In Victoria, public entities are organisations that exercise a public function and are established outside the public service. Therefore, as bodies operating at ‘arm’s length’ from Government, public entities perform their functions with some autonomy from ministers and public servants in their day-to-day decisions.

The nature of a public entity will determine its governance requirements. These governance guidelines are directly relevant to Victorian public entities that have a governing board with decision-making powers.

Adopting appropriate legal forms and governance arrangements for the functions and activities undertaken by public entities is critical for high quality performance.