In presenting her report Strategic Audit – Addressing our future (Environmental Management Systems January 2010) to government and the people of Victoria today, the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Kate Auty, calls for leaders within government to show strengthened commitment and support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by departments and agencies and the adoption of coordinated education programs in schools. 

“My role as the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability is to be both frank and persuasive about methods of achieving environmental sustainable practices across departments and agencies – to encourage as well as expose”, said Dr Auty. 

“Compared to the 2009 report, results of this audit have many indications of progress. For example, this year there is a 2% reduction in energy consumption in offices and a decrease of 5% in greenhouse gas emissions from the government’s car fleet”, said Dr Auty. 

“The key messages of this report are not new, but I emphasise their value and influence in changing culture and behaviours of government”, said Dr Auty. 

  • Strong leadership is imperative if sustainable practices are to be embedded across the operations of each Victorian Government Department and Agency. 
  • Green procurement should become the usual business approach for Victorian Government departments and agencies. 

In addition to an evaluation of departments and agencies, Dr Auty has expanded the strategic audit to examine and understand what is happening in environmental education and the impact of the roll-out of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic framework in schools. This program is showing young people how to take the hard work out of reducing their impact on the environment. 

“I made education a priority sector because there is no better place to start meeting the climate change challenge than in schools, with the leaders of tomorrow – our young people. 

“Our joint efforts are needed to attain the goal of environmental sustainability and ensure that all sectors of the Victorian community are supported to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and that the burden of adapting to the impacts of climate change is shared equitably.” 

See the Strategic Audit report. [LINK TO BE UPDATED]

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Note to journalists

The Commissioner’s strategic audit covered the following departments and agencies: 

  • Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 
  • Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) 
  • Department of Human Services (DHS) 
  • Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) 
  • Department of Transport (DOT) 
  • Department of Justice (DOJ) 
  • Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) 
  • Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) 
  • Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) 
  • Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 
  • Sustainability Victoria (SV)