Standing Directions 2018 Under The Financial Management Act 1994

The Standing Directions 2018 under the Financial Management Act 1994 (2018 Directions) set the standard for financial management by Victorian Government agencies.

Standing Directions 2018

The 2018 Directions require better financial management by agencies. Changes introduced over the past few years include requirements for stronger accountability for agency boards, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), controls against fraud and corruption, better planning, and public attestation in agencies’ reports. Newly included are requirements for the Central Banking System. The 2018 Directions will drive a significant modernisation of the State’s financial management regime and operations.

The 2018 Directions were approved on 11 October 2018, and subsequently updated in early December 2018 to incorporate Ministerial and machinery of government changes following the State election.

Standing Directions 2018 (updated September 2023)
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Standing Directions 2018 (updated September 2023)
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Summary of changes to the Treasury Management, including Central Banking System (CBS) Standing Direction (February 2021)
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Instructions

Instructions are issued by DTF and are mandatory. The Instructions provide more detailed mandatory requirements, in specific areas of risk and are linked to specific Directions through corresponding numbering.

Standing Directions 2018 Instructions (updated May 2024)
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Standing Directions 2018 Instructions (updated May 2024)
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Guidance

Guidance is issued by DTF and is non-mandatory. The Guidance provides further background information and explanation in relation to specific SD and Instruction requirements, to assist departments and agencies to comply with legislative requirements.

Standing Directions 2018 Guidance (updated September 2023)
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Standing Directions 2018 Guidance (updated September 2023)
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Standing Directions fact sheet

The fact sheet provides a summary of the 2016 Directions, changes from the 2003 Directions and information on implementation, transitional arrangements and exemptions.

Standing Directions 2016 Fact Sheet
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Find out if your agency is subject to the Standing Directions

This fact sheet helps you determine if your agency is subject to the Standing Directions.

Is your agency subject to the Standing Directions 2018 under the Financial Management Act 1994 (updated January 2024)
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Compliance Attestation Checklist 2023-24

The Compliance Attestation Checklist 2023-24 is designed to be used by Agencies to assist with monitoring, reporting on and attesting to compliance with the Directions.

The document includes a checklist of the mandatory requirements in the Directions and the supporting Instructions and relevant Government frameworks and policies.

Download a checklist to help you comply with the Standing Directions.

Compliance Attestation Checklist 2023-24 (updated January 2024)
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Agency Compliance Report template 2023-24

The Agency Compliance Report template 2023-24 has been developed for use by Agencies reporting annual compliance outcomes against the Standing Directions and Instructions to their Portfolio Department. The Word version contains a completed example.

Agency compliance report template for 2023-24 (updated March 2024)
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Agency compliance report template for 2023-24 (updated March 2024)
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Agency significant or systemic fraud, corruption and other losses report template

The Agency Significant or Systemic Fraud, Corruption and Other Losses Report template has been developed for use by Agencies when reporting significant or systemic Fraud, Corruption and Other Losses in accordance with Direction 3.5.3 of the Standing Directions 2018 and Instructions 3.5 and 3.6.

Agency significant or systemic fraud, corruption and other losses report template
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CFO responsibilities fact sheet

Chief financial officers (CFOs) of Victorian Government departments and agencies have specific responsibilities under the Standing Directions.

CFO whole of government responsibilities
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Other documents

Comparison of 2003 and 2016 Standing Directions
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Data integrity manual

Data integrity manual - overview
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Data integrity manual - full document
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Current Whole of Victorian Government Financial Management Compliance Report

The report provides an overview of whole of Victorian Government financial management compliance.

2022-23 Financial Management Compliance Report
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2022-23 Financial Management Compliance Report
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The following policies are referred to in the 2018 Directions:

Investment principles for discretionary grants
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Victorian Government Risk Management Framework

Asset management accountability framework

Model report

Central Banking System

Contact

Any questions related to the 2018 Directions please email standing.directions@dtf.vic.gov.au.

Updated