Cancelled: Navigating caretaker conventions

4 Aug 2026This event has been cancelled

This event provides an overview of the caretaker conventions and what they mean in day-to-day practice.

Overview

This event is cancelled; rescheduling to be announced.

As Victoria prepares for the 2026 State Election, public sector employees play an important role in upholding impartiality, maintaining public trust and ensuring government business continues appropriately during the caretaker period.

This event will help participants understand the caretaker conventions, why they matter, and what they mean in practice. The panel will explore the implications for decision-making, communications, procurement, appointments and day-to-day operations, helping teams prepare with greater clarity and confidence ahead of the caretaker period.

Featuring senior leaders from the Victorian public sector, this timely discussion will provide practical insights into applying the conventions and managing common challenges during an election period.

Why attend?

Participants will gain a practical understanding of:

what the caretaker conventions are, why they matter and when they apply
how the conventions affect public communications, procurement, appointments and other routine activities
the role of public sector employees in maintaining impartiality and public trust during the election period
practical approaches to identifying risks, managing grey areas and preparing teams for the caretaker period
how organisations can support staff to navigate caretaker requirements with confidence.

Interactive Q&A:
Following the panel discussion, there will be a dedicated Q&A segment where participants can engage directly with speaker and ask questions.

Audience

This session is designed for all Victorian public sector employees, as the caretaker conventions apply across the public sector and all staff have a role to play in upholding impartiality and public trust during the election period.

It will be especially relevant to those working in:

policy, strategy and reform
corporate and executive services
communications, media and stakeholder engagement
governance, legal, integrity and risk
procurement, grants and appointments administration
program and operational leadership.

The session will also be useful for team leaders and managers seeking to support staff and ensure their teams are prepared ahead of the caretaker period.

Please note that the in-person event has now sold out. Registrations are open to join the event via live stream. A recording will also be available after the event for IPAA Victoria members who are unable to attend live. The recording can be sent to member leads to share with employees across their organisation on request.

Speakers

Brigid Monagle

Commissioner, Victorian Public Sector Commission 

Amanda Stevens

Chief Executive Officer, IPAA Victoria

Date & Time

Tuesday 4 August 2026
9:30 am – 10:30 am (AEST)

Location

The event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date to be advised.

Price

This is a FREE event for all IPAA Victoria Members, including employees of our member organisations such as VPS departments. Check if your organisation is a member here.

Non members: $95.00 (inc GST)

Event cancelled