Chapter 4: Discussion paper on Reforming Victoria's public finance legislation

4. Next steps

4.1 Responding to this discussion paper

This discussion paper outlines the issues that the government considers important in developing a new Public Finance Bill. It suggests a range of potential options and raises a number of questions for comment.

We invite you to respond with your thoughts. Your comments are valuable to the construction of the state’s future public finance framework and will help Victoria maintain its reputation as a leader in public financial management.

Submissions to this review are welcome and can be forwarded, in writing, to:

Public Finance Bill Project Team
Department of Treasury and Finance
Level 9, 1 Macarthur St
MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Submissions can also be emailed to: publicfinancebill@dtf.vic.gov.au

Written submissions should ideally be kept to no more than 20 pages. Individuals and organisations should indicate if they wish their submissions to be treated confidentially. Please note that freedom of information access requirements will apply to all submissions, even those treated as confidential.

Submissions are invited on the discussion paper until Friday 5 December 2008.

For a copy of the discussion paper and advice about the submission process visit www.dtf.vic.gov.au, email publicfinancebill@dtf.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 9651 5106. The discussion paper is available in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, on request.

For further information regarding this review, please contact:

• Dean Yates, Deputy Secretary – Financial Reform, ph: (03) 9651 5369
• Toni McGrath, Project Director – Public Finance Bill Project, ph: (03) 9651 5488

Your feedback on this discussion paper will contribute to the development of a new Public Finance Bill to be introduced in 2009.

4.2 Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Inquiry

In early 2008, the PAEC commenced its own inquiry into Victoria's public finance practices and legislation. The committee expects to present the findings of its investigations to parliament by the end of 2008. The government intends to consider the recommendations from the PAEC inquiry as part of its review and incorporate them, as appropriate, into the new Bill.

View other sections of this Discussion Paper:

Foreword
Introduction
1. Victoria’s current public finance system
2. The case for change
3. Possible directions for reform
4. Next steps
Appendix A: Extract from Public Administration Act 2004, Part 1, s. 5
Appendix B: Extract from Public Administration Act 2004, Part 5, s. 81
List of shortened forms
Glossary of terms