About IPAA Victoria
Strengthening the capability and impact of Victoria’s public purpose sector
IPAA Victoria is Victoria’s professional association for the public purpose sector.
Through professional development, thought leadership, flagship events, prestigious awards, communities of practice and networking opportunities, we build capability, strengthen connections and celebrate the people and organisations making a difference across Victoria.
Capability that keeps you ahead
Build real skills that translate into better policy, leadership and service delivery. Our courses, free for member webinars and workshops are designed for the realities of public purpose work, led by practitioners and experts who understand the sector.
Connections that empower
Your organisational membership connects you to peers and senior leaders across government, community and aligned partners. You become part of a statewide network of more than 90 organisations and thousands of professionals tackling similar challenges.
Recognition that builds pride and reputation
Celebrate excellence and grow professionally. Membership keeps you connected to sector leading awards and recognition programs, from our Leadership and Top 50 Women Awards to IPAA Victoria and National Fellowships.
Events where the sector meets
Be in the room for Victoria’s key public purpose conversations. Members receive priority access and discounts to major annual events, including International Women’s Day and the State Budget Briefing, plus a year-round calendar of policy, leadership and networking events.
Our impact and reach
300000+
personal and affiliate members
370000+
website, course and event interactions
250+
courses and events hosted
Our Values
Innovation
Together, we contribute to shaping a stronger public purpose sector.
Inclusivity & Safety
We provide a safe place for multiple voices.
Connection
We build and grow strong reciprocal relationships and networks.
Integrity
We are consistent in demonstrating and promoting honesty, transparency and ethical behaviour.
Excellence
We constantly seek to improve the quality of our service to members.
Strategic Plan FY26 - FY30
To strengthen the capability, pride and reputation of the Victoria public purpose sector.
Our History
IPAA Victoria was established in Melbourne in June 1929. Each jurisdiction in Australia has an IPAA division. IPAA Victoria was the second Australian division, following the inauguration of a South Australian branch a year earlier.
The Institute of Public Administration (IPA – this was the Institute’s original name) was founded in London in 1922 by Lord Richard Burdon Haldane, in response to heightened interest in the workings of government. In his first address, Haldane stressed that optimum standards of efficiency required clear thinking and “intelligent guidance at its apex”.
The ‘IPA Victorian Regional Group’ began life as a part-time, voluntary organisation with dedicated members interested in and committed to improving government administration. By 1936, the group had 84 members working in senior roles in the Victorian public service, as well as in Commonwealth government departments located in Melbourne. Already, the institute’s unique ‘cross-government’ character was being recognised and rewarded through a busy schedule of intragovernmental meetings, conferences, research papers and awards.
IPAA National
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) was established on 1 January 1980 as an independent national organisation and is governed by a National Council under the leadership of the current National President. Each Australian jurisdiction has an IPAA organisation that works with National IPAA, hence in 1980 we became known as IPAA Victoria.
