Overview
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 this is an in-person event and places are limited. A recording will be available post event to IPAA Victoria members who cannot attend. The recording will be sent to member leads to share with employees across their organisation.
Facilitator
Amanda Stevens
Chief Executive Officer, IPAA Victoria
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