This guide is for Victorian public sector employees who are considering standing in a Victorian state 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.
If you are a Victorian public sector employee, you can stand for election in a Victorian state election. You do not need to resign.
You need to comply with your organisation’s conflict of interest policy and complete a conflict of interest management plan. Depending on your circumstances, this plan may require specific actions to identify, manage or mitigate any actual, potential or perceived conflicts.
Some actions that may help address a conflict of interest while standing for election include:
If you are taking leave, you can access the following types of leave:
For further information, speak to your manager or People and Culture team.
If you’re elected to the Victorian State Parliament, you must resign from your public sector role to take office (that is, before being sworn in).
This is because section 49 of the Victorian Constitution says your election is invalid if you stay in your public sector role.
You should get independent legal advice about this requirement and how it will apply to you.
Review of actions
A review of action allows eligible Victorian Public Service (VPS) employees to ask their employer to review a decision that directly affects their employment.
If your employer makes a decision about your plan to stand in a Victorian state election that you think is unfair, you may be able to ask them to review the decision.
Find out more about a review of actions.