In 2023–24, DPC delivered its core programs and services through the following five groups:
• Cabinet, Legal and Governance
• Economic Policy and State Productivity
• First Peoples – State Relations
• Industrial Relations Victoria
• Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations.
The Office of the Secretary includes other key functions:
• Delivery and Strategy
• Housing Statement Implementation
• Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol.
Cabinet, Legal and Governance
The Cabinet, Legal, and Governance group delivers public sector legal, legislation and governance expertise and combines the Cabinet Office, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Governance Branch.
Through the Cabinet Office, this group provides timely and practical guidance on the operation of Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and the Executive Council. This work supports government decision making and considers the issues that are most relevant to the State and the Victorian community.
OGC provides legal and policy advice, including in the areas of administrative, constitutional and corporate law. OGC’s policy focus is on issues in the Premier portfolio, principally in relation to Victoria’s public sector, electoral system and subordinate legislation. OGC advises on the government’s legislative agenda and supports DPC in developing legislative and regulatory proposals. It also manages the department’s freedom of Information and privacy functions.
Governance Branch unifies DPC’s efforts to promote good governance and public administration, high-quality decision and policymaking, government integrity and accountability, and trust in public institutions.
Economic Policy and State Productivity
The Economic Policy and State Productivity group leads the provision of economic policy advice to the Premier. The group collaborates with relevant departments and agencies to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to policy and projects in the areas of economic development, including in fiscal policy; regional and suburban development; local government; regulatory reform; consumer affairs; gambling and racing; WorkSafe and TAC; insurance; government services; creative industries; community sport, tourism, sport and major events; outdoor recreation, jobs and industry; industrial relations; small business; employment; skills and TAFE; international engagement; medical research; economic growth; infrastructure; planning; public transport; roads; agriculture; resources; energy, climate action; and water and the environment.
First Peoples – State Relations
The First Peoples – State Relations group is responsible for an extensive program of nation-leading work in the areas of cultural rights, land justice, self-determination, Treaty and truth with First Peoples. The group recognises Victoria’s First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria and is committed to building ongoing, just and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State. The group is also committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership.
Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations
The Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations group is responsible for providing the Premier with advice on social policy matters, including health; mental health; alcohol and other drugs; education; and families, fairness and housing. The group also leads and manages the Multicultural Affairs ministerial portfolio and oversees and coordinates whole-of-government intergovernmental relations.
Office of the Secretary
Delivery and Strategy
The Delivery and Strategy branch tracks and supports delivery of priority government initiatives and works with policy branches to support strategic policy development of cross-portfolio issues. The branch comprises Delivery Tracking, which monitors implementation of government priority initiatives and commitments, and supports identification and resolution of risks and blockages; Strategy, a project-based team that works closely with DPC’s policy branches and delivery agencies, employing consulting and strategy approaches to resolve priority policy and delivery issues; and the Behavioural Insights Unit, which collaborates across the public sector to deliver behaviourally-informed policy, communications and services.
Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol
The Strategic Communications, Engagement and Protocol branch provides specialist communication and protocol advice and support for the department, the Premier and ministers for the Multicultural Affairs and Treaty and First Peoples portfolios. The branch’s work includes leading a coordinated approach to communication policy and practice across government; advising on communication, digital and engagement strategies, media and issues management; coordinating government advertising; advising on protocol matters and delivering major events of state significance; providing photography and video production services; and providing research, media monitoring services, media strategy and insights.
Housing Statement Implementation
The Housing Statement Implementation function has been established to oversee and coordinate the delivery of the Housing Statement—a bold and ambitious plan to deliver the housing that a growing Victoria needs. This function works with departments and agencies to implement initiatives that support industry to increase the supply of homes for Victorians.
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