Victoria’s auditor-general is concerned about the State Government’s $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The fund was an election commitment and selling point for the State Government and came into effect in July this year.
Auditor-general John Doyle is worried about the governance of regional projects and has vowed to closely monitor the department.
A report tabled in State Parliament shows figures from the previous government’s Regional Growth Fund failed to provide an accurate picture of its achievements.
Mr Doyle found there was a lack of transparency in the pre-application process and it was unclear whether the best possible projects had been funded.
The auditor-general took his criticism a step further to say he was disappointed with the department’s response.
He noted action had been taken based on a previous 2012 audit but said fundamental flaws had not been addressed.
Mr Doyle plans to closely monitor the take-up of his recommendations, including more benchmarks and targets to show what has been achieved.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said she was confident many of the concerns had been addressed.
“These funds are really, really important and it’s the reason why we need to make sure that the processes around them are better than they were under the former government,” she said.
“I’m certainly determined to ensure that the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund never receives a report anything like this.
“Our Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will focus on creating jobs, improving the liveability of Victoria’s regional cities and towns, and building critical infrastructure.”
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