In conversation with Sven Bluemmel: how the Victorian Electoral Commission is delivering a standout 2026 election

Sven Bluemmel was appointed Electoral Commissioner in August 2023. His role is to lead the planning of all state and local government elections in Victoria and the administration of Victoria’s political funding and donation disclosure rules.

Mr Bluemmel is also responsible for managing the Victorian Electoral Commission’s engagement with the Parliament’s oversight body, the Electoral Matters Committee. He previously served as the inaugural Victorian Information Commissioner, Western Australian Information Commissioner and has held senior positions in the Western Australian and Commonwealth public sectors. Mr Bluemmel practised law in the private sector in Melbourne and Perth in the areas of information and privacy law.

He is a fellow of Leadership Western Australia and served as President of the Institute of Public Administration in Western Australia for three years. Mr Bluemmel holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Science, both from the Australian National University. 

Amanda is the Chief Executive Officer of IPAA Victoria, joining the organisation in January 2024.

With over 20 years’ experience in the public purpose sector, Amanda Stevens, a corporate governance lawyer by training, has held several executive and non-executive leadership roles in federal, state and local government, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Victorian Building Authority, Department of Health Covid Response and three consecutive years as the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip.

She is an experienced board chair and director serving on numerous boards with positions including Chair of the South Melbourne Market and a board member of the Australian National Academy of Music and many other community and not-for-profit boards.

Amanda is passionate about the public purpose sector and is committed to representing, empowering and celebrating the interests of its professionals, with a keen focus on integrity and governance, leadership, diversity, mental health and wellbeing.