Services by other organisations
There are various functions relating to the Department of Human Services which are managed by other departments or agencies.
These include:
Aged care
Aged Care services in Victoria are managed and administered by the Department of Health. The State Government’s aged care agenda is focused on addressing the special needs of older Victorians and ensuring its policies and programs recognise and reflect the diversity of older people’s lives.
Centrelink
Centrelink is an Australian Government statutory agency, delivering a range of Commonwealth services including financial assistance to the Australian community. Centrelink serves Australia by assisting people to become self-sufficient and supporting those in need.
Commonwealth concessions
Commonwealth concessions include the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card - Centrelink
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - Department of Health and Ageing
Early childhood education
Early childhood education responsibilities have moved to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. This department provides an integrated approach to education through high quality early childhood development programs, a smooth transition for children entering the school system and beyond, and gives all Victorian children the best start in life.
Hospitals & Health Services
In August 2009, the Department of Health was formed and those functions and associated polices and regulations were separated from the Department of Human Services. The Department of Health is responsible for Hospital and Health Services, Mental Health, Aged Care and Drug and Alcohol related health concerns.
Medicare
Medicare Australia is an Australian Government agency, delivering a range of payments and services to the Australian community. Medicare Australia works in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to achieve the Australian Government's health policy objectives.
Mental health
Statutory responsibilities include regulation and monitoring, the development of policy and quality standards, workforce development, and the delivery and monitoring of specialist mental health and alcohol and other drug services. These are conducted by the Mental Health, Drugs and Regions division of the Department of Health. Programs are delivered in partnership with health service providers, non-government organisations, and other public sector agencies.
Parentline
Parentline provides a statewide telephone counselling service to parents and carers of children aged from birth to eighteen years. Professional counsellors are able to explore a variety of issues that impact on parenting and relationships.
Working with Children Check
The Department of Justice is responsible for the Working with Children Check (WWC) which helps to protect children from sexual or physical harm by checking a person's criminal history for serious sexual, serious violence or serious drug offences and the person’s history with specific professional disciplinary bodies for certain findings.
