Local Jobs First Act 2003
The Local Jobs First Act 2003 introduced in August 2018 brings together the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) and Major Project Skills Guarantee (MPSG) policy which were previously administered separately.
Departments and public sector bodies are required to apply the Local Job first policy in all projects valued at $3 million or more in Metropolitan Melbourne or for state-wide projects, or $1 million or more for projects in regional Victoria.
There were no procurements initiated by the ARBV in 2023-24 falling within the provisions of the Local Jobs First Policy.
Social procurement
The ARBV is a very small agency and whilst it remains conscious of its obligations under the State Government’s Social Procurement Framework, it is difficult for the entity to generate meaningful social value given:
- the limited annual expenditure budget for goods and services, and
- the nature of goods and services acquired over the course of the year.
Management continues to explore opportunities for social procurement, however, there was no expenditure of this nature in 2023-24.
Government advertising expenditure
There were no advertising campaigns in 2023-24 with a media spend of $100,000 or greater
(exclusive of GST).
Declarations of private interests
All ARBV Board members and the Accountable Officer have completed a declaration of private interests.
Disclosure of major contracts
The ARBV did not enter into any major contracts valued at $10 million or above during 2023-24.
Consultancy Expenditure
Details of consultancies $10,000 or greater
In 2023-24, there were 6 consultancies where the total fees payable was $10,000 or greater
(excluding GST). The total expenditure incurred during 2023-24 in relation to these consultancies was $121,329 (excl. GST).
| Consultant | Purpose of consultancy | Start - end date | Expenditure 2023-24 (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Governance Pty Ltd | Evaluation of the Board’s performance | September 2023 - November 2023 | $20,800 |
| Dart Legal Consulting Pty Ltd | Facilitate Focus Groups & Deep Dive Report | July 2023 - June 2024 | $28,137 |
| Comvision Australia | Security Control Assessment | March 2024 - May 2024 | $10,000 |
| Comvision Australia | Security Uplift Project | June 2024 - June 2024 | $14,512 |
| Elumina Elearning Pty Ltd | Penetration testing CRM | July 2023 - September 2023 | $15,840 |
| Elumina Elearning Pty Ltd | Penetration testing CRM mitigations | December 2023 - February 2024 | $32,040 |
Details of consultancies under $10,000
In 2023-24 there were two consultancies engaged during the year, where the total fees payable to the individual consultancies were less than $10,000. The total expenditure incurred during 2023-24 in relation to these consultancies was $3,220 (excl. GST).
Information and communication technology (ICT) expenditure
For the 2023‑24 reporting period, the ARBV had a total ICT expenditure of $497,251 with the details shown below.
| Operational ICT Expenditure | ICT Expenditure relating to projects to create or enhance ICT capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Business as usual ICT expenditure | Non-business as usual ICT expenditure | Operational expenditure | Capital expenditure |
(Total) | (Total = Operational expenditure and capital expenditure) |
|
|
$497,251 | $102,549 | $39,248 | $63,301 |
ICT expenditure refers to the ARBV’s costs in providing business enabling ICT services within the current reporting period. It comprises Business as Usual (BAU) ICT expenditure and Non-Business as Usual (Non-BAU) ICT expenditure. Non-BAU ICT expenditure relates to extending or enhancing the ARBV’s current ICT capabilities. BAU ICT expenditure is all remaining ICT expenditure that primarily relates to ongoing activities to operate and maintain the current ICT capability.
Reviews and studies expenditure
During 2023-24, there were 8 reviews and studies undertaken with a total cost of $124,549. Details of individual reviews and studies are outlined below.
| Name of the review | Reasons for review/study | Terms of reference/scope | Anticipated outcomes | Estimate cost for the year (excl. GST) | Final cost if completed (excl. GST) | Publicly available (Y/N) and URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architects Registration Board of Victoria – Board Review | Evaluation of Board’s performance as part of the ARBV’s commitment to ensuring a superior governance system is in place | Survey input was obtained from 8 Board members, the CEO and 2 senior managers to review the Board’s overall performance against the leading board practice. | To understand the overall performance of the Board, including its strengths and improvement opportunities. | $20,800 | $20,800 | No |
| Deep Dive into Systemic Risks in the Australian Architecture sector | To further interrogate the results of the desktop review reflected in the Systemic Risks in the Architecture Sector report jointly undertaken in 2022 by the ARBV and NSW ARB. | To share the insights gained in relation to the four themes addressed during focus group sessions and consider the implications for ARBs and other sectoral participants. | Recommendations for key stakeholders that could play a role in mitigating risks facing the Australian architecture sector to enhance outcomes for architects, clients, users of architectural services, and the public. | $28,137 | $28,137 | Yes https://www.arbv.vic.gov.au/deep-dive-report-systemic-risks-architectur… |
| Security Control Assessment | Forms part of ARBV’s internal audit and business enhancement program. | Assess current IT environment against: ·ACSC Essential 8 current framework controls; and ·Additional IT Service and Security Provider’s recommended information security mitigations. | Provide written report including: ·Current ‘information security posture’ against measured controls; ·Approximate upfront and ongoing costs to mitigate each control; ·In-person meeting with all key-stakeholders to present information and discuss outcomes of the report; and ·Present costed information security uplift solution based upon the mitigations identified to be mitigated. | $10,000 | $10,000 | No |
| Security Uplift Project | Agreed mitigations to Security Control Assessment. | Action agreed controls in ACSC’s Essential 8 Mitigation strategies and extended security measures recommended by ARBV’s IT Service and Security Provider. | To meet maturity level 1 of ACSC’s Essentials 8 Framework and deploy extended security measures. | $14,512 | N/A | No |
| Penetration Testing CRM | Forms part of ARBV’s internal audit and business enhancement program. | Perform penetration testing of ARBV’s CRM and based on the level of risk, identify mitigation measures. | Receive a recommendations report to help guide business improvements. | $15,840 | $15,840 | No |
| Penetration Testing CRM Mitigations | Forms part of ARBV’s internal audit and business enhancement program. | Develop and implement agreed mitigation measures. | Mitigation measures implemented. | $32,040 | $32,040 | No |
| Document Management Review | To enhance and streamline ARBV’s document management system and business practices. | Undertake a document management assessment and required business enhancements. | Receive a recommendations report to help guide business improvements. | $2,800 | $2,800 | No |
| Review of complaints and investigation process | To enhance complaints and investigations processes and practices and ensure alignment with ARBV’s risk-based Regulatory Strategy. | Assess the manner in which the ARBV manages its complaints and investigations and the extent to which these reactive regulatory activities are aligned with ARBV’s risk-based Regulatory Strategy. | Receive a report to understand the current status and recommendations to help guide process and practice improvements. | $420 | $5,500 | No |
Freedom of Information Act 1982
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by the ARBV. The purpose of the Act is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information held by government departments, local councils, Ministers, and other bodies subject to the Act.
An applicant has a right to apply for access to documents held by the ARBV. This comprises documents both created by the ARBV or supplied to the ARBV by an external organisation or individual. Information about the type of material produced by the ARBV is available on the ARBV’s website under its Part II Information Statement.
The Act allows the ARBV to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information. Examples of documents that may not be accessed include but are not limited to cabinet documents; some internal working documents; law enforcement documents; documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice; personal information about other people; and information provided to the ARBV in-confidence.
From 1 September 2017, the Act has been amended to reduce the Freedom of Information (FOI) processing time for requests received from 45 to 30 days. However, when external consultation is required under subsections 29, 29A, 31, 31A. 33, 34 or 35, the processing time automatically reverts to 45 days. Processing time may also be extended by periods of 30 days, in consultation with the applicant. With the applicant’s agreement this may occur any number of times. However, obtaining an applicant’s agreement for an extension cannot occur after the expiry of the time frame for deciding a request.
If an applicant is not satisfied with a decision made by the ARBV, under section 49A of the Act, they have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
(OVIC) within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.
Making a request
FOI requests can be lodged in writing to the ARBV via email or post. An application fee of $32.70 applies (as of 1 July 2024). Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large, and the search for material, time consuming. Access to documents can also be obtained through a written request to the ARBV as detailed in section 17 of the Act.
When making an FOI request, applicants should ensure requests are in writing, and clearly identify what types of material/documents are being sought.
Requests for documents in the possession of the ARBV should be addressed to:
Registrar, ARBV
Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
FOI statistics/timeliness
During 2023-24, the ARBV received 2 FOI applications, one of which was still being finalised after 1 July 2024.
Further information
Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the Act; regulations made under the Act; and ovic.vic.gov.au. The ARBV’s Part II statement can be found on our website.
Competitive Neutrality Policy
Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to ensure where services compete, or potentially compete with the private sector, any advantage arising solely from their government ownership be removed if it is not in the public interest. Government businesses are required to cost and price these services as if they were privately owned. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.
The ARBV continues to comply with the requirements on competitive neutrality reporting as required under the Competition Principles Agreement and Competition and Infrastructure Reform Agreement.
Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012
The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 encourages and assists people in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The Act provides protection to people who make disclosures in accordance with the Act and establishes a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and rectifying action to be taken.
The ARBV does not tolerate improper conduct by employees, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
It is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.
The ARBV will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure to the extent it is legally possible.
Reporting procedures
You can make a public interest disclosure about the ARBV or its Board members, officers or employees by contacting the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) details below.
The ARBV is not able to receive public interest disclosures.
The ARBV has established procedures for the protection of persons from detrimental action in reprisal for making a public interest disclosure about the ARBV, its Board members, officers or employees. You can access the ARBV’s procedures on its website at: www.arbv.vic.gov.au
Alternatively, disclosures may also be made directly to IBAC.
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mail: IBAC, GPO Box 24234, Melbourne
Victoria 3001
Phone: 1300 735 135
Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
Email: See the website above for the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.
Building Act 1993
The ARBV does not own or control any government buildings and consequently is exempt from notifying its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993.
Disability Act 2006
The Disability Act 2006 reaffirms and strengthens the rights of people with a disability and recognises that this requires support across the government sector and within the community.
The ARBV has a Disability Action Plan in place. Consistent with the plan, the ARBV’s Human Resources policies e.g. Occupational Health and Safety and Equal Employment and Anti-Discrimination recognise and seek to address the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
The ARBV is committed to making reasonable adjustments for a person with a disability to ensure an inclusive and disability equitable workplace. Those adjustments include where:
- a person with a disability who applies for a job, is offered employment, or is an employee, and requires the adjustments in order to participate in the recruitment process or perform the genuine and reasonable requirements of the job
- it is necessary to ensure employees with a disability can work safely and productively flexibility in the working arrangements is required for example where the employee is the carer of a child under 18 with a disability.
The ARBV’s Service Charter provides that the ARBV will be accessible for those with disabilities and will tailor communications to accessibility needs where possible.
Web content can be difficult for users with a disability to navigate and process. The ARBV follows the accessibility standards for vic.gov.au in relation to content on the ARBV website. The ARBV also provides multiple channels of communication to assist with access to and delivery of services. These measures help to ensure people with disabilities have the same access to information and services as others in the community.
Office-based environmental impacts
The ARBV is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting awareness and participation amongst its employees. The use of recycled paper together with the emphasis on electronic document management and a “paperlite” approach is reducing paper and storage. Wastepaper is binned for recycling and used printer cartridges are disposed of via Officeworks e-waste recycling.
Disclosure of Emergency Procurement
Nil reports. In 2023-2024 the ARBV did not activate any Emergency Procurement in accordance with the requirements of government policy and accompanying guidelines.
Disclosure of procurement complaints
Nil reports. Under the Governance Policy of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board
(VGPB), the ARBV must disclose any formal complaints relating to the procurement of goods and services received through its procurement complaints management system.
Additional information available on request
In compliance with the requirements of the Standing Directions 2018 of the Minister for Finance, details in respect of the items listed below, where applicable to the ARBV, have been retained and are available on request, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982:
(a) details of publications produced by the ARBV about itself, and how these can be obtained
(b) details of major research undertaken by the ARBV
(c) details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the ARBV to develop community awareness of the entity and its services
(d) details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged
(e) a statement on industrial relations within the ARBV
(f) details of all consultancies and contractors, including consultants/contractors engaged, services provided, and expenditure committed for each engagement.
The information is available on request from:
Registrar, ARBV
Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
or registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au
Statement of availability of other information available on request
Details of the following items have been included in the ARBV’s annual report, on the pages indicated below:
(a) a list of the ARBV’s major committees, the purposes of each committee, and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved (on page 39)
(b) assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees (on page 42).
Information that is not applicable to the ARBV
The following information is not relevant to the ARBV for the reasons set out below:
(a) declaration of shares held by senior officers (no shares have ever been issued in the ARBV)
(b) details of overseas visits undertaken (no ARBV members or senior executives took overseas work-related trips)
(c) details of any major external reviews carried out on the ARBV (no major external reviews undertaken)
(d) details of major development activities undertaken by the ARBV (no major development activities undertaken).
DataVIC Access Policy
The ARBV discloses information online and via printed publications. It also provides information services in person and/or by phone, annual report and website.
Asset Management Accountability Framework (AMAF) maturity assessment
The following sections summarise the ARBV's assessment of maturity against the requirements of the Asset Management Accountability Framework (AMAF). The AMAF is a non-prescriptive, devolved accountability model of asset management that requires compliance with 41 mandatory requirements. These requirements can be found on the DTF website. The ARBV's target maturity rating is 'competence', meaning systems and processes fully in place, consistently applied and systematically meeting the AMAF requirement.
Leadership and Accountability (requirements 1-19)
The ARBV has met its target maturity level within this category. There is no material non-compliance reported in this category.
Planning (requirements 20-23)
The ARBV has met its target maturity level in this category.
Acquisition (requirements 24 and 25)
The ARBV has met its target maturity level in this category.
Operation (requirements 26-40)
The ARBV has met its target maturity level within this category.
Disposal (requirement 41)
The ARBV has met its target maturity level in this category.
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