A report tabled in the Victorian Parliament today by the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) has made 42 recommendations aimed at improving the transparency, evaluation, and performance of government spending and reporting.
The Committee’s review of the 2025–26 Budget examined the Government’s spending and revenue over the forward estimates, with a strong focus on fiscal sustainability, data accessibility, and performance measurement.
“These recommendations are designed to ensure that every dollar spent delivers measurable benefits for Victorians. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust and achieving better outcomes,” said Committee Chair, Sarah Connolly.
Key recommendations include:
- Enhancing the Department of Treasury and Finance’s (DTF) fiscal reporting by developing detailed targets and timelines beyond its current five-step strategy.
- Updating the model report to require departments to report on savings in their annual reports.
- Reviewing the prison workforce strategy to address staffing increases and creating performance measures relating to correctional staff retention, safety, and satisfaction.
- Publishing an updated cost-benefit analysis and value-capture details for the Suburban Rail Loop East project, which is estimated to cost between $30 billion and $34.5 billion.
The Committee also welcomed new disclosures in the 2025–26 Budget, including new information about contingency funds, which total $9.7 billion in 2025–26.
The Budget forecasts strong economic growth driven by household consumption, with wages expected to outpace inflation for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures to ease cost-of-living pressures include free public transport for children, the Power Savings Bonus, and food relief initiatives.
The Committee’s findings are based on seven days of public hearings with Ministers and senior officials, as well as analysis of budget papers and departmental reports.
The report can be found on the Committee’s website.
