Commonwealth and State Agreements

The constitutional and fiscal structures prevailing in Australia necessitate the creation, maintenance and regular review of intergovernmental agreements between the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. These agreements extend across a broad range of areas including counter-terrorism, healthcare, housing, disability, education and transport.

Intergovernmental agreements include financial agreements, cooperative regulatory schemes, draft model legislation, memoranda of understanding, joint ventures and fee-for-service arrangements. Some agreements involve only Victoria and the Commonwealth, others one or more of the other States and Territories. Some agreements arise out of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and Ministerial Council processes - others have less formal origins and relate to areas or topics of common interest between the parties.

In general, Departments hold lead responsibility for intergovernmental agreements that relate to their portfolios. However, depending upon the size (financial) or nature of any particular agreement, DPC will adopt a variety of roles as circumstances dictate. In areas where an agreement cuts across a number of portfolios or a whole of Victorian Government approach is required, DPC will adopt a leading role. At all times, DPC works in close consultation with the relevant Departments to ensure that Victorian concerns and issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.