Having reviewed and considered the report, I welcome its key findings as they relate to the various activities conducted by my Department in the project's development and procurement phases. I am particularly pleased to note your findings confirming there was adequate analysis of the project need, options for the delivery of the development, and that the business case comprehensively dealt with these issues.
I am also pleased to note your findings with respect to the overall procurement process, and in particular the structured negotiations process, which I understand this project has now become the benchmark for Partnerships Victoria projects.
After a review of the proposed audit report, I am pleased that the key findings confirm that there was an adequate needs analysis, a comprehensive and evidence based business case, and that the procurement process and probity complied with all the relevant guidelines. I am particularly pleased that the audit confirmed that construction is progressing in accordance with the agreed schedule after 14 months of construction.
Major Projects Victoria (MPV) confirms that the design and construction phase of the Project operates under a set of processes that have been agreed at both the Project and Steering Committee level.
The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has just launched its Project Management Framework (PMF) In addition, over the last 12 months MPV has developed its specific Project Management Framework, which is a consolidation of MPV's services and processes into a user friendly and comprehensive document. This body of knowledge encapsulates the processes and activities that occur for projects within MPV. This documentation is already 80 per cent complete and is due to be finalised shortly.
I welcome the acknowledgement by the audit report that the MCCD project is complying with the Partnerships Victoria framework.
The Project has been well managed through each of its phases and the thorough and independent audit by your Office has concurred with this view.