This guide is for Victorian public sector employees who are considering standing in a First Peoples’ Assembly election. It explains what your obligations are before, during and after the election.
See our guidance on what public sector employees must do during elections for guidance on:
The VPSC also provides guidance for managers on how to manage an employee involved in election activities.
Victorian public sector employees who stand for election to the First Peoples’ Assembly must take leave during the election period. This requirement is set out in section 21(3) of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025.
The election period starts when nominations open and concludes when the election results are announced.
In the lead-up to formally standing for election, you should read your organisation’s conflict of interest policy and complete a conflict of interest management plan for any identified conflicts.
You can access the following types of leave:
For further information, speak to your manager or People and Culture team.
If you are elected to the Assembly, you must resign from your Victorian public sector role.
Section 21(2)(h) of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 states that Victorian public sector employees cannot be members of the Assembly.
You can contact the First Peoples’ Assembly for further information about Assembly elections.
For further information about managing conflicts of interest, speak to your manager or the People and Culture team in your organisation.
Questions about this guidance should be directed to the Victorian Public Sector Commission at [email protected] or [email protected].
Review of actions
If your employer makes a decision about your plan to stand in a First Peoples’ Assembly election that you think is unfair, you may be able to ask them to review the decision.
A review of actions allows eligible Victorian Public Service (VPS) employees to ask their employer to review a decision that directly affects their employment.
Find out more about a review of actions.
Related legislation and policies