Guide for ministerial officers in the Victorian public sector

• Foreword

  In Victoria, ministerial officers and public servants fulfil different but complementary roles to serve the Government and its ministers.

• Roles and responsibilities

  Victoria operates in accordance with the Westminster system of government.

• Governor, Ministers and ministerial officers

  Describing how the different roles of government work together.

• Victorian public sector

  The Victorian public sector comprises the Victorian Public Service, public entities and special bodies.

• Working with Departments

  The minister and the secretary determine how the department can best meet the minister’s needs.

• Portfolios

  The different portfolios across government.

• Incoming briefings for Ministers

  Ministerial officers will need to be familiar with the issues managed by the department to be able to inform Ministers about their portfolio.

• Definitions

  Definitions of terms that are frequently found in department briefings and memos.