770 13,171

(d) Net rent receivable Rental income raised 495,522 467,887 Rents not received through vacancy (7,290) (8,155) Rental rebates (234,635) (216,010) Rental subsidies - welfare organizations (4,481) (4,234) Shared home ownership scheme - rent raised 3,780 4,438 Total Net Rent Receivable 252,896 243,926

(e) User charges - rental properties Central heating/hot water charges 3,232 3,279 Parking bays 111 126 Bulk water usage 1,151 1,237 Total User Charges - Rental Properties 4,494 4,642

(f) Interest Income Interest on loans: - Fixed interest home loans 9,886 11,722 - Indexed interest home loans 7,736 9,683 - Variable interest home loans 6,232 4,532 Other 1,617 1,474 Interest on short term deposits 8,479 4,547 Other miscellaneous interest income 105 123 Total Interest Income 34,055 32,081

(g) Revenues from disposal of non-current assets 10 50,486 64,793

(h) Other revenue State trust accounts 952 967 Interstate patients 33,832 26,601 Other 22,701 9,313 Total Other Income 57,485 36,881

(i) Net revenues from change in administrative arrangements 9 191 -

Total Operating Revenue 7,661,006 6,782,099 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 120

120 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001 ------455 455 455 $'000 $'000 28,392 11,836 40,683 ariance ariance osed as V V 833 562 1,661 9,094 9,514 $'000 $'000 94,635 83,109 593,650 308,322 Applied Applied 1,018,271 1,018,271 6,118,598 7,219,978 Appropriation Appropriation 833 otal otal T T 1,661 9,094 1,017 9,514 $'000 $'000 94,635 593,650 111,501 308,322 1,018,726 1,018,726 6,130,434 7,260,661 Authority Parliamentary - - (39) 833 9,094 1,017 1,135 5,314 $'000 $'000 30,250 34,600 39,226 (8,378) 34,600 Additional Section 35 - - - - 1,700 4,200 $'000 $'000 22,407 93,500 32,300 54,707 563,400 979,500 316,700 Budget Section 32 - - $'000 10,089 (10,089) olunteers program; Section 30 - orkCover premiums; ear of V 4,031 $'000 842,060 846,091 Financial Management Act 1994 Section 29 - - licy changes to W 1,017 1,017 $'000 d the International Y Section 10 lays and reviews of project directions. hese projects and services include capital in the non-government sector information technology initiatives . - - which the Department has no discretion. . In accordance with accrual output-based management procedures 'Provision for outputs' and 'additions to net assets' are discl $'000 218,659 218,659 Section 3(2) - from $'000 38,209 154,914 116,705 Payments Advance to reasurer and Reallocations T Appropriation Act $'000 40,374 979,500 Annual 5,950,673 4,930,799 Appropriation otal Parliamentary Authority Y OF COMPLIANCE

eterans' Affairs to SUMMAR provide equity injections to various Metropolitan Health Services improve their liquidity positions; fund programs and projects carried over from 1999-2000; enable the Department to implement initiatives including tobacco reform, participation in National Depression Initiative an meet the cost of variations to salaries and conditions health community services workers impact Government po provide for hospital services veterans. Appropriation for Provision of Outputs Appropriation for Additions to the Net Asset Base (c) (d) The State Government to (a) (b) (e) (a) The variance is due to delays in the implementation of projects and new services because logistical or contractual issues. T (b) The variance reflects fluctuations in the cash flow of various asset investment projects because planning and contracting de ariance of Appropriation Applied against T ariances of Appropriation Against Original Budget

o be read in conjunction with the Summary of Compliance Annual Parliamentary Appropriations) otal otal Special Appropriations attersalls Consultation Act No. 6390 Club Keno Act No. 56 of 1993 - Section 7(5) Gaming Machine Control Act No. 53 of 1991 - Section 137 and 138 (ii) V Gaming Machine Control Act No. 53 of 1991 - Section 135B Appropriation of Commonwealth Grants - Financial Management Act 1994, Section 10 NOTE 4. (a) Summary of compliance with annual parliamentary appropriations 2000/2001 The following table discloses the details of various parliamentary appropriations received by Department for year T T (i) V The additional allocations received in 2000-2001 reflect mainly the provision of funds by: 'controlled' activities of the Department. Administered transactions are those that undertaken on behalf State over Gaming and Betting Act 1994 - Section 48 T Casino Control Act No. 47 of 1991 - Section 114 Casino Control Act No. 47 of 1991 - Section 114B Special appropriations Provision of outputs Additions to net assets (b) Summary of compliance with special appropriations Special Appropriations (T The Department of V 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 121

121 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001 - - - - - 3,792 3,792 3,792 $'000 $'000 60,476 22,829 33,855 ariance ariance sed as V V 7,912 2,252 1,886 $'000 $'000 65,839 338,182 722,920 134,014 Applied Applied 6,350,158 1,207,166 1,207,166 5,077,153 Appropriation Appropriation otal otal T T 7,912 2,252 5,678 $'000 $'000 88,668 338,182 722,920 134,014 6,410,634 1,210,958 1,210,958 5,111,008 Authority Parliamentary - - 82 212 (148) (786) 5,678 2,780 2,780 $'000 $'000 62,420 67,458 Additional Section 35 - - - - - 7,700 2,400 $'000 $'000 660,500 338,100 134,800 Budget 1,143,500 Section 32 - - $'000 16,700 (16,700) Section 30 - 441 $'000 775,143 774,702 Financial Management Act 1994 Section 29 - - 5,678 5,678 $'000 Section 10 - - which the Department has no discretion. . In accordance with accrual output-based management procedures 'Provision for outputs' and 'additions to net assets'are disclo 8,984 8,984 $'000 Section 3(2) from $'000 61,780 91,065 (4,400) 148,445 Payments Advance to reasurer and Reallocations T Appropriation Act $'000 73,147 Annual 5,469,604 1,143,500 4,252,957 Appropriation ) continued Y OF COMPLIANCE ( otal otal Special Appropriations attersalls Consultation Act No. 6390 Casino Control Act No. 47 of 1991 - Section 114 Club Keno Act No. 56 of 1993 - Section 7(5) Gaming Machine Control Act No. 53 of 1991 - Section 137 and 138 Appropriation of Commonwealth Grants - Financial Management Act 1994, Section 10 T (b) Summary of compliance with special appropriations Special Appropriations NOTE 4. SUMMAR (a) Summary of compliance with annual parliamentary appropriations 1999/2000 The following table discloses the details of various parliamentary appropriations received by Department for year T T 'controlled' activities of the Department. Administered transactions are those that undertaken on behalf State over Gaming and Betting Act 1994 - Section 48 Special appropriations Provision of outputs Additions to net assets 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 122

122 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 5. GRANTS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS

These expenses are funded by monies that the Department controls and relate to the purchase of health, community services and community housing services. The details of public bodies which received payments in excess of $5 million are detailed below. Health agencies including public hospitals for the provision of acute care service, aged care, mental health and community health services. Public Hospitals * 3,596,389 3,100,442 Denominational Hospitals** 328,894 266,481 Australian Red Cross Blood Service Victoria 44,213 40,484 Richmond Fellowship of Victoria 8,039 7,578 LaTrobe Community Health Service Inc 5,069 6,364 Inner South Community Health Service Inc 4,761 5,472 Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health 21,745 17,013 Sisters of Charity Health Service Limited 5,381 - Other Public Hospitals and agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 377,321 349,538

4,391,812 3,793,372 Ambulance services Ambulance Services Victoria 78,781 61,419 Rural Ambulance Victoria 45,010 46,463 Other agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 5,705 7,027

129,496 114,909 Home and Community Care Program - Local Government and other agencies Royal District Nursing Service 48,330 44,508 Uniting Church in Australia (Property Trust) 6,543 6,093 City of Kingston 5,566 4,964 Local Government and others agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 165,802 145,898

226,241 201,463 Public health services Health Promotion Foundation 25,900 24,761 Victorian Breast Screening Coordination Inc 19,300 19,006 Baker Medical Research Institute 1,093 7,148 Melbourne Health (included RMH formerly part of North Western Healthcare Network) 8,339 7,041 Victorian Cytology Service 6,582 6,448 Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria 7,710 4,276 Australian Community Support Organisation Inc 6,832 6,442 Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre Inc. 5,044 3,850 Other agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 101,707 64,514

182,507 143,486 Non Government organisations for the provision of services to people with disabilities. Spastic Society of Victoria Ltd 27,005 24,495 Yooralla Society of Victoria 24,329 17,610 Uniting Church in Australia (Property Trust) 11,933 9,878 St John of God Services Victoria 11,638 9,168 Vision Australia Foundation 7,332 6,884 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Victoria 7,619 6,679 Melbourne City Mission Inc 7,809 6,262 Paraquad Victoria 6,021 5,200 Villa Maria Society for the Blind 6,699 4,885 Karingal Inc 6,139 4,693 Golden City Support Services Inc 6,098 4,686 Win Support Services Inc 5,236 4,498 Other agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 223,286 189,485

351,144 294,423 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 123

123 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 5. GRANTS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS (CONTINUED)

Non government organisations for the provision of services to Community Care Uniting Church in Australia (Property Trust) 21,696 21,118 Anglicare Victoria 23,368 19,015 The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust 10,166 8,815 Berry Street Incorporated 13,740 11,398 MacKillop Family Services Limited 11,172 9,141 Women's & Children's Health 6,605 4,387 Other agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 232,985 204,373

319,732 278,247 Concessions to pensioners and beneficiaries Department of Infrastructure 58,665 56,572 Local Government 54,117 53,040 State Trustee Ltd 4,878 5,408 Other agencies with payments totalling less than $5 million 140,360 135,542

258,020 250,562 Supported Accommodation Assistance Program 59,563 52,305 Community housing services 45,684 32,636 Aboriginal Services - 4,452

Total Services Provided by External Agencies 5,964,199 5,165,855

2001 2000 2001 2000 * Public Hospitals $000's $000's * Public Hospitals (continued) $000's $000's Southern Health 428,867 - Portland & District Hospital 13,326 10,956 Melbourne Health 352,770 - Mt Alexander Hospital 12,130 10,361 Bayside Health 322,706 - Gippsland Southern Health Service 12,145 10,166 Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre 308,399 244,830 Alpine Health 11,316 8,875 Eastern Health 267,710 - Benalla & District Memorial Hospital 10,664 9,837 Women's & Children's Health Care Network 236,585 205,051 West Wimmera Health Service 9,986 9,256 Western Health 209,595 - Maryborough District Health Service 9,918 8,243 Barwon Health 167,873 143,239 Djerriwarrh Health Services 9,202 8,104 Peninsula Health Care Network 161,991 141,181 East Grampians Health Service 9,076 8,056 Ballarat Health Services 117,139 97,717 Stawell District Hospital 8,450 7,331 Northern Health 110,991 - Beechworth Hospital 7,866 5,631 Bendigo Health Care Group 104,371 87,711 Kyabram & District Memorial Community Hospital 7,284 6,648 Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute 68,669 - Western Highlands Health Service 6,961 5,095 Dental Health Services Victoria 63,276 59,438 East Wimmera Health Service 6,636 6,277 Goulburn Valley Health. 60,159 55,424 Seymour District Memorial Hospital 5,786 4,852 South West Healthcare 53,138 46,016 Yarrawonga District Health Service 5,359 4,079 La Trobe Regional Hospital 51,344 15,878 Rural Northwest Health 5,305 4,142 Wangaratta District Base Hospital 50,583 41,689 Kooweerup Regional Health Services 5,141 5,436 Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital 38,701 - Heywood & District Memorial Hospital 5,081 1,240 Wodonga Regional Health Service 34,660 30,672 North Western Health Care Network - 607,320 Mildura Base Hospital 30,681 34,525 Inner & Eastern Health Care Network - 593,579 Central Gippsland Health Service 30,206 26,127 Southern Health Care Network - 390,368 Wimmera Health Care Group 29,062 22,848 3,596,389 3,100,442 West Gippsland Health Care Group 28,103 25,230 Bairnsdale Regional Health Service 22,561 19,814 2001 2000 Western District Health Service 22,101 22,601 ** Denominational Hospitals $000's $000's Echuca Regional Health 17,445 14,508 St Vincents Hospital 205,879 164,551 Swan Hill District Hospital 17,202 14,799 Mercy Hospital 99,000 80,062 Colac Community Health Service 14,379 11,417 Bethlehem 14,074 12,247 Wonthaggi & District Hospital 13,490 13,875 Caritas Christi Hospice 9,941 9,621 328,894 266,481 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 124

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 6. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION

Rental properties 88,044 78,416 Regional offices 391 553 Health and community services properties 6,168 5,234 Plant and equipment 11,714 9,906 Intangible assets 4,591 3,312 Finance lease assets 968 968 Total Depreciation and Amortisation 111,876 98,389

NOTE 7. RENTAL OPERATING COSTS

Rates to local authorities 46,500 43,910 Maintenance 82,090 65,690 Rental property lease expenses 5,042 5,609 Tenant utilities and other expenses 41,804 37,981 Total Rental Operating Costs 175,436 153,190

NOTE 8. RESOURCES PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE

Department of Treasury and Finance Land and buildings 8,000 23,150 External Agencies Land and buildings 8,259 31,207 Total Resources Provided Free of Charge 16,259 54,357

NOTE 9. RESTRUCTURING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

In respect of the activities relinquished, the following assets and liabilities were recognised:

Output - - Assets 434 - Liabilities (625) - Total (191) -

The assets and liabilities detailed above relate to the transfer of administrative functions of Aboriginal Affairs, to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment effective from 1 July 2000.

There were no changes in administrative arrangements brought to account for 1999/2000 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 125

125 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 10. NET REVENUES FROM DISPOSAL OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Revenues from Disposal of Non-Current Assets Sale of land via Urban Land Corporation 4 1,537 Sale of land 7,067 9,646 Sale of houses 30,269 42,145 Shared home ownership scheme – sale income 11,373 10,011 Special housing land sales proceeds 1,773 1,013 Sale of miscellaneous assets - 441

Total Revenues from Disposal of Non-Current Assets 50,486 64,793

Less Value of Non-Current Asset Disposed Urban Land Corporation land sales - 1,217 Land 7,124 9,490 Houses 27,675 38,692 Shared home ownership scheme – cost of sales 10,336 9,226 Special housing cost of land sold 1,553 965 Miscellaneous assets 4,558 3,050

Total Value of Non-Current Assets on Disposal 51,246 62,640

Net Revenues/(Costs) from Disposal of Non-Current Assets (760) 2,153

NOTE 11. CASH ASSETS

Short term deposits 71,753 66,508 Banks 255 1,574 Trust accounts 10,716 5,039 Cash advances to sub-offices 1,265 836

Total Cash and Short Term Deposits 83,989 73,957

Bank * (18,465) (15,470)

Net Cash and Short Term Deposits 65,524 58,487

The above figures are reconciled to cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the statement of cash flows.

* The Bank liability does not represent a bank overdraft facility. This liability is a ledger timing issue representing unpresented cheques associated with governmental funding arrangements.

Short-term deposits are bearing a floating interest rate between 4.90% & 5.04% (99/00 - 5.70%) 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 126

126 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

NOTE 12. RECEIVABLES

Receivables -– Current Tenants in arrears 8,525 6,482 Urban Land Corporation - 2,013 Amounts owing from Victorian Government 115,497 214,967 GST recoverable from Australian Tax Office 92,514 78 Others 92,764 78,209

Less Provision for Doubtful Debts 21 Tenants in arrears (5,728) (4,240) Others (119) (174)

Net Receivables – Current 303,453 297,335

Receivables – Non Current Tenants in arrears 2,063 2,018 Amounts owing from Victorian Government 173,002 50,034 Others 8,134 30

Less Provision for Doubtful Debts 21 Tenants in arrears (1,296) (1,230) Others - -

Net Receivables - Non Current 181,903 50,852

Total Net Receivables 485,356 348,187

Aggregate carrying amount of receivables Current 303,453 297,335 Non-current 181,903 50,852

Total Net Receivables 485,356 348,187 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 127

127 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 NOTE $’000 $’000

NOTE 13. LOANS

Loans - Current Fixed interest home loans 29,668 36,497 Indexed interest home loans 22,645 28,622 Variable interest home loans 10,791 13,710 Other loans 42 45

Net Loans – Current 63,146 78,874

Loans – Non Current Fixed interest home loans 94,542 124,268 Indexed interest home loans 125,954 146,476 Variable interest home loans 39,529 50,830 Community housing loans 20,203 20,203 Other loans 384 427

Less Provision for Return of Equity (1,145) (1,493)

Less Provision for Doubtful Debts 21 Fixed interest home loans (1,099) (1,034) Indexed interest home loans (4,728) (5,677) Variable interest home loans (313) (579) Other loans (5) (5)

Net Loans – Non Current 273,322 333,416

Total Net Loans 336,468 412,290

Net Loans Current 63,146 78,874 Non-current 273,322 333,416

Total Net Loans 336,468 412,290 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 128

128 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 14. PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Rental Properties Land and dwellings at cost 334,706 293,738 Land and dwellings at valuation 7,255,284 6,365,252 Work-in-progress 166,524 164,334 Accumulated depreciation on buildings (87,493) (78,017) Provision for shared home ownership scheme equity conversion (4,432) (4,067)

Total Rental Properties 7,664,589 6,741,240

Other Properties

Land Vacant land at cost 20,745 16,461 Vacant land at valuation 83,222 63,814 Home finance - special housing land at cost 4,355 3,885

Total Land 108,322 84,160

Regional offices Regional offices at valuation 7,445 5,134 Leasehold improvements 10,795 10,795 Accumulated depreciation (3,493) (3,215)

Total Regional Offices 14,747 12,714

Health and Community Services (HACS) Land at cost 27,997 22,511 Land at valuation 138,631 123,983 Buildings at cost 64,786 74,674 Buildings at valuation 150,589 126,494 Leasehold improvements 10,192 9,648 Work-in-progress 34,448 20,423 Accumulated depreciation (12,797) (11,476)

Total Health and Community Services 413,846 366,257

Properties for disposal 12,200 23,600

Total Other Properties 549,115 486,731

Plant and Equipment Plant, furniture and equipment at cost 63,132 120,870 Plant, furniture and equipment at valuation 10,768 - Motor vehicles 3,672 2,886 Accumulated depreciation (21,029) (80,150)

Sub Total Plant and Equipment 56,543 43,606

Finance lease assets - 12,588 Accumulated amortisation finance lease assets - (1,856) Sub Total Financial Lease Assets - 10,732

Total Written Down Value of Property, Plant and Equipment 8,270,247 7,282,309 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 129

129 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001 - - - otal (434) T $’000 (80,507) (97,038) (41,015) (99,551) (15,489) 486,633 457,779 360,937 726,491 (112,225) 7,282,309 7,282,309 8,270,247 6,684,666 Plant and Properties Equipment ------(967) (968) $’000 (9,764) 10,732 10,732 11,699 Assets Leased Finance - - - - - 962 (590) (434) $’000 1,710 (2,634) 27,922 17,314 43,606 43,606 56,543 42,026 (14,062) (15,671) Plant and Equipment ------for $’000 23,600 23,600 12,200 36,014 (11,400) (12,414) Disposal Properties - - - - $’000 Other (4,330) (5,234) (6,168) HACS 61,874 31,550 36,751 12,421 (29,563) (36,014) (16,208) 366,257 366,257 413,846 368,767 Properties ------489 (560) (171) (673) $’000 2,217 Other 12,714 12,714 14,747 13,445 Offices Regional Properties ------605 Land $’000 3,515 4,528 Other (6,788) (9,630) 84,160 84,160 83,122 25,817 18,531 (11,378) 108,322 Properties - - - 230 (605) $’000 11,378 Rental (64,166) (67,683) (79,117) (88,745) 371,020 390,384 320,671 705,615 6,741,240 7,664,589 6,741,240 6,165,607 Properties ) continued , plant and equipment ransfers between classes ransfers between classes Disposals Disposals NOTE 14. PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ( Reconciliations Reconciliations of the carrying amounts each class property at the beginning and end of current previous financial year are set out below 2001 Carrying amount at start of year Additions Carrying amount at end of year Carrying amount at end of year 2000 Carrying amount at start of year Additions Capital net additions through restructuring Capital net additions through restructuring Depreciation, amortisation and provisions Net transfers free of charge T Net revaluation increments/(decrements) Net transfers free of charge Depreciation, amortisation and provisions Revaluation increments ( note 20) T 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 130

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Software at Cost 5,468 23,786 Software at Valuation 19,567 - Less: accumulated amortisation - (7,183)

25,035 16,603

Reconciliation of movements Carrying amount at start of year 16,603 11,527 Expenditure capitalised during the year 5,468 9,232 Revaluation increments (note 20) 8,819 - Depreciation for the year (5,855) (4,156)

Carrying amount at end of year 25,035 16,603

NOTE 16. PAYABLES

Payables - Current Employee benefits 8,153 5,582 Supplies and services 14,489 11,392 Services provided by external agencies 82,507 48,075 Concessional payments to pensioners etc. 10,665 19,206 Tenants in advance 7,752 8,042 Capital works 21,935 14,379 Other 16,216 21,613

Total Payables - Current 161,717 128,289

Payables - Non Current Services provided by external agencies 66,295 26,600 Other 8,948 873

Total Payables - Non Current 75,243 27,473

Total Payables 236,960 155,762

Payable Current liability 161,717 128,289 Non-current liability 75,243 27,473

Total Payables 236,960 155,762 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 131

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 17. PROVISIONS

Current Provisions Salaries and wages accrued 1,188 14,919 Annual leave 31,911 29,057 Long service leave 8,272 8,805 Superannuation 7,800 8,300 Forecast insurance loss provision 6,220 -

Total Current Provisions 55,391 61,081

Non Current Provisions Long service leave 80,139 73,640 Superannuation 55,381 75,008 Forecast insurance loss provision 58,880 -

Total Non Current Provisions 194,400 148,648

Total Provisions 249,791 209,729

Provisions Current liability 55,391 61,081 Non-current liability 194,400 148,648

Total Provisions 249,791 209,729

NOTE 18. FINANCE LEASES

Commitments under finance leases at the reporting date are payable as follows: Current - 1,789 Non-current - 8,481

Total Finance Leases - 10,270

Not later than one year - 1,789 Later than one year and not later than 5 years - 5,478 Later than 5 years - 3,003

Minimum Lease Payments - 10,270 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 132

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 19. ADVANCES

State Government interest free advance 307,337 304,730

Total Advances 307,337 304,730

Repayable Within one year 149,126 63,579

Total current liabilities 149,126 63,579

Later than one year and not later than 5 years 158,211 241,151

Total non-current liabilities 158,211 241,151

NOTE 20. EQUITY

Asset Revaluation Reserve

Opening Balance 2,588,261 2,196,431 Change in asset revaluation reserve 735,310 391,830

Closing Balance 3,323,571 2,588,261

Accumulated Surplus

Opening Balance 4,857,182 4,624,981 Change in net assets from operations 214,211 233,658 Accounting adjustment for administered items - (1,717) Transitional adjustments - 260

Closing Balance 5,071,393 4,857,182

Total Equity

Opening Balance 7,445,443 6,821,412 Total changes in equity recognised in the statement of financial performance 949,521 625,488 Accounting adjustment for administered items - (1,717) Transitional adjustments - 260

Closing Balance 8,394,964 7,445,443 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 133

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 21. PROVISIONS FOR DOUBTFUL DEBTS

Opening Add Bad Less Bad Add Increase/ Closing Balance Debts Debts Written (Decrease) in Balance 2000 Recovered Off Provisions 2001 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Debtors Tenants in arrears 5,470 401 3,189 4,342 7,024 Others 174 - 66 11 119

5,644 401 3,255 4,353 7,143

Loans Fixed interest home loans 1,034 6 39 98 1,099 Indexed interest home loans 5,677 33 527 (455) 4,728 Variable interest home loans 579 - 36 (230) 313 Other loans 5 - - - 5

7,295 39 602 (587) 6,145 Total 12,939 440 3,857 3,766 13,288 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 134

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Department's accounting policies and terms and conditions for its financial instruments are contained in Note 1 (J). The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities contained within these financial statements is representative of the Net Fair Value of each financial asset or liability.

Weighted Variable Fixed Interest Rate Non- Total Average Interest 1 year Over 1 year More than Interest Financial Instruments at 30 June 2001 Interest Rate Rate or less to 5 years 5 years Bearing (%) $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial Assets

Cash at bank, trust funds and deposits 0.4% 1,520 - - - 10,716 12,236 Short term deposits 4.9% 44,553 27,200 - - - 71,753 Receivables - Tenants in arrears 0.0% - - - - 3,564 3,564 Amounts owing - Victorian Government 0.0% - - - - 288,499 288,499 Receivables - Other 0.0% - - - - 193,293 193,293 Loans-Fixed 6.2% 26,053 25,979 45,495 23,852 1,526 122,905 Loans-Indexed 4.8% 138,844 - - - 4,125 142,969 Loans-Variable 6.4% 49,679 - - - 291 49,970 Loans - Community housing loans 0.0% 19,266 - 937 - - 20,203 Loans - Other loans 0.0% - 10 - - 411 421 Total Financial Assets 2.3% 279,915 53,189 46,432 23,852 502,425 905,813

Financial Liabilities

Bank 0.0% - - - - 18,465 18,465 Advances 0.0% - - - - 307,337 307,337 Finance leases 0.0% ------Tenants in advance 0.0% - - - - 7,752 7,752 Creditors and accruals 0.0% - - - - 229,208 229,208 Total Financial Liabilities 0.0% - - - - 562,762 562,762

Weighted Variable Fixed Interest Rate Non- Total Average Interest 1 year Over 1 year More than Interest Financial Instruments at 30 June 2000 Interest Rate Rate or less to 5 years 5 years Bearing (%) $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial Assets

Cash at bank, trust funds and deposits 1.4% 2,410 - - - 5,039 7,449 Short term deposits 5.7% 54,008 - - - 12,500 66,508 Receivables - Tenants in arrears 0.0% - - - - 3,030 3,030 Receivables - U.L.C. 0.0% - - - - 2,013 2,013 Amounts owing - Victorian Government 0.0% - - - - 265,001 265,001 Receivables - Other 0.0% - - - - 78,143 78,143 Loans-Fixed 6.1% 31,596 38,866 59,202 29,436 631 159,731 Loans-Indexed 3.2% 166,015 - - - 1,963 167,978 Loans-Variable 7.1% 63,593 - - - 318 63,911 Loans - Community housing loans 0.0% 16,014 - 4,189 - - 20,203 Loans - Other loans 0.0% - - 24 - 443 467 Total Financial Assets 2.9% 333,636 38,866 63,415 29,436 369,081 834,434

Financial Liabilities

Bank 0.0% - - - - 15,470 15,470 Advances 0.0% - - - - 304,730 304,730 Finance leases 0.0% - - - - 10,270 10,270 Tenants in advance 0.0% - - - - 8,042 8,042 Creditors and accruals 0.0% - - - - 147,720 147,720 Total Financial Liabilities 0.0% - - - - 486,232 486,232

The Department's maximum exposure to credit risk as at 30 June 2000 and 2001 in relation to each class of recognised financial asset is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Statement of Financial Position. The Department's credit risk is minimised in relation to receivables of Tenants in arrears, U.L.C., and other due to transacting with large numbers of individuals or companies mainly within Victoria. The credit risk of the Department in regard to loans is minimized by obtaining sufficient security over properties as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 135

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 23. DISCLOSURES RELATING TO MINISTERS AND ACCOUNTABLE OFFICERS

In accordance with the Directions of the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994 the following disclosures are made for the Responsible Ministers and the Accountable Officers. (a) Persons who held the above positions in relation to the Department at any time during the reporting period are:

Responsible Ministers

The Hon. John Thwaites MLA 1/7/2000 to 30/6/2001 Minister for Health The Hon. Christine Campbell MLA 1/7/2000 to 30/6/2001 Minister for Community Services The Hon. Bronwyn Pike MLA 1/7/2000 to 30/6/2001 Minister for Housing, and Minister for Aged Care, and Minister assisting the Minister for Health Accountable Officers

Warren McCann 1/7/2000 to 31/7/2000 Secretary, Department of Human Services Patricia Faulkner 21/8/2000 to 30/6/2001 Secretary, Department of Human Services Shane Solomon 27/12/2000 to 6/1/2001 Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services Lance Wallace 8/1/2001 to 12/1/2001 Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services Howard Ronaldson 1/7/2000 to 31/7/2000 Director of Housing under the Housing Act 1/8/2000 to 20/8/2000 Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services Jennifer Westacott 5/3/2001 to 30/6/2001 Director of Housing under the Housing Act Roger Hudson 1/8/2000 to 4/3/2001 Acting Director of Housing under the Housing Act Richard Woolaston 27/12/2000 to 2/1/2001 Acting Director of Housing under the Housing Act 15/6/2001 to 30/6/2001 Acting Director of Housing under the Housing Act

(b) Remuneration received by the Accountable Officers in connection with the management of the Department during the reporting period was in the range:

Remuneration Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2001 2000 2001 2000

$20,000 - $29,999 - - 1 - $30,000 - $39,999 - - 1 - $60,000 - $69,999 1 - 1 - $110,000 - $119,999 1 - - - $130,000 - $139,999 1 - - - $180,000 - $189,999 - - - 1 $200,000 - $209,999 - 1 - - $250,000 - $259,999 1 - 1 1 $280,000 - $289,999 - 1 - - $340,000 - $349,999 - - - -

Total 4 2 4 2

Total Remuneration $567,899 $488,319 $367,064 $434,703

New appointments were made to the positions of Secretary and Director of Housing during the reporting period. Therefore, the new and previous appointees have been reported. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments and long service leave payments, redundancy and retirement payments. Total remuneration includes long service payments, annual bonus payments and bonus payments accrued over the contract term and paid upon expiry of the contract. These bonus payments depend on the terms of individual employment contracts. The total remuneration also excludes redundancy and retirement payments. The relevant amounts relating to Ministers are reported separately in the Financial Statements of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Amounts relating to the Acting Accountable Officers are included in 'Executive Officers Remunerations'.

(c) Other related party transactions requiring disclosure under the Directions of the Minister for Finance have been considered and there are no matters to report. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 136

136 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 24. REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The number of executive officers, other than Ministers and accountable officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period is shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long service leave payments, redundancy and retirement benefits. Several factors have affected total remuneration payable to executives over the year. A number of employment contracts were completed during the year and renegotiated and a number of executives received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments depend on the terms of individual employment agreements. Some contracts provide for an annual bonus payment whereas other contracts include the payments of bonuses on successful completion of the full term of the contract. A number of these contract completion bonuses became payable during the year. The overall reduction in executive numbers and amounts from the previous year is due to the impact of the departmental senior management restructure of December 1999 on total departmental executive numbers.

Remuneration Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2001 2000 2001 2000

Under $100,000 31 29 42 47 $100,000-$109,999 16 15 21 23 $110,000-$119,999 11 17 14 18 $120,000-$129,999 19 15 20 17 $130,000-$139,999 14 17 5 16 $140,000-$149,999 8 16 9 6 $150,000-$159,999 8 8 1 7 $160,000-$169,999 3 8 3 4 $170,000-$179,999 2 5 1 - $180,000-$189,999 4 5 2 2 $190,000-$199,999 - 2 1 - $200,000-$209,999 3 1 - - $210,000-$219,999 - 1 - - $220,000-$229,999 - 1 - - $270,000-$279,999 - - - -

Total 119 140 119 140

Total Remuneration $13,649,525 $17,174,837 $12,281,271 $14,459,946

NOTE 25. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

Audit fees paid or payable to the Victorian Auditor - General's Office for the audit of the Department's financial report:

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

Paid as at 30 June 101 100 Payable as at 30 June 235 220

Total Remuneration of Auditors 336 320 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 137

137 2000-01 Annual Report

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

NOTE 26. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Details and estimates of maximum amounts of contingent liabilities are as follows:

(a) Pending clarification of the requirement for hospitals to meet superannuation payments under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation for doctors engaged on a fee for services basis, a contingent liability of $3 million as at 30 June 2001 is recognized. (b) The Department of Human Services has estimated that a potential liability of $21.2 million exists in respect of a number of legal actions instigated by clients and their representatives, employees and others, and other contractual liabilities. (c) The Director of Housing has executed indemnities to Co-operative Housing Societies incorporated under the Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958, in respect of capital indexed loans. Balances of loans outstanding at 30 June 2001 totalled $37.1 million. Advances made to the Mortgagor on any particular property do not in any instance exceed 95% of the property valuation at the time of purchase. The Mortgagor's (Co-operative Housing Society) loss covered by this indemnity is limited to the net loss incurred by the Mortgager in the event of a mortgaged property being realised to satisfy a mortgage debt. (d) By way of deed dated 12 June 1998 between the Director of Housing, the Treasurer of Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria, the Treasurer agreed to assume the borrowings of the Director of Housing as at 1 July 1997. Under the deed the Director of Housing is required to make a payment each year (as a financing cost) of an amount that is determined by the Treasurer in consultation with the Director and Minister for Housing, which does not exceed the total of principle and interest payments (scheduled repayments), in regard to the rental housing borrowings, that the Director would have been required to pay if those borrowings had been left to run their full term. The maximum payable during the next 12 months is $67.2 million.

NOTE 27. COMMITMENTS FOR FUTURE EXPENDITURE

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

(a) Capital commitments Commitments for the acquisition of land, buildings, plant & equipment contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable: Within one year 111,608 70,364 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 8,283 4,589 Later than 5 years - -

Total capital commitments 119,891 74,953

(b) Operating leases Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows: Within one year 28,976 22,716 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 78,970 70,629 Later than 5 years 6,904 2,256

Total Operating Lease Commitments not recognised in the financial statements 114,850 95,601

(c) Outsourcing commitments Commitments under contracts for operating expenditure (excluding operating lease liabilities) outstanding as at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable: Within one year 37,789 37,555 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 66,137 49,434 Later than 5 years 91,995 80,592

Total outsourcing commitments 195,921 167,581 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:47 Page 138

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 28. EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS

Employee Entitlement Liabilities Provision for employee entitlements Current (note 17) 49,171 61,081 Non-Current (note 17) 135,520 148,648

Aggregate Employee Entitlement Liability 184,691 209,729

As explained in note 1 (R) (ii) and 1 (R) (iii), the amounts for long service leave and superannuation are measured at their present values. The following assumptions were adopted in measuring present values:

(a) Long service leave

Weighted average rates of increase in annual employee entitlements to settlement of the liabilities 5.7% 4.6% Weighted average discount rates 6.0% 6.1% Weighted average terms to settlement of the liabilities 14 years 14 years

Government Employees' Superannuation Fund

The Department has no liability to fund the emerging costs (that is, pension costs) of existing and new staff and therefore does not report a liability for existing staff in the Statement of Financial Position. In line with government policy, the unfunded superannuation liability is reflected in the Financial Statements of the Department of Treasury and Finance. The Department of Human Services reports a liability for unfunded superannuation in respect of former employees of the Director of Housing for the shortfall of superannuation benefits paid to certain former housing staff (refer Note1 (R) (iii)). Superannuation contributions for existing staff for the reporting period are included as part of employee benefits in the Statement of Financial Performance of the Department of Human Services.

The name and details of the major employee superannuation funds and contributions made by the Department are as follows:

State Superannuation Fund 19,963 20,176 Victorian Superannuation Fund 18,434 11,547 Health Super Fund 280 138 Various Private Schemes 542 487 39,219 32,348

The basis for contributions are determined by the various schemes and also relate to salary sacrifice arrangements.

The increase in Victorian Superannuation Fund contributions mainly reflects the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee Levy from 7% to 8% on I July 2000, wage increase, arrears payments for sessional staff and increased staffing levels.

The above amounts were measured as at 30 June of each year, or in the case of employer contributions they relate to the years ending 30 June.

As at 30 June, the Department has accrued the following contributions outstanding to the funds:

State Superannuation Fund 63 65 Victorian Superannuation Fund 1,560 1,558 Health Super Fund 7 25 4254 AR.fa30/10/0112:47Page139

29. ADMINISTERED ITEMS Notes toandformingpartoftheFinancialStatementsat30June2001

In addition to the specific Departmental operations which are included in the statement of financial position, statement of financial performance and statement of cash flows, the Department administers or manages activities on behalf of the State. The transactions relating to these State activities are reported as administered in this note. Administered transactions give rise to revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and are determined on an accrual basis. Administered revenues include taxes, fees and fines and the proceeds from the sale of administered surplus land and buildings.

Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Output Total Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 Group 9 Group 10 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Administered Revenues and Expenses 2000 – 2001

Administered Revenues

For transfer to external parties - - - - 2,167 3 3 - - - 2,173 Miscellaneous 10,388 2 173 (412) 91 9,959 1,089 1 - 4 21,295 Commonwealth grants 1,809,192 - 178,882 5,968 64,479 95,196 4,001 40,894 - 262,502 2,461,114 Total 1,819,580 2 179,055 5,556 66,737 105,158 5,093 40,895 - 262,506 2,484,582

Administered Expenses

Transfer payments - - - - 2,167 3 3 - - - 2,173 Payments to Consolidated Fund 1,819,580 2 179,055 5,556 64,570 105,155 5,090 40,895 - 262,506 2,482,409 Total 1,819,580 2 179,055 5,556 66,737 105,158 5,093 40,895 - 262,506 2,484,582

Revenue less expenses ------

Administered Revenues and Expenses 1999 – 2000

Administered Revenues

For transfer to external parties 2,629 - - - 2,119 - 215 - - - 4,963 Miscellaneous 396 6 208 92 194 6,639 642 - 8 - 8,185 Commonwealth grants 1,431,566 - 965 15 1,066 - 336 38,603 - - 1,472,551 Total 1,434,591 6 1,173 107 3,379 6,639 1,193 38,603 8 - 1,485,699

Administered Expenses

Transfer payments 2,629 - - - 2,119 - 215 - - - 4,963 Payments to Consolidated Fund 1,431,962 6 1,173 107 1,260 6,639 978 38,603 8 - 1,480,736 Total 1,434,591 6 1,173 107 3,379 6,639 1,193 38,603 8 - 1,485,699 139

Revenue less expenses ------2000-01 AnnualReport 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 140

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Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements at 30 June 2001

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

NOTE 30. ADMINISTERED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Administered assets include Government revenues earned but yet to be collected. Administered liabilities include Government expenses incurred but yet to be paid. Administered Assets Trust funds 549 1,179 Receivables 10,161 2,251 Future service potential * 118,003 120,567 Loans 3,330 3,330

Total Administered Assets 132,043 127,327

Administered Liabilities Building redevelopment * 118,003 120,567 Amounts payable to the Consolidated Fund 10,161 909 Other 3,879 5,851

Total Administered Liabilities 132,043 127,327

* On behalf of the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Human Services administers funding provided under a Health Service Agreement for building redevelopment at St Vincent's Hospital of $118.003 Million.

NOTE 31. EXGRATIA PAYMENTS

The Department made the following ex-gratia payments: Ex-gratia payments 3 28 These ex-gratia payments were mainly to employees.

NOTE 32. RECONCILIATION OF RESULTS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net result from Ordinary Activities 214,211 233,658

Non-Cash Movements Expenditure funded by resources received free of charge - 9 Loss/(gain) on sale of non-current assets (34) (3,500) Net (Revenues) from change in administrative arrangements (191) - Depreciation, amortisation and loss on demolition of buildings 113,483 100,490 Resources received free of charge (770) (13,171) Decrease in provisions expensed 701 700 Resources provided free of charge 16,259 54,357 Revaluation decrement of Health & Community Services properties - 30,893 Increase in doubtful/bad debts expensed 3,443 2,095 (Increase)/decrease in receivables (144,945) (101,548) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 79,687 17,848 Increase/(decrease) in provisions 40,062 28,284 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (33) (32) (Increase)/decrease in other operating assets (6,913) - (Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses 1,668 (10,616)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 316,628 339,467 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 141

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142 2000-01 Annual Report 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 143

143 2000-01 Annual Report Appendices

Index of Compliance

In accordance with direction 9.1.3 (ii) (j) of the Financial Management Act 1994, the following provides an index of compliance for statutory disclosure and other requirements.

Clause Disclosure Page Report of Operations Charter and Purpose 9.1.3 (i) (a) The manner in which the entity was established and its Inside front cover relevant minister. (b) Objectives, functions, powers and duties of the entity. Inside front cover (c) The nature and range of services provided by the entity 1 including the persons or section of the community served by the entity.

Management and Structure 9.1.3 (i) (d) (i) The names of the members of the governing board, 22, 104 Audit Committee and Chief Executive Officer. (ii) The names of occupants of senior offices and a brief 104 description of the area of responsibility of each office. (iii) A chart setting out the organisational structure of the entity. 22 (e) A statement on workforce data for the current and previous 101, 102 financial year and a general statement on the application of merit and equity principles during the year. (f) A summary of the application and operation of the Freedom of 146 Information Act 1982 in relation to the entity.

Financial and Other Information 9.1.3 (ii) (a) Summary of the financial results for the year with comparative 12 results for the proceeding four financial years. (b) Summary of significant changes in financial position during 12 the year. (c) Operational and budgetary objectives of the entity for the 120–121 financial year and performance against those objectives including significant activities and achievements during the year. (d) Summary of major changes or factors that have affected the 121 achievement of the operational objectives for the year. (e) Events subsequent to balance date that may have a significant N/A effect on the operations of the entity in subsequent years. (f) For consultancies during the year costing in excess of $100,000, 148 a schedule listing the consultants engaged, particulars of the projects involved, the total fees incurred and future commitments in relation to each consultant. (g) For consultancies during the year costing less than $100,000, 149 the number and total costs of engagements.

(h) A statement on the extent of compliance with the building 150 and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 144

144 2000-01 Annual Report

Clause Disclosure Page Financial Statements

(j) A compliance index identifying the extent of compliance with 143 statutory disclosure and other requirements. (k) A statement, to the degree applicable, on the extent of progress 151 in implementation and compliance with National Competition Policy, including: (i) The requirements of the Government policy statement, 151 Competitive Neutrality: A Statement of Victorian Government Policy. (ii) The Victorian Government Timetable for the Review of Legislative 151 Restrictions on Competition. 9.2.2 (ii) (a) Be prepared on an accrual basis. 112 (b) Comply with Australian Accounting Standards, Statement of 112 Accounting Concepts SAC1, SAC2 and SAC3 and pronouncements of the Urgent Issues Group. (c) Comply with Accounting and Financial Reporting Bulletins and 112 other accounting policy papers issued by the Minister for Finance. (d) Adoption of the historical cost convention except for specified assets. 112 9.2.2 (iii) (a) Rounding of amounts 112 9.2.2 (i) (d) Notes to the Financial Statements 112–140 9.2.2 (iv) Accountable officer’s declaration. 141 9.8 Occupational Health and Safety 103 9.10 (ii) Budget Portfolio Outcomes 13–17

Statement of Financial Operations 9.2.2 (i) (a) A statement of financial performance for the year. 109 9.2.3 (ii) (a) Operating revenue by class. 119 (b) Investment income by class. 119 (c) Proceeds from material revenue arising from sale of non-current 119, 125 assets and associated expenses. (e) Depreciation, amortisation or diminution in value. 124 (f) Bad and doubtful debts. 133 (g) Financing costs. 109 (h) Net increment or decrement on revaluation recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance. 109 (i) Auditor-General’s fees. 136

Statement of Financial Position 9.2.2 (i) (b) Statement of financial position for the year. 110

Assets 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (i) Cash at bank or in hand. 125 (ii) Inventories by class. 110 (iii) Receivables, including trade debtors, loans and other debtors. 126, 127 (iv) Other assets, including prepayments. 110 (v) Investments by class. N/A (vi) Property, plant and equipment. 128 (vii) Intangible assets. 130 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 145

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Clause Disclosure Page Liabilities 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (i) Overdrafts. 125 (ii) Bank loans, bills payable, promissory notes, debentures 132 and other loans. (iii) Trade and other creditors. 130 (iv) Finance lease liabilities. 131 (v) Provisions, including employee entitlement. 131

Equity 9.2.3 (iii) (c) (i) Authorised capital. N/A (ii) Issued capital. N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (d) Reserves and transfers to and from reserves (shown separately). 132

Statement of Cash Flows 9.2.2 (i) (c) A statement of cash flows during the year. 111

Notes to the Financial Statements 9.2.3 (iv) (a) Charges against assets. N/A (b) Contingent liabilities. 137 (c) Commitments for expenditure. 137 (d) Government grants received or receivable. 119 (e) Employee superannuation funds. 138 (f) Assets received without adequate consideration. 119 9.4.2 Transaction with responsible persons and their related parties. 135 9.7.2 Motor vehicle lease commitments. 137 Further Information The directions of the Minister for Finance pursuant to the Financial Management Act 1994 require that further information about the financial year be prepared and made available to ministers, Members of Parliament and the public on request. This material is itemised below, and where it is not noted as being published in this report, is retained by the accountable officer. • A statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant officers. • Details of shares held by a senior officer as nominee, or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary. • Details of publications produced by the Department and the places where the publications can be obtained. • Details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the Department. • Details of any major external reviews carried out on the Department. • Details of major research and development activities undertaken. • Details of overseas travel including a summary of objectives and outcomes of each visit. • Details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the Department to develop community awareness of the Department and services it provides. • Details of assessment and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees. • A general statement on industrial relations within the Department and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes. • List of major committees sponsored by the Department, the purposes of each committee and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 146

146 2000-01 Annual Report

Freedom of Information

Over the past year 1,225 requests were received for access to documents under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982. Summary of Activity 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 Total of requests received 1230 1082 1225 For personal requests 1070 931 997 For non-personal records 160 151 228 Requests for internal review 32 23 32 Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 16 6 3

Of requests decided— Granted in full 366 286 344 Granted in part 496 458 432 Denied 54 53 40 Dealt with under other provisions of the FOI Act 314 285 409

OFFICERS

Principal Officer Patricia Faulkner Secretary, Department of Human Services Authorised Officer Susan Larmer Assistant Manager, Freedom of Information Freedom of Information Officers—Head Office Michelle Grech David Jenkin Stuart Atkins Sally Yeoland Dermuid McCabe Frances Pearson Regional FOI Delegates Tony Norman Barwon South West Region Geoff Houlihan Gippsland Region Graham Downs Southern Metropolitan Region John Chaplain Northern Metropolitan Region Barry Gunning Eastern Metropolitan Region Gerardine Christou Grampians Region Chris Garratt Hume Region David Mulquiney Loddon Mallee Region Colin Davey Western Metropolitan Region

REQUESTS

During 2000–01 1,225 requests were received for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. The most commonly used exemption categories were: Section Provision Times cited

33(1) Unreasonable disclosure of information relating to the personal affairs of others 394 35(1) Information received by the Department in confidence 190 33(1)(c) Disclosure or identify a confidential source of information 128 38 Documents to which secrecy provisions of enactments apply 99 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 147

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Report of Operations

REPORTING ON EXECUTIVE NUMBERS

To improve the information about executive numbers, changes have been made to how such numbers are reported by the Department. These changes are detailed below: Executive positions have been split into two segments, Ongoing and Special Projects: • Ongoing executives are those executives who are responsible for functions or outputs that are expected to be ongoing at the reporting date. • Special Projects are those executives that are employed on fixed term policy or specific tasks. These are generally time bounded and relate to a specific government policy. The enhanced disclosure of executive numbers and the reconciliation between the Report of Operations and the Financial Statements is based on the need to improve transparency and completeness of information about executive numbers. As part of the process of making more transparent executive numbers across the VPS, this reporting period is the first time the Department has included executive numbers for declared entities within the Portfolio. These entities have been determined by the Portfolio Minister based on a recommendation from the Accountable Officer of the Department.

ONGOING SPECIAL PROJECTS TOTAL Variation Variation Variation Variation Variation Variation from from from from from from previous previous Current previous previous previous Current Grand previous Male year Female year vacancies Total year Male year Female yearvacancies Total Total total

EO-1 0 -1 1 +1 1 2 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 +1 EO-2 18 -4 9 +4 4 31 +4 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 +4 EO-3 42 -2 33 -5 3 78 -4 0 0 0 0 0 0 78 -4 Total 60 -7 43 0 8 111 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 111 +1

Profile of active contracted executive employees as at 30/6/01 Note: The total number of approved executive positions is 112. Excluded is one position held by an executive on maternity leave. The position is filled temporarily by consequential assignment by a non-executive From 1 July 2000, Machinery of Government changes resulted in one executive with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria transferring from DHS to DNRE. Included are three additional executives approved by Department and Premier and Cabinet during 2000-01. Reconciliation with Executive Numbers as at 30 June 2001 (with Executive Officer's Remuneration note 24 in the Financial Statements) 2001 2000

Executives employed receiving remuneration during the reporting period 119 140 Add Accountable Officers 2 2 Vacancies 8 0 Less "Inactive executives with total remuneration over $100,000" 2 0 Separations 16 32 Total Executive Numbers as 30 June 2001 111 110

Note: The inactive executives were on maternity leave as at 30 June 2001 but received total remuneration over $100,000. SELECTED AGENCIES

ONGOING SPECIAL PROJECTS TOTAL Variation Variation Variation Variation Variation Variation from from from from from from previous previous Current previous previous previous Current Grand previous Male year Female yearvacancies Total year Male year Female year vacancies Total Total total

Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Metropolitan Ambulance Service 6 1 1 1 1 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 3 Rural Ambulance Service 4 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Infertility Treatment Authority 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 2 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Totals 16 1 6 1 1 23 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 3 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 148

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Consultancy Register

Vendor Name Title and Start Date End Date Commitment Expenditure Purpose of Consultancy Turnbull Porter Novelli Nurse recruitment 02 October 15 December $249,886 $249,886 Melbourne Pty Ltd campaign 2000 2000 Blake Dawson Waldon CSR IT Specialist 01 November 30 June 2001 $247,500 $36,727 (Ph1) 2000 Cumpston Sarjeant Pty Ltd Review of the Home 09 November 09 May 2001 $239,178 $239,178 and Community 2000 Care Programs’ resource allocation formula La Trobe University Mental Health 01 Apr 2001 25 October 02 $229,350 0 Quality Incentive Strategy: Service Responsiveness PriceWaterhouseCoopers Audit/review of 15 Jan 2001 01 Aug 2001 $200,780 $148,335 delivery arrangements of State concessions in the water industry Success Works Pty Ltd Evaluation of the 17 August 28 February $190,000 $85,500 Counselling and 2000 2001 Continuing Care Drug Treatment MA International Pty Ltd Planning for intensive 2 Jan 2001 28 February $187,550 $157,630 care services in 2001 Victoria Sach and Associates Pty Ltd Review of sub-acute 14 March 28 September $178,062 $85,000 services in Victoria 2001 2001 The Allen Consulting Benchmarking 23 November 31 August 2001 $176,440 $82,866 Group Pty Ltd trustee services 2000 KPMG Consulting Advice on impact 09 October 30 January 2001 $164,705 $131,764 Australia Pty Ltd of new technology 2000 on Victorian public hospital costs MA International Pty Ltd Service plan for outer 20 July 2000 31 December $143,649 $94,864 eastern metropolitan 2000 area MA International Pty Ltd Review and evaluation 2 January 4 May 2001 $137,830 $90,000 of the medical, nursing 2001 and allied health training and development grants 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 149

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Vendor Name Title and Start Date End Date Commitment Expenditure Purpose of Consultancy KPMG Consulting Pty Ltd Transition manager 12 February 20 4 2001 $130,900 $130,900 services 2001 Ingcoll RGA Strategic service 18 June 14 September $113,000 $11,062 plan for Royal 2001 2001 Women’s and Children’s Health Service Success Works Pty Ltd Evaluation of the 09 October 16 July 2001 $108,963 $86,132 Support for Carers 2000 Program Heathmore Pty Ltd Better Access to 17 July 15 November $106,458 $106,458 Services and 2000 2000 Information Management— Primary Care Partnerships CPR Communications Senior Citizens 05 February 30 June 2001 $100,980 $75,028 and Public Relations Week consumer 2001 Pty Ltd research and strategic implementation review contract In the 2000–01 financial year the Department of Human Services began a further 155 consultancies of $100,000 or less, with a total commitment of $6,358,245. In the last three years, from 1998-99 to 2000-01, there has been significant reduction in expenditure on consultancies from a 1998-99 total of $16.5 million to 2000-01 total of $9.26 million, a reduction over the period of 43.9 per cent. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 150

150 2000-01 Annual Report

Building Act 1993 Compliance

The Department of Human Services complies with Department Owned Facilities Registered Building Practitioners the Standards for Publicly Owned Buildings (the Fire Risk Audits and interim works have now been As required by law, the Department requires building Guideline), as prepared by the former Office of completed for Department owned residential practitioners, or their deemed equivalent who carry Building, Department of Planning and Development facilities and priority one works are nearing appropriate professional indemnity insurance, (now the Policy Services of the Building Control completion. The audit of Placement and Support engaged on building works to be registered and to Commission). The Guideline relates to the community residences occupied by young persons maintain registration throughout the course of the compliance with building regulations, safety and was also completed and works to upgrade smoke building works. fitness to occupy facilities and applies to new detection and alarm systems and install emergency 2001–02 Plans: Department Owned Facilities building and construction works. lighting have been implemented. There will be continued implementation of the Fire Scope of Properties Office of Housing Facilities Risk Management Program that comprises The Department controls 72,028 properties through The Department installs and maintains the fire safety continuation of upgrades to public hospitals and the Office of Housing that are largely utilised for the equipment in accordance with the building nursing homes to complete all Priority one works and purposes of public housing. In addition, the regulations and carries out audits on a regular basis. the start of three yearly re-audits of Department Department controls nine institutional residential The works are covered by ongoing maintenance owned facilities. Fabric surveys have also been facilities and approximately 500 community contracts. undertaken on a range of facilities, including all residential facilities that are utilised for the purpose health and aged care facilities in rural locations and Regular Fire Audits are programmed to ensure of providing accommodation and support to young day services facilities for DisAbility clients, with a compliance of buildings with the FRMG. These offenders, the intellectually disabled and state view to informing future planning of facility Audits have been completed for community-based wards. Approximately 25 non-residential facilities upgrades. The Department has also undertaken a shared accommodation and supported housing and that are utilised for the purposes of providing day survey of facilities to identify cooling towers are currently being undertaken on high rise and walk programs to the intellectually disabled are also requiring works or replacement to ensure compliance up buildings. controlled. Other facilities utilised for human services with the recent regulations for control of Legionella. purposes are either owned or under the implied All OoH dwellings are fitted with smoke detectors. These works will commence in 2001–02. control of agencies which are public reporting Fire sprinklers and emergency exit lighting have been entities incorporated or registered under Acts of the fitted to all boarding houses and supported housing Housing Division Facilities Victorian Parliament (public reporting agencies). and are being progressively fitted to all high rise and An ongoing 20 per cent of total stock resurvey These facilities comprise public hospitals, community walk up buildings. In addition, crisis accommodation, assessments each year ensure that current data is health centres, nursing homes, community care units refuges, supported housing and disability available for refurbishment programs in future years. and ambulance stations. accommodation where required. New and Existing Building Standards The upgrading of fire prevention equipment in All new work and redevelopment of existing buildings is also undertaken as part of any general properties are carried out to conform to current upgrade of properties where necessary. building regulations (1994) and the provisions of the In regard to public housing stock, external safeguards Building Act 1993. Either a certificate of Final exist to ensure that occupied housing stock is safe Inspection or an Occupancy Certificate is issued for and fit to occupy at any time. Public housing is all new facilities or upgrades to existing facilities by subject to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, the the local authority or by a building surveyor. provisions of which require the Office of Housing, as Ten Year Liability Cap a landlord, to keep all properties in good order. When the occupier identifies a building defect, and an order All capital works invoke the ten year liability cap is sought and obtained from the Residential except in circumstances consistent with the Tenancies Tribunal, the Director of Housing is guidelines issued from time to time by the Minister required to comply with the Act. Office of Fair for Finance. Trading inspectors assess properties for compliance Maintenance of Buildings in a Safe and on request from tenants. Serviceable Condition The Department has published a document titled Asset Management Building Standards and Condition Assessment Guideline, Department of Human Services, 1997 to assist public reporting agencies to comply with the Guideline. The Department has developed Fire Risk Management Guidelines for all types of residential facilities controlled by the Department and public reporting agencies. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 151

151 2000-01 Annual Report

Legislation

Review of Legislation in accordance with implementation of National Competition Policy (NCP).

The Department completed the NCP review of the Health Act 1958 and the necessary amendments to the Act were made. The Department completed NCP reviews of the following: • Cemeteries Act 1958. • Health Services Act 1988. • Ambulance Services Act 1986. No decision was taken with respect to the recommendations of these reviews before the end of the 2000–01 financial year. The Department progressed the NCP review of the Pathology Services Accreditation Act 1984. This review was not completed before the end of the 2000–01 financial year. Nationally conducted NCP reviews of the Pharmacists Act 1974 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 were completed in February 2000 and January 2001 respectively. The reports from both reviews were submitted to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and working groups were established to develop responses on behalf of COAG. Competitive Neutrality Principles

Application of Competitive Neutrality Principles to In-house bids within the Department. In accordance with the guidelines, Competitive Neutrality pricing principles were applied to in-house bids when competitive tendering was undertaken. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 152

152 2000-01 Annual Report

Approved Overseas Travel July 2000 to June 2001

This alphabetical list shows the person’s designation or position at the time of travel. Some persons undertook several approved overseas trips, and these are listed separately.

Helen Brain David Clements Dr Sharon Goldfeld Manager, Statutory Services, Child Protection and Program Advisor, Service Development Unit, Child Health Policy Advisor, Juvenile Justice Branch, Community Care Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Branch, Health Development Section, Public Health Travel to Thailand, Romania and the Netherlands in Community Care Travel to the US and Canada in April–May 2001. November–December 2000. Attended the Special Travel to the United Kingdom in June 2001. Attended Presenter at the 2001 Pediatric Academic Societies Commission Meeting for the Hague Convention on the European Association for Residential Child and Annual Meeting in Baltimore, together with a site the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect Youth Care Symposium. Met with welfare visit to the Winnipeg-based Manitoba Centre for of Intercountry Adoption on behalf of the Australian professionals in England to discuss the Quality Health and Policy Evaluation, in Canada. (Costs met state and territory governments. The visit to Romania Projects initiative, and participated in a study tour of by this Department were for salary only.) included meetings with the adoption foundations, the residential care services in Scotland. Susette Guttmann Romanian Government adoption authorities and visits Peter Donnelly Manager, Intercountry Adoption Service, to children’s homes. The visit to Thailand included Assistant Director, Acute Health Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, meetings with the Australian Embassy, Department Travel to the Netherlands in September–October Community Care of Public Welfare and visits to children’s homes. 2000. Attended the 16th Patient Classifications Travel to China in August–September 2000 to Dr Chris Brook Systems Europe Conference, and presented a paper accompany and assist the first group of Australian Director, Acute Health on the use of casemix costing system to improve adoptive parents completing adoption formalities. Travel to Dublin, Ireland in September 2000. clinical practice. At the invitation and expense of Susette Guttmann Attended the International Society for Quality in German ministries; also attended workshop in Manager, Intercountry Adoption Service, Health Care (ISQua) Conference, and met with Frankfurt and presented paper on casemix funding. Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, various international key health policy leaders. Ken Downie Community Care (Cost of conference registration and accommodation Assistant Director, Policy and Standards, Travel to the US (Mexico, return to US) to undertake met by ISQua.) Office of Housing work in Mexico in June 2001 on behalf of the Hon Christine Campbell MP Travel to United Kingdom and France in September Intercountry Adoption Service, including visits to Minister for Community Services 2000 to attend the United Nations Educational, orphanages and meetings with staff at the Mexican Anne Black Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Central Authority and Australian Embassy. (Costs for Chief of Staff, Office of the Conference on Access to Housing in France, and the return airfare to the US met by Ms Guttman.) Minister for Community Services meetings with key officials in the United Kingdom Ellen Kittson at the Housing Corporation (the licensing and Travel to Italy, England and Ireland in June and July Manager, Biotechnology Safety and Ethics Program, regulating body of UK housing associations) and 2001. The primary focus of the tour was to examine Disease Control and Research Branch, Public Health policy shaping and service approaches for universal and government and community housing authorities in Travel to the US in June 2001. Attended the annual early intervention services for young children, along London and Manchester. meeting of Biotechnology Industry Organisation— with their families. The Minister made approximately 38 Celia Dynon Bio2001, as part of the government delegation. site visits, and meetings took place with politicians, Overseas Liaison Officer, Kathryn Lamb local government officials, social entrepreneurs, Intercountry Adoption Service, Manager, Community Networks, academics, peak bodies, senior civil servants, service Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, Policy and Program Development, DisAbility Services providers, families and practitioners. Visits included the Community Care Division world-renowned Reggio Emilia early childhood services Travel to Seattle in the US in August 2000 to attend Travel to Thailand in March 2001. Met with Child in Italy, the Sure Start program in England and other the First International Conference on Self- Adoption Centre staff, and visited children’s homes. best practice services. The Minister also visited Determination and Individualised Funding, and the (Costs met by this Department were for salary, programs for children and young people at risk and their 11th World Conference of the International personal expenses and accommodation only.) families in England and Ireland, and met with key Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual officials, academics, police and service providers in Jill Gardiner Disabilities, including site visits to the University of these facilities. Ministers, senior bureaucrats and major Manager, DisAbility Partnership, Washington Center on Human Development and NGOs in children’s and family services were consulted, Southern Metropolitan Region Disability. Consulted with leading service providers including the President of the Organisation Mondiale Travel to Seattle in the US, in August 2000 to attend from Washington, Oregon, Vancouver, New York and pour l’Education Prescolaire (the World Organisation for the First International Conference on Self- the United Kingdom to inform the development of the Early Childhood Education). Minister Campbell has Determination and Individualised Funding, and the Victorian DisAbility Services Plan. extended the invitation to that organisation to hold its 11th World Conference of the International Kathryn Lamb next World Conference in Melbourne in 2004. Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Assistant Director, Family and Support Branch, Disabilities, including site visits to the University of Dr John Carnie Community Care Washington Center on Human Development and Assistant Director, Travel to Italy, England and Ireland in June–July Disability. Consulted with leading service providers Disease Control and Research, 2001. Participated in an official overseas delegation from Washington, Oregon, Vancouver, New York and Public Health with the Minister for Community Services to visit a the United Kingdom to inform the development of the Travel to the US in June 2001. Attended the annual number of best practice services and consider other Victorian DisAbility Services Plan. meeting of Biotechnology Industry Organisation— government policies and philosophical directions Bio2001, as part of the government delegation. with regard to early childhood services. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 153

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Dr Carmel Laragy the United Nations Educational, Scientific and .Ron Tiffen Researcher in Performance, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) European Housing Executive Manager Drug Policy and Services Branch, Planning and Research, DisAbility Services Forum Conference, Access to Housing in Europe, at Public Health Recall to duty in the US in July–August 2000 to which she presented a paper, ‘Access to Housing— Travel to India in March–April 2001. Attended the attend two disability conferences. The preliminary the Australian Experience’ and took part in panel 12th International Conference on Reduction of Drug conference organised by TASH (on individual discussions. The Minister also attended the European Related Harm. The strategic objectives of the 2001 funding), and the International Association for the National Organisations Working with the Homeless conference was to work with local, national, regional Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (FEANTSA) seminar on Promoting Social Inclusion and international organisations to assist individuals Conference in Seattle. (The Department covered the through Access to Housing. In the UK, Minister Pike and communities in the areas of public health cost of registration, accommodation and expenses for undertook site visits and met with government advocacy, collaboration and communication, best the nine day conferences.) members and officials to review trends in the practice, education, training and research. provision and management of public and social Dr Ric Marshall Michael Glynn housing, high care residential and aged care Manager, Information and Performance Evaluation, Unit Manager, Child Protection initiatives, and community building programs. Acute Health The Minister also met with NGOs and health and Eastern Metropolitan Region Travel to the US in June 2001. Represented the aged care policy analysts on future trends in Travel to the US in August 2000 as part of the Child National Health Information Management Group in service delivery, and visited the Social Exclusion Protection Travel Grant Scheme, in order to conduct an Australian delegation to meet with the Unit to examine responses to homelessness and research into interagency collaboration between child organisation responsible for the Systematised social exclusion. protection and the police when investigating cases of Nomenclature of Medicine. (All travel and child sexual and physical abuse. (Costs that exceeded Janice Robertson accommodation expenses met by the the $7,000 threshold were met by Mr Glynn.) Commonwealth.) Manager, Placement and Support Services, Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Branch Dr Theo Vos Lisa Minchin Travel to Ireland in August 2000 to attend the Senior Epidemiologist, Project Officer, Policy and Program Development, European Foster Care Conference at the University Health Outcomes Section, Public Health DisAbility Services of Cork. Attended the conference to gain further Travel to Japan in November 2000. Participated as Travel to France and the United Kingdom in knowledge about interagency cooperation and invited speaker at the Organisation of Economic June–July 2001 as part of the DisAbility Services multi-disciplinary approaches in foster care and Cooperation and Development (OECD) workshop on Scholarship Program to research the approaches to creating positive outcomes for children in care. Healthy Ageing and Biotechnology: Research and continence management in the UK. Attended and Policy Issues. (All costs except travel insurance met Bob Solly participated in the Second International Consultation by the OECD.) on Incontinence, with a presentation of the Interim Director of DisAbility Services Dr Theo Vos Continence Initiative for Children with a Disability. Travel to Japan, Taiwan and Singapore in Senior Epidemiologist, (Additional costs that exceeded the $7,000 threshold October–November 2000. Attended as part of the Health Outcomes Section, Public Health met by Ms Minchin.) Commonwealth Public Service and Merit Protection Commission’s Strategic Management Program, Travel to Indonesia and Thailand in September and Karyn Myers Leading Australia’s Future in Asia (LAFIA) Program. October 2000. Invited speaker and teacher at two Manager, Quality Improvement, Child Protection and conferences: the Annual Harvard/World Health Gianfranco Spinoso Juvenile Justice, Community Care Organisation (WHO) Workshop on Burden of Disease Project Manager, National Public Health Travel to South Africa in September 2000. Attended in Indonesia (September 2000), and the Global Forum Partnership Secretariat, Public Health Division the 13th International Congress on Child Abuse and for Health Research International Conference in Neglect, and presented a paper on the Client and Travel to the US in November 2000. Attended the Thailand (October 2000). (Costs met by this Family Survey. annual conference of the American Public Health Department were for salary and travel insurance only.) Association, where he presented a paper on the Pauline Peile National Public Health Partnership’s recent work to Jennifer Westacott Senior Counsellor, Adoption Information Service, define the core functions of public health in Director of Housing Southern Region Australia. Funded under the Commonwealth’s Ray Baird Travel to Manila, Philippines in November 2000. National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) contract. Manager of Business Systems Attended the Philippines Global Conference for Travel to United Kingdom and Europe in June–July Dr Graham Tallis Adoptive Families. Made a presentation to the 2001 to obtain industry information on housing Surveillance and Response Team Leader, conference on Access to Information and Searching. software packages and investigate their potential, Communicable Diseases Section, Public Health Attended meetings with the Intercountry Adoption and to review UK housing policy and social exclusion Travel to Germany in September 2000. Attended the Board, and visited local orphanages. policies and implementation models, including Fifth International Conference on Legionella and Hon Bronwyn Pike various housing site visits. presented findings from the investigation conducted Minister for Housing and Aged Care on the outbreak of legionnaires’ disease at the Shane Lucas Melbourne Aquarium. Trip included site visits and Ministerial Adviser meetings with Dutch and UK investigators to discuss Travel to France and the United Kingdom in surveillance and outbreak control systems. September 2000. In France, the Minister addressed 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 154

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Administration of Acts

Minister for Aged Care Minister for Health Retirement Villages Act 1986 Alcoholics and Drug-Dependent Persons Act 1968— Minister for Community Services excluding: Adoption Act 1984 g Sections 11, 14 and 15. (These provisions are administered by the Attorney-General.) g (Jointly and separately administered with the Attorney-General.) Ambulance Services Act 1986 Children and Young Persons Act 1989 Anglican Welfare Agency Act 1997 g (Jointly and separately administered with the Baker Medical Research Institute Act 1980 Attorney General.) Building Act 1993 Children’s Services Act 1996 g Parts 5B and 5C. (The remaining provisions are Community Services Act 1970—excluding: administered by the Minister for Planning.) g Division 8A of Part III and Section 203 where it Cancer Act 1958 relates to the administration of these provisions Cemeteries Act 1958 (these provisions are administered by the Chinese Medicine Registration Act 2000 Minister for Education). Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Tried) Act 1997 g Sections 48–55, 58, 60–63(1), 63(3)–73, which g Sections 48–55, 58, 60–63(1), 63(3)–73 are are jointly administered with the Attorney- jointly administered with the Attorney-General General and the Minister for Health. (The and the Minister for Community Services. (The remaining provisions are administered solely by remaining provisions are administered by the the Attorney-General.) Attorney-General.) Disability Services Act 1991 Dental Practice Act 1999 g (Jointly administered with the Minister for Health.) Disability Services Act 1991 Girl Guides Association Act 1952 g (Jointly administered with the Minister for Health Act 1958 Community Services.) g Part IX. (The remaining provisions are separately Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act administered by the Minister for Health and the 1981—excluding: Minister for Planning). g Part IVA, which is administered by the Minister Intellectually Disabled Persons Services Act 1986 for Agriculture. MacKillop Family Services Act 1998 Epworth Foundation Act 1980 Preschool Teachers and Assistants (Leave) Act 1984 Food Act 1984 Scout Association Act 1932 Health Act 1958 —excluding: Sentencing Act 1991 g Section 228 and Part XX***, where it relates to g Part 3 (Subdivision 4 of Division 2 and Division 6) the operation of Section 228. (These provisions of the Act are jointly administered by the are administered by the Minister for Planning.) Attorney-General and the Minister for g Part IX. (These provisions are administered by Community Services. (The remaining provisions the Minister for Community Services). are administered by the Attorney-General, Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 except Division 3 of Part 3 of the Act, which is Health Practitioners (Special Events Exemption) jointly administered by the Attorney-General and Act 1999 the Minister for Corrections.) Health Records Act 2001 State Concessions Act 1986 Health Services Act 1988 State Trustees (State Owned Company) Act 1994 Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987 g Part 4 (the Act is otherwise administered by the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology Treasurer.) and Medicine Act 1971 Children and Young Persons (Reciprocal Human Tissue Act 1982 Arrangements) Act 2000 Infertility Treatment Act 1995 The purpose of this Act, which amends the Children Land Act 1958 and Young Persons Act 1989, is to provide for the g transfer of Child Protection orders and proceedings In so far as it relates to the exercise of power between Victoria and another state or a territory of relating to the leases and licences under Australia or between Victoria and New Zealand. subdivisions 1 and 2 of Part 1 in respect of the lands described as: g Crown Allotment 60A1 in the Parish of Traralgon and contained in Crown Lease Volume 1212 Folio 519. (The Act is otherwise administered by the Minister for Environment 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 155

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and Conservation, the Attorney-General, the (b) To amend the Health Act 1958, to ensure that that Minister for Finance and the Minister for Act provides adequate powers to enable the making Corrections.) of regulations dealing with legionellosis and other g As Allotment 3A of Section 16 Block E in the infectious diseases. Parish of Mildura and contained in Crown Lease Food (Amendment) Act 2001 Volume 1212 Folio 567. (The Act is otherwise The main purposes of this Act are to amend the administered by the Minister for Environment Food Act 1984 and Conservation, the Attorney-General, the (a) To give effect to the core provisions of the Model Minister for Finance and the Minister for Food Act *** endorsed by the Council of Australian Corrections.) Governments in 2000. Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund Act 1996 (b) To make further provision with respect to food Medical Practice Act 1994 safety programs. Medical Treatment Act 1988 (c) To improve the enforcement provisions of that Act. Mental Health Act 1986 Health (Amendment) Act 2001 Nurses Act 1993 The main purposes of this Act are Optometrists Registration Act 1996 (a) To make various amendments to the Health Act Osteopaths Registration Act 1996 1958, particularly to the pest control provisions. Pathology Services Accreditation Act 1984 (b) To repeal certain redundant provisions of that Act, Pharmacists Act 1974 including the provisions related to analysts. Physiotherapists Registration Act 1998 (c) To make various consequential and statutory law Podiatrists Registration Act 1997 amendments to other Acts. Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research Health Records Act 2001 Act 1988 The Health Records Act 2001 is a new Principal Act Psychologists Registration Act 2000 that promotes fair and responsible handling of health Royal Melbourne Hospital (Redevelopment) information by: Act 1992—excluding: (a) Protecting the privacy of an individual’s health g Section 7. (This is administered by the Minister information that is held in the public and private for Education.) sectors. Therapeutic Goods (Victoria) Act 1994 (b) Providing individuals with a right of access to Tobacco Act 1987 their health information. Minister for Housing (c) Providing an accessible framework for the resolution of complaints regarding the handling of Housing Act 1983—excluding: health information. g Part V. (These provisions are administered by the Health Services (Amendment) Act 2000 Attorney-General.) The main purpose of this Act is to amend the Health Residential Tenancies Act 1997 Services Act 1988 to provide for elected and appointed g Sections 1–23, 26, 28–31, 34–44, 49–73, 78–81, 83, members of boards of community health centres. 84, 92–101, 104(2), 104(3), 105(1), 106–123, 125–127, 129, 135–140, 213, 216–229, 231, 235–240, 242–276, Health Services (Health Purchasing Victoria) Act 2001 278–290, 334, 342, 367–372, 377–384, 386, 387, 389, 391–394, 399, 447(1), 505, 528–533. The purpose of this Act is to amend the Health Services Act 1988 in relation to the supply of goods and services g Section 66(1) jointly with the Minister for to health or related services, including public hospitals, Consumer Affairs. (The Act is otherwise and to establish Health Purchasing Victoria. administered by the Attorney-General, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and the Minister Nurses (Amendment) Act 2000 for Planning.) The main purposes of this Act are: Legislation Enacted (a) To make various amendments to the Nurses Act During the 2000–01 financial year a total of nine 1993 to update the model health practitioner Bills, introduced by or on behalf of Ministers in the provisions contained in that Act. Human Services portfolio, were enacted by the (b) To provide for the role of nurse practitioner. Parliament. These are briefly described (in (c) To amend the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled alphabetical order) below. Substances Act 1981 to authorise a nurse practitioner to obtain and have in their possession Building (Legionella) Act 2000 and to use, sell or supply certain Schedule 2, 3, 4 and The purposes of this Act are: 8 poisons. (a) To amend the Building Act 1993 (i) To require the registration of cooling tower systems. (ii) To require the preparation and regular audit of risk management plans in relation to cooling tower systems. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 156

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Tobacco (Further Amendment) Act 2001 Health Services (Community Health Centre Elections) The purposes of this Act, which amends the Tobacco Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 51/2001) Act 1987, are: Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (a) To make provision for smoke-free dining. (S.R. No. 55/2001) (b) To make further provision regulating advertising of In regard to the listed regulations— tobacco products. g Seven were made after completion of the full (c) To increase penalties for selling tobacco products regulatory impact statement processes set out in to minors. the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 (‘the Act’). Statutory Rules Made g Ten were made under the exemption provisions of Section 9 of the Act because they were A total of 22 statutory rules (regulations) were made fundamentally declaratory or machinery in during the financial year. All these regulations were nature or did not impose any appreciable made by the Governor-in-Council on the economic or social burden on a sector of the recommendation of the Minister for Health. The total public. made during the year is six more than the number of regulations made last financial year. g Three extended the operation of an existing The regulations made during the year (in order of statutory rule under Section 5 of the Act, making) are: pending the finalisation of their complete review and re-making. Cemeteries Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 70/2000) g Another raised the statutory Pharmacists Act Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances (Drugs of fees by no more than the annual rate approved Dependence) Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 85/2000) by the Treasurer in relation to the State Budget Tobacco (Grands Prix Events) Regulations 2000 for the purposes of Section 8 of the Act. (S.R. No. 93/2000) g A further set of regulations, concerning the two Tobacco (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation) Grands Prix events held at Phillip Island and Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 100/2000) Albert Park, were made under a Premier’s Pharmacists (Fees) Regulations 2000 certificate issued under Section 9 of the Act. (S.R. No. 104/2000) Eleven of the listed regulations above are new Health (Prescribed Consultative Councils) principal regulations. These are briefly described (in (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 113/2000) alphabetical order) below. Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2000 Building (Legionella Risk Management) (S.R. No. 116/2000) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 14/2001) Subordinate Legislation (Health (Quality of Drinking These regulations were made as part of the package Water) Regulations 1991—Extension of Operation) of initiatives envisaged in the Building (Legionella) Act Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 123/2000) 2000 to reduce the incidence of legionnaire’s disease Subordinate Legislation (Health Services (Residential and the risks associated with cooling towers. Care) Regulations 1991—Extension of Operation) The regulations specify five major risks areas that Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 124/2000) must be addressed in risk management plans prepared Subordinate Legislation (Health Services (Private in accordance with Part 5B of the Building Act 1993. Hospitals and Day Procedure Centres) Regulations Cemeteries Regulations 2000 1991—Extension of Operation) Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. 70/2000) (S.R. No. 125/2000) These regulations replaced the former Cemeteries Cemeteries (Incorporation of Trusts) (Amendment) Regulations 1988 made under the Cemeteries Act Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 10/2001) 1958. Their main purpose is to provide for the Pathology Services Accreditation (General) protection of the public health and the maintenance Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 11/2001) of public decency in a public cemetery. Pathology Services (Exempted Tests) Regulations Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances 2001 (S.R. No. 12/2001) (Drugs of Dependence) Regulations 2000 Health (Legionella) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 85/2000) (S.R. No. 13/2001) Schedule Eleven to the Drugs, Poisons and Building (Legionella Risk Management) Controlled Substances Act 1981 contains a list of Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 14/2001) substances, collectively defined by the Act as ‘drugs Tobacco (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation) of dependence’, which have been identified as (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 19/2001) requiring a stricter law enforcement regime than Health (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2001 other drugs and poisons controlled under the Act due (S.R. No. 40/2001) to the likelihood of their illicit use. Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 The regulations deleted a redundant item from (S.R. No. 41/2001) columns 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule Eleven relating to 1-phenyl-2-methylamino propane. Mental Health (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 45/2001) Psychologists Registration Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 46/2001) 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 157

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Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations Pathology Services Accreditation (General) 2001 (S.R. No. 41/2001) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 11/2001) These regulations replaced the former Health A national competition policy review of the (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1990 made under Pathology Services Accreditation Act 1984 is being the Health Act 1958. The main purposes of the conducted. To maintain the contents of the sunset regulations are to— regulations under the Act, interim new regulations (a) Prescribe infectious diseases or conditions for the have been made with an expiry date of 30 June purposes of the Health Act 1958. 2003. The main purposes of the regulations are to: (b) Provide for the notification of certain infectious (a) Prescribe minimum standards and other diseases. requirements for accredited pathology services. (c) Provide for the general control of infectious (b) Prescribe minimum qualifications for persons in diseases. charge of accredited pathology services and persons Health (Legionella) Regulations 2001 conducting pathology tests. (S.R. No. 13/2001) Pathology Services (Exempted Tests) These regulations replaced the former provisions on Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 12/2001) Legionella contained in the Health (Infectious Diseases) A national competition policy review of the Pathology Regulations 1990. The regulations were made under Services Accreditation Act 1984 is being conducted. To the Health Act 1958 as part of the package of maintain the contents of the sunset regulations under initiatives envisaged in the Building (Legionella) Act the Act, interim new regulations have been made with 2000 to reduce the incidence of legionnaires’ disease an expiry date of 30 June 2003. The purpose of the and the risks associated with cooling towers. The main regulations is to prescribe exempted tests and non- purposes of the regulations are to: regulated tests for the purposes of the Pathology (a) Prescribe procedures for the maintenance Services Accreditation Act 1984. and testing of cooling tower systems and warm Psychologists Registration Regulations 2001 water systems. (S.R. No. 46/2001) (b) Require owners and persons who have the These regulations were made under the management or control of cooling tower systems Psychologists Registration Act 2000 that replaced the and warm water systems to keep records on the Psychologists Registration Act 1987. Under the maintenance and testing of those systems. replacement Act, certain matters of detail were (c) Enable the Secretary to the Department of Human required to be prescribed by regulation to give full Services to intercede in appropriate circumstances. effect to provisions contained in the Act. The matters prescribed in the regulations are: Health (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 40/2001) (a) Additional information to be contained in an application for registration under the Act. These regulations replaced the former Health (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 1990 made (b) Additional particulars to be included in the under the Health Act 1958. The main purposes of the register. regulations are to: (c) Additional particulars to be included in a (a) Prescribe classes of prescribed accommodation certificate of registration. that are subject to Division 1 of Part XII of the Health Tobacco (Victorian Health Promotion Act 1958. Foundation) Regulations 2000 (S.R. No. (b) Prescribe standards regarding overcrowding, 100/2000) maintenance, cleanliness, water supply, sanitation These regulations provide for the appointment of 11 and hygiene facilities in prescribed accommodation. members to the Victorian Health Promotion Health Services (Community Health Foundation until 31 March 2003. Centre Elections) Regulations 2001 (S.R. No. 51/2001) The Health Services (Amendment) Act 2001 amended the Health Services Act 1988 to re-introduce a minimum level of elected membership to boards of management of community health centres. The Act requires the Electoral Commissioner to conduct such elections in accordance with the regulations. The regulations prescribe the method for conducting elections as well as the method for determining the next eligible candidate for the purpose of filling casual or extraordinary vacancies. 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 158

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Major Departmental Publications

g 2000-01 Departmental Plan g Evaluation of the Youth Alcohol and Drug g Improving Hospital Care for Older Victorians Outreach Services g 2000-01 Primary Health Program Guidelines g Improving Patient Safety in Victorian Hospitals g Evaporative Coolers g A Great Start to School Life g Improving the Management of Multi-day g Evidence-Based Health Promotion: Number 3— Admissions: Better Utilisation of Hospital Beds g A Guide for Families and Carers to the ‘How, Falls Prevention When, What And Where’ of Residential Care g Improving the System: Capacity and Capability Building g Family Support Services— g A Guide to Developing Risk Management Plans g Influenza and Pneumococcal Pneumonia 2001 Enhanced Support for Families for Cooling Tower Systems Strategy Book g Family Violence Prevention and Support Services: g A Youth Worker's Guide to Nutrition for Young People g Information Bulletin—Fluoridation of Water Program 2001/2002 Supplies and Your Health g About the DisAbility Services Self-Assessment g Fire Safety in the Home—For Families and Carers System: Having Your Say g Integrated Disease Management Policy Directions of People with Disabilities and Guidelines g Alcohol and Drug Information System Annual g Food Matters Newsletters Report 1996-97 and 1997-98 g Integrated Service Planning: Interim Guidelines g Food Poisoning and How to Prevent It g Alcohol and Drug Training for Maternal and g Learning Curve: Child Health Nurses g Food Safety Bulletin for the Food Industry DisAbility Services Training Unit Newsletter g Annual Report of Inquiries into Child Deaths: 2001 g Food Safety Council Second Annual Report 1999 - 2000 g Legionella Link—Issues 1 and 2 g Annual Report of the Medical Radiation g Food Safety Guidelines for Community Food g Legionella Risk Management Plan Guidelines Technologists Board of Victoria Events Video Package g Legionnaires' Disease: Managing the Health Risk g Annual Report of the Radiation Advisory Committee g Food Safety Victoria Bulletins Associated with Cooling Towers Findings and Victoria for the Year Ending September 2000 g Futures for Young Adults Recommendations of the Department of Human g Better Access for Patients: Extending Ambulatory Care Services Legionella Working Party g Gene Technology Regulatory Framework and Sameday Services for Medical and Surgical Patients Information Sheets g Legionnaires' Disease: Managing the Health g Better Health Victoria 2010: Business Plan 2000-2001 Risk Associated with Cooling Towers g Guess What's Not On the Menu Government Response g Burden of Disease Local Government Reports g Guide to Services for Older Victorians (Big Print g Let’s Get Active—Physical Activity for People with g Child Health Record 2000 version and Audio Tape) a Disability g Community Advisory Committee Guidelines g Guidelines for Intravascular Brachytherapy g Life Skills: Facilitation Guides for Educators Working g Community Care Policy and Funding Plan 2000–01 g Guidelines for Mental Health Services: Working with People with an Intellectual Disability with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing g Concessions Unit Annual Report 1999–2000 g Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Food— g Guidelines for the Development of a Radiation g Consultation Paper for the Review of the HACC A guide for Environmental Health Officers Management Plan Relative Resource Equity Formula g Managing the Risk of Legionnaire's Disease: g Guidelines for The Governance, Election and g Core Health Promotion Short Course Guide Supplementary Notes for Hospitals Appointment of Members of Boards of Declared g g Medical Inpatient Study Report Creating Healthy Environments: A Framework for Community Health Centres Environmental Health g Methadone Guidelines—Prescribers and Pharmacists g Handling Needles and Syringes g Dementia, Care and Support in Victoria— g Methadone Treatment in Victoria—User g Health and Safety in the Home: 2000 and Beyond Information Booklet Do You Have an Unflued Gas Heater? g Development of a Resource Allocation Model for g Municipal Public Health Planning Framework g Health Promotion Strategies Bulletins the Post Acute Care Program g Naturally Occurring Seafood Toxins g Help for Carers: Information for Older Carers of g DisAbility Client Services Manual People with a DisAbility g New Millennium, New Practices. Nurses Back g DisAbility Focus Newsletters Injury Prevention Project: Preliminary Results g High Care Residential Aged Care Facilities in g DisAbility Services Client/Carer Consultation and Victoria: Consultation Paper g Notifiable Infectious Diseases in Victoria 2000: Information Project Full Report g HIV Hospital Services Report (quarterly) Positive g DisAbility State Plan Consultation Report Guidelines for Disability Services August 2000 g Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee:

g Final Report Disease Management Literature Review g How to Communicate with People Who Have a g g Drink Driver Agency Directory February 2001 Disability and Complex Communication Needs— Older Person's Health Promotion Program 2000-2001

Participant Manual g g Drink Driver Education Manual Options Paper for the Review of the HACC g Hygienic Food Preparation and Handling Relative Resource Equity Formula g Drug Policy Expert Committee: Reports and Issues g Identifying the Risks—Prevention of Sexual g Oral Health Promotion: A Practical Guide for g Drug Treatment Services Client Satisfaction Offending Amongst Adolescents with an Children’s Services Survey 1998–99 Intellectual Disability g Performance Indicators for Effective Discharge g Drugs in a Multicultural Community g Implementation and Training Guide for the g Perinatal Deaths in Victoria 1998 g Evaluation of the Specialist Methadone Services DisAbility Services Self-Assessment System 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 159

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g Personal Hygiene for People Working with Food g Selecting Safe Seafood g Tuberculosis Strategy: Information for the Media and Public g Pool Operators Handbook g Selling Tobacco: Tobacco Retailer Booklet g Victoria – Public Hospitals Policy and Funding g Preparing a Consumers’ and Carers’ Charter— g Selling Tobacco: Learn the New laws Guidelines A draft Guide for Discussion g Serving the Needs of the Patient: Better Patient g Victorian Aids and Equipment Program g Primary Care Partnerships: Better Access to Management in Melbourne’s Public Hospital Services—A Draft Policy Framework for Discussion g Victorian Chlamydia Strategy 2000-2004 g Sexual Assault—Working with People with g Primary Care Partnerships: Better Access to Intellectual Disabilities g Victorian Drug Directory Booklet Services—A Policy and Operational Framework g Social Housing Innovations Project: Social g Victorian Government Drug Initiative— g Primary Care Partnerships: Better Access to Housing: Building a New Foundation Local Councils Services—An Information Resource for Primary g Standards for Psychiatric Disability Support Services g Victorian Government Drug Policy Data Pack Care Partnerships g Standards of Practice for Acupuncture g Victorian HACC Program Annual Plan 2000-2001 g Primary Care Partnerships—Draft Health Promotion Guidelines g Standards of Practice for Beauty Treatment and g Victorian Homelessness Strategy— Series of Electrolysis Background, Consultations, Information and g Producing Well-Written Health Information: Outcomes Papers Menorrhagia, Mastitis and Pain Relief During Childbirth g Standards of Practice for Ear Piercing g Victorian Infectious Diseases Bulletins g Producing Well-Written Health Information: g Standards of Practice for Hairdressing g Victorian Nurse Practitioner: Final Report of the Stroke, Chest Pain and Cholecystectomy g Standards of Practice for Tattooing and Body Piercing Task Force g Promoting Oral Health 2001-2004 g Stronger Citizens, Stronger Families, Stronger g Victorian Population Health Survey 1999: g Protecting Against Mosquito Bites and Disease— Communities: Partnerships in Community Care A Demonstration Survey—Selected Key Findings Fact Sheet g Successful Outcomes of Drug Treatment Services g Victorian School Students and Drug Use g Protecting Your Child from Hepatitis B g Summary of Housing Assistance Programs 1999-2000 Supplementary Report g Radiation Advisory Committee Victoria Report 2000 g Surveillance of Notifiable Infectious Diseases in g Victorian Secondary School Nursing Program: g Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposed Health Victoria Consultation Paper

(Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 g Surveillance of Notifiable Infectious Diseases in g Victorian Services for People with Disabilities g Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposed Health Victoria 1999: Full Report 2000—Disability Support Services Provided Under (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2001 g Surveillance of Sexually Transmissible Infections the Commonwealth/State DisAbility Agreement g Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposed Health in Victoria g Victorian Standards for DisAbility Services— (Legionella) Regulations 2001 g Technical Notes—Land and Business Owner DisAbility Services Self-Assessment System (DSAS) g Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposed Tobacco Responsibilities for Cooling Tower Systems g Water Treatment Industry Code of Practice—Draft

Regulations 2001 g The Aspirations of People with a Disability within an g What is a Cooling Tower? g Residential Tenancies Legislation Review: Inclusive Victorian Community — Summary Report g What's There to Eat? The Practical Guide to Background Paper g The Aspirations of People with a Disability within Feeding Families g Residential Tenancies Legislation Review: an Inclusive Victorian Community — Final Report g Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation Paper g The Food Safety Video Consultation Papers: g Review of Cemeteries—Policy Document g The Right Healthcare: balancing Clinical Science g Women In and Post Prison g Review of Chest Pain Evaluation Areas Final Report and Decision Making with Individual Wishes g Women with a Disability g Review of the Issues that impact on the Delivery of g The Victorian Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions g Koori Women Services to Children and their Families in Victoria. Study: Opportunities for Targeted Interventions 2001 g Working Women: Paid and Unpaid g Review of the Rental Housing Support Program Report g The Victorian Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions Study: Opportunities for Targeted g Lesbians g Review of the Rental Housing Support Program: Interventions in Cardiovascular Diseases and Supplementary Report g Women’s Housing Policy Background Paper Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2001 g Ross River and Barmah Forest Virus—The Facts g Your Private Drinking Water Supply g The Victorian Ambulatory Care Sensitive g Safe Food Storage and Display Conditions Study: Preliminary Analyses 2001 g Youth Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services— Assessment and Intervention Tool g Safe Food, Healthy Business g The Victorian Burden of Disease Study 1999: Morbidity See www.dhs.vic.gov.au for further information, g School Exclusion Table for Infectious Disease g The Victorian Burden of Disease Study 1999: Mortality or to obtain copies of publications telephone Cases and Contacts g The Victorian Burden of Disease Study: Burden of (03) 9616 7777. g Segmented Waiting List Review: Consultation Paper Disease Estimates in 78 Local Government Areas of Victoria 2001 g Segmented Waiting List Review: Regional Consultation Summaries (9) g Tobacco Act Enforcement Protocol

g Segmented Waiting List Review: Summary of g Tobacco Reforms: Enforcing the New Laws Proposed Directions g Treating and Controlling Head Lice g Selecting and Accessing Population Data— g Tuberculosis Strategy: Information for An Information Resource Health Care Workers 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 160

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Major Committees

Acute Health g Ministerial Advisory Committee to Review the g Ministerial Advisory Committee—Women's g Advisory Committee for the Development of Health Services (Residential Care) Regulations 1991 Housing Policy Design Guidelines for Hospitals and Day g Outcome Measurement “Round One Group” g Port Melbourne Estate Redevelopment Community Procedure Centres (Adult Services) Liaison Committee

g Advisory Committee on Access to Elective Surgery g Outcome Measurement Reference Group g Rental Housing Support Program Review Committee g (Adult Services) BreastCare Victoria Advisory Committee g Residential Tenancies Act Review Working Group g g Quality Assurance Committee—Mental Health Clinical Prioritisation Project Steering Committee g Richmond Estate Redevelopment Community g Community Rehabilitation Clinics (CRC) g Residential Care Liaison Committee Advisory Committee Classification and Funding Committee g Review of the HACC Relative Resource Equity g Segmented Waiting List Review Community g Community Rehabilitation Clinics (CRC) Formula—External Reference Group Reference Group Designation Committee g Seniors Card Advisory Committee g Shepparton Estate Redevelopment Community g Liaison Committee Consultative Council on Anesthesia Mortality and g Telepsychiatry Steering Committee Morbidity g State and Local Government Affordable Housing g Victorian Community Advisory Group on Mental Health g Coroners Inquest Working Group (managed with Strategy Working Group g Victorian Dementia Advisory Committee Legal Services) g Wodonga Estate Redevelopment Community g g Critical Care Inter-Hospital Transfers Monitoring Group Victorian Reference Group on Preventing Falls Liaison Committee Among Older People g Cystic Fibrosis Expert Advisory Committee Public Health Community Care g Department of Human Services Ethics Committee g GEM Consultative Group g Community Care/Municipal Association of Victoria g Food Safety Council g Industry Finance Committee (IFC) Working Party g Immunisation Advisory Committee gMaternity Services Advisory Committee g High Risk Adolescents—Working Group g Influenza Advisory Committee g Medical Displan Coordinating Committee g High Risk Infants—Reference Group g Inter-Departmental Committee—Drugs, Policy and g Ministerial Emergency and Critical Care Committee g Municipal Association of Victoria Working Party Services on Maternal and Child Health Services g Neonatal Services Advisory Committee g Inter-Departmental Committee—Food Regulation g Neighbourhood Houses Advisory Group g Outer East Metropolitan Health Services Review g Inter-Departmental Committee on Biotechnology, Steering Committee g Placement and Support Advisory Committee Safety and Ethics g Patient Management Taskforce g School Focussed Youth Service Statewide g Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS Hepatitis Advisory Group g Patient Satisfaction Monitor Reference Group C and Related Diseases g g Victorian Child Death Review Committee Private Hospital and Day Procedure Centre g Ministerial Advisory Committee on Gay and Regulations Steering Committee g Victorian Early Childhood Working Party Lesbian Health

g Private Hospital Review Committee (a sub g Working Together Strategy—Advisory Group g Poisons Advisory Committee Committee of the MECC) DisAbility Services g Premier's Drug Prevention Council g Radiotherapy Single Machine Unit Trial Steering g DisAbility Advisory Council of Victoria g Committee Radiation Advisory Committee g Ministerial Working Party on Service Provision for g g Strategic Health Research Investment Committee State Trauma Committee People with a Disability g g Tuberculosis Advisory Committee Victorian Advisory Committee and Casemix Data Housing Integrity (VACCDI). g Victorian Advisory Committee on Infection Control g Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria g Victorian Advisory Committee on Infection Control g Victorian Arbovirus Taskforce g Ashburton Estate Redevelopment Community g Victorian Casemix Clinical Committee Liaison Committee Policy and Strategic Projects

g Aged, Community and Mental Health g Bendigo Estate Redevelopment Community Extended Scope of Practice Committee g Authorised Psychiatrist Forum Liaison Committee g Ministerial Rural and Regional Health Advisory

g Group g Mental Health Quality Incentive Strategy Carlton Estate Redevelopment Community Reference Group Advisory Committee g National Indigenous Environmental Health Forum

g Ministerial Advisory Committee of Senior Victorians g Eligibility Review Community Reference Group g Nurse Practitioner Implementation Advisory

g Committee g Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health Geelong East Redevelopment Community Liaison Committee g Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee g Ministerial Advisory Committee on Nursing Home Regulation g Kensington Estate Redevelopment Community g Victorian Aboriginal Advisory Council on Koori Health Liaison Committee g Ministerial Advisory Committee on Women’s g Victorian Nurses Back Injury Prevention Project Health and Wellbeing g Ministerial Advisory Committee—Victorian Committee Homelessness Strategy 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 161

161 2000-01 Annual Report Index

Access to Aged Care Services 44 Austin and Repatriation Centre Access to Elective Surgery 30 Redevelopment and Mercy Hospital for Women Relocation Project 32 Acquired Brain Injury 45, 91 Benambra Community House 8 Acquired Brain Injury Project 21 Best Start 18 Acquired Brain Injury Strategic Plan 66 Better Health Channel 35 Acting Sooner and More Effectively 20 Biomedical Research Operational Acute Health Capital Projects Funded in Infrastructure Support 82 2000/01 State Budget 29 Breast Services Enhancement 32 Acute Health Divisional Description 26 Budget and Corporate Planning Branch 88 Acute Health Future Directions 25 Business Development 100 Acute Health Key Issues 24 Capital Assistance Fund 64 Acute Health Key Objectives 24 Capital Development and Asset Acute Health Key Results 24 Management 43 Acute Health Major Outputs/Deliverables 26 Capital Equipment Review 33 Acute/Aged Care Interface 92 Capital Management 100 Administration of Acts 154 Capital Upgrade Works 46 Aged Care Certification Works 100 Care and Quality of Care Funding Programs 31 Aged Care and Primary Health Major Carers’ Services 45 Outputs/Deliverables 40 Casemix Funding 32 Aged, Community and Mental Health Divisional Description 39 Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria 66 Aged, Community and Mental Health Future Directions 38 Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders 45 Aged, Community and Mental Health Child Protection and Placement Services 54 Key Issues 36 Client Facilitation Training 63 Aged, Community and Mental Health Client Focus 101 Key Objectives 36 Clinical Outcome Measurement in Aged, Community and Mental Health Mental Health 43 Key Results 36 Clinicians Health Channel 31 Aged, Community and Mental Health Colac Hospital 8 Services 39 Collaborative Relationships 103 Air Ambulance Services 35 Communicable Diseases 84 Ambulance Key Results 25 Communications Unit 96 Ambulance Services 34 Community Advisory Committees 34 Ambulance Services Major Outputs/Deliverables 28 Community Building Study Grants 56 Approved Overseas Travel 152 Community Care Divisional Description 50 Aspirations of People with a Disability 63 Community Care Future Directions 49 Asset Information 100 Community Care Key Issues 48 Audit Committee 22 Community Care Key Objectives 48 Community Care Key Results 48 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 162

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Community Care Major Health Promotion 20, 85, 90 Managing Emergency Demand 30 Outputs/Deliverables 51 Hepatitis C 82 Maternity Services 34 Community Connections Programs 21, 47 HIV/AIDS Action Plan 82 Media Unit 96 Community Visitors 63 HomeFirst 66 Mental Health Promotion Initiatives 46 Competitive Neutrality 151 Hospital-to-Home 30, 45 Mental Health Service for Kids and Youth 43 Complex Communications Strategy 66 Housing Assistance 73 Mental Health Services Major Consultancy Register 148 Housing Programs 2000-01 - Stock Outputs/Deliverables 42 Corporate Communications Branch 96 Acquisition 76 Metropolitan Health Services 36 Dandenong Hospital Redevelopment 100 Human Resources Strategy 100 Metropolitan Hospital Capital Program 32 Dementia 47 Illicit Drugs 21 Minimising the Harmful Effects of Drugs 82 Departmental Executives 104 Immunisation 84 Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Developmental Delay 20 Improving Ambulance Services in Victorians 44 DisAbility Advisory Council 64 Loddon Mallee Region 11 Mosquito-Borne Disease 82 Disability Advocacy 65 Improving Services to all Victorians 5 Multicultural Strategy Unit 21, 91 Disability Quality and Training Project 10 Index of Compliance 143 Multi-Purpose Services 43 DisAbility Services Divisional Description 60 Industrial Relations 100 Multi-Service Coordination Project 21, 56 DisAbility Services Future Directions 59 Infection Control and Hospital Cleaning Municipal Public Health Planning 84 Standards 31 DisAbility Services Key Issues 58 National Depression Initiative 46 Information Management 64 DisAbility Services Key Objectives 58 New Mental Health Inpatient Services Information Services 99 at Sunshine Hospital 44 DisAbility Services Key Results 58 Information, Monitoring and Funding Nurse Policy Branch 88 DisAbility Services Major Arrangements 64 Outputs/Deliverables 60 Nutrition 67 Infrastructure and Access to Rural Facilities 33 DisAbility Services in Barwon-South Occupational Health and Safety 103 Intensive Support Services for Homeless Western Region 8 Office of Housing Divisional Description 70 People with a Mental Illness 47 Drug Treatment 82 Office of Housing Key Future Directions 70 Intergovernmental Relations Branch 92 Dual Diagnosis Partnerships 21 Office of Housing Key Issues 68 Internal Audit 97 Dual Diagnosis Program 44 Office of Housing Key Objectives 68 International Day of People with a Disability 65 Emergency Demand Management 18 Office of Housing Key Results 68 International Year of Volunteers 92 Executive Role of Corporate Governance 22 Office of Housing Major Juvenile Justice 55 Family Support and Early Intervention Outputs/Deliverables 74 Juvenile Justice Initiatives 21 Services 54 Office of Housing Programs and Services FarmSafe Alliance 85 Kew Redevelopment 66 Overview 71 Financial Management 99 Koori Communities in Loddon Mallee Region 11 Office of Housing Redevelopment Projects 76 Financial Position of Rural Hospitals 32 Koori Human Services 21, 91 One Community 64 Financial Reports 109 Koori Preschool Program 56 Organ Donation Services 31 Financial Viability of Health Services 32 Learning and Development Strategy 63 Outputs Delivery Performance in Concessions to Pensioners and Beneficiaries 53 Food Safety 82 Legal Services Branch 97 Palliative Care 47 Forecasting Unit 89 Legionella Reforms 83 Let’s Get Active 67 Parkside Estate Housing Development Freedom of Information 146 Project 10 Local Government and People with Disabilities Government’s Commitment to Expand Partners in Community Building in Gippsland 9 HACC Services 43 – Towards Inclusive Communities 65 Partnership with Deakin University 8 Grampians Regional Alcohol and Drug Major Committees 160 Action Plan 10 Major Publications 158 Partnerships Project 92 Growing the Whole of Victoria 6 Make-up of Departmental Employees 101 People Management Practice 101 Health Care 67 Managing Demand for Ambulance Services 30 Performance Monitoring Review and Audit Framework 22 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 163

163 2000-01 Annual Report

Personal Grievances 101 Quality of Care in Public Sector Supporting Shared High Risk Clients 20 Residential Care 43 Pharmaceutical Reform 33 Tobacco Legislation 83 Quality of Care Reports 31 Policy and Strategic Projects Divisional Training and Staff Development 103 Description 88 Relative Resource Equity Formula Review 47 Training for DisAbility Services Staff 64 Policy and Strategic Projects Future Report of Operations 147 Upgrading Hospitals in Loddon Mallee Directions 87 Residential Aged Care Strategy 46 Region 11 Policy and Strategic Projects Key Issues 86 Resources Future Directions 99 Victorian Burden of Disease 85 Policy and Strategic Projects Key Objectives 86 Resources Key Issues 98 Victorian Family Cancer Genetics Service Policy and Strategic Projects Key Results 86 Resources Key Objectives 98 into Rural Victoria 85 Policy Resources on the Internet 64 Resources Key Results 98 Victorian Homelessness Strategy 20 Portfolio Services Divisional Description 96 Respite 66 Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Portfolio Services Future Directions 95 Scheme 90 Responding to Specific Issues 21 Portfolio Services Key Issues 94 Wangaratta District Base Hospital 10 Responsible Financial Management 7 Portfolio Services Key Objectives 94 Warragul Hospital Redevelopment 100 Restoring Democracy 4 Portfolio Services Key Results 94 Wodonga Housing Development 10 Risk Management 22 Practical Guide to Feeding Families 83 Women’s Health and Well-Being Strategy 47 Royal Melbourne Hospital Development 100 Practitioner Regulation Unit 89 Workforce Management 63 Rural Access Initiative 65 Preschool Participation Rates 56 Workforce Policy Unit 89 Rural Health Unit 90 Preschool Transition 20, 55 Working Together Strategy 20, 55 Rural Healthstreams Program 90 Preventable Hospital Admissions 82 Rural Hospital Information Technology Primary Care Partnerships 20, 45 Alliances 33 Primary Mental Health Teams 46 Rural Men’s Health Promotion 85 Problem Gambling Strategy 54 Rural Workforce Development 85 Productivity Improvements Projects Register 93 Rural Workforce 90 Productivity Investment Fund 93 Secondary School Nursing Program 44 Professional Integrity 101 Secretariat 97 Program Effectiveness Review Branch 92 Security at Victorian Institute of Forensic Program Review Coordinators Network 93 Mental Health 44 Promotion of a Culture of Continuous Selecting on Merit 102 Improvement 63 Service Planning Projects Branch 89 Public and Private Sector Psychiatry 43 Service Planning Unit 89 Public Dental Services 43 Services for Children of Parents with a Public Health Divisional Description 80 Mental Illness 45 Public Health Forums in Barwon-South Social Housing Stock at End of Year 71 Western Region 8 Specialist Services 66 Public Health Future Directions 79 State Concessions 54 Public Health Key Issues 78 State DisAbility Plan 21, 65 Public Health Key Objectives 78 State Emergency Recovery 100 Public Health Key Results 78 Strengthening Hospital Services in Public Health Major Outputs/Deliverables 80 Grampians Region 9 Public Health Vision Statement 80 Supply of Social Housing 75 Public Housing Development at Long Gully 11 Support for Families and Communities 55 Public Sector Conduct 102 Support for Rural and Bush Nursing Hospitals 90 Quality in Services 19 Supporting Families in Gippsland Region 8 Quality Monitoring 64 4254 AR.fa 30/10/01 12:30 Page 164

164 2000-01 Annual Report Glossary

ABN Australian Business Number DINMA Disease Injury Near Miss A&RMC Austin Repatriation and Medical Accident—the Department’s Clinic Incident Reporting System ABI Acquired Brain Injury DoH Director of Housing ACMAPS Aged Care Management and DoJ Department of Justice Planning System DPEC Drug Policy Expert Committee AEA Ambulance Employees Association DSAS DisAbility Services Self-Assessment of Victoria System ANF Australian Nurses Federation DSTU Disability Services Training Unit APAC Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory FBT Fringe benefit tax Committee’s FEANTSA European National Organisations ATSS Adult Training and Support Services Working with the Homeless CALD Culturally and linguistically diverse FFYA Future For Young Adults CASIS Client and Services Information FOI Freedom of Information System GP General practitioner CBAS Community-Based Accommodation GST Goods and services tax Services HACC Home and Community Care CCP Community Connection Program HACSU Health and Community Services CDDHV Centre for Developmental Disability Union Health of Victoria HRB Human Resources Branch CDDHV Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria HRDU Human Resources Development Unit CDRG Cultural Diversity Reference Group HSNet The Department of Human Service’s CERC Common Equity Rental Cooperatives computer network CHP Community Health Plan HSUA1 Health Services Union of Australia, CALD Culturally and linguistically diverse No 1 Branch CPE Commissioner for Public ICT Information and Communications Employment Technology CPR Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation IPP Individual Program Plan CPSU Community and Public Sector Union IT Information technology CSHA Commonwealth–State Housing IYV International Year of Volunteers Agreement JJTU Juvenile Justice Training Unit CSSD Central Sterile Supply Department KRS Kew Residential Services DACV DisAbility Advisory Council of LAFIA Leading Australia’s Future in Asia Victoria MAS Metropolitan Ambulance Service DACV DisAbility Advisory Council of Victoria MAV Municipal Association of Victoria DEET Department of Education, MH Melbourne Health Employment and Training MH-Sky Mental Health Service for Kids and DEET Department of Education, Youth Employment and Training MICA Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance MPHP Municipal Public Health Plan 4254_DHSAR2001_Cover.qxd 30/10/01 13:20 Page 2 (2,1)

MPS Multi-Purpose Service VHS Victorian Homeless Strategy MSU Multicultural Strategy Unit VHSMAC Victorian Homeless Strategy NESP Needle and Syringe Exchange Ministerial Advisory Committee Program VIFMH Victorian Institute of Forensic NPHP National Public Health Partnership Mental Health OECD Organisation of Economic VLGA Victorian Local Governance Cooperation and Development Association PBS Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme VPTAS Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme PHAP Public Housing Advocacy Program VRHSS Victorian Rural Human Services PHAP Public Housing Advocacy Program Strategy RA Rent Assistance W&CH Women’s and Children’s Health RAPID Redevelopment of Acute and WHO World Health Organisation Psychiatric Information Directions RAS The Department of Human Service’s Regional Agreements Variation System RAV Rural Ambulance Victoria RESIREG Residential Register RHSP Rental Housing Support Program RHSP Rental Housing Support Program RREF Relative Resource Equity Formula SAAP Supported Accommodation Assistance Program SAMS Service Agreement Management System SHIP Social Housing Innovations Project SNIS School Nursing Information System SRS Supported Respite Service TAFE Tertiary and Further Education TBD To be determined TEC Total end cost TPV Temporary Protection Visa TRIM The Department of Human Service’s records management information system

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Published by the Victorian Government Scientific and Cultural Organisation Department of Human Services VCOSS Victorian Council of Social Service Melbourne Victoria VECCI Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry © Copyright State of Victoria 2001 VGDI Victorian Government’s Drug October 2001 Initiative ISSN 1321 1471 (1560701) 4254_DHSAR2001_Cover.qxd 30/10/01 13:19 Page 1 (1,1)

Department of H

Head Office Department of Human Services 2000– 555 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 GPO Box 4057 Melbourne 3001 DX 210081 Telephone 61 3 9616 7777 Facsimile 61 3 9616 8329 Internet www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Rural Barwon-South Western Region State Government Offices 2nd Floor Cnr Little Mallop & Fenwick Streets Geelong 3220 Telephone 03 5226 4540

Gippsland Region 64 Church Street Traralgon 3844 Telephone 03 5177 2500

Grampians Region State Government Offices Cnr Mair & Doveton Streets Ballarat 3350 Telephone 03 5333 6669

Hume Region 74 Ovens Street Wangaratta 3677 Telephone 03 5722 0555

Loddon Mallee Region 37 Rowan Street Bendigo 3552 Telephone 03 5434 5555

Metropolitan Eastern Region 883 Whitehorse Road Box Hill 3128 Telephone 03 9843 6000 Department of Human Services

Northern Region 145 Smith Street Fitzroy 3065 Telephone 03 9412 5333

Southern Region 122 Thomas Street Dandenong 3175 Telephone 03 9213 2111

Western Region 71 Moreland Street (Cnr Napier Street) Footscray 3011 Telephone 03 9275 7000 2000–2001 Annual Report 2000–2001