Public entity types, features and functions

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.

• Employment arrangements for public entities

  This guide provides advice on employment issues to consider when establishing new public entities in Victoria.

• Establishing public entities

  Public entities are a diverse group of organisations established using a range of legal forms to perform a range of public functions.

• Functions and features of public entities

  There are many reasons for establishing a public entity. As a consequence there are many types of public entities.

• Winding up or re-scoping public entities

  Occasionally, a public entity will be sold, merged, have part of its responsibilities transferred to another public entity or be wound-up.