About the public sector

If you’re new to the public sector or just looking for some valuable information, this page has everything you need to get started.

Public sector employees operate within a common framework of governance processes, policies and accountability.

You can use this page to learn about:

• government processes and how government works in Victoria
• the role public sector employees play in our system of government.

This will also assist in performing a role in the public sector.

• The Victorian Public Sector

  A high-level overview of the Victorian public sector and its public service bodies and public entities.

• List of public sector employers

  A searchable list of Victorian government employers. Explore employers by their department portfolio, industry or their executive employment policy. Updated as at 1 December 2024.

• Register of instruments

  The Public Administration Act 2004 requires the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) to establish and maintain a Register of Instruments.

• Accountability mechanisms

  Accountability mechanisms provide strong public oversight over the activities of all Victorian public sector organisations.

• Machinery of Government

  The agencies that make up the public sector and administer the functions of government.

• Common terms and acronyms

  A list of common terms and acronyms used in government.

• Australia’s system of government

  How the Australian system of government works.

• Victoria’s system of government

  Learn about the 3 branches of government: the parliament, executive and judiciary.

• History of public administration in Victoria

  A brief history of public administration in Victoria, from 1855 to 2004.