On this page:
The Statement of Expectations Framework for Regulators, July 2024 aims to strengthen dialogue between ministers, departments and regulators to identify government priorities and emerging risks, embed those priorities into regulators’ business planning, and promote continuous improvement in regulatory practice.
It is designed to improve how regulation is administered and enforced in Victoria, enabling regulators to more effectively manage harms affecting the community.
Under the Framework, portfolio ministers issue letters to regulators outlining priorities and emerging risks. Regulators must show in their business plans how they will address these expectations, indicate when the minister’s letter should be updated, and report on their progress. Existing accountability requirements under the Financial Management Act 1994, Public Administration Act 2004, and regulators’ own legislation continue to apply.
On 23 February 2026 the Minister for Planning set out expectations for Heritage Victoria’s performance for the period 2026-27 to 2028-29. The Minister identified eight areas for improvement for Heritage Victoria:
- Develop new heritage policies to guide decision-making and provide greater clarity for stakeholders.
- Review the sunsetting Heritage Regulations 2017 and Heritage (Underwater Cultural Heritage) Regulations 2017 to improve compliance outcomes.
- Develop standardised approaches to support enforcement actions under the Heritage Act 2017.
- Deliver upgrades to the Heritage Victoria website to provide a more user-friendly, accessible and informative platform.
- Implement the Approved World Heritage Management Plan and Approved World Heritage Strategy Plan for the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens to ensure the Outstanding Universal Value of the site is managed for current and future generations.
- Progress World Heritage nominations for the Victorian Trades Hall and the Victorian Goldfields to highlight Victoria’s unique cultural heritage, support economic development, and promote truth-telling.
- Undertake a condition audit of Victoria’s distinctive heritage timber bridges to ensure their sustainable management into the future.
- Invite Traditional Owners to participate in steering committees where heritage matters impact the Country over which Traditional Owners hold or assert rights and interests.
Heritage Victoria’s Business Plan 2025-26
Heritage Victoria has developed its Business Plan for 2025-26 which sets out the specific actions it will achieve to deliver the Department of Transport and Planning’s Strategic Plan 2025-29: Connecting Communities, Guiding Victoria’s Growth.
Page last updated: 03/03/26