Public Administration Act (1) Board policies required under section 81 Guidance note - for boards of DEPI agencies This guidance note has been developed to assist all public entities and other statutory boards, committees, councils, panels, etc. in the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) portfolio. issued by Victoria’s Public Sector Standards Framework Overview Commissioner. These policy frameworks are binding on all public entities and Section 81 of the Public Administration Act 2004 (PAA) are therefore binding on almost all DEPI agencies (including requires that certain board policies be in place. These policies smaller committees of management). Board members of are fundamental to the good governance of all DEPI agencies. these agencies are also bound by the . 81’ board policies ‘Section Model policies available from DEPI Most DEPI agencies (except most committees of To assist agencies to have suitable board policies in place, management) are bound by the requirements of section 81 DEPI has developed model policies and guidance notes on of the PAA. each of the topics listed opposite. Section 81 of the PAA requires that board policies which The model policies can be downloaded from the DEPI meet certain standards be in place on the following topics: governance website On Board (). It is recommended that your board: the model policies, which can be adapted to take into account the nature and functions of your agency; or equivalent policies in place that are consistent with the key principles in the model policies. . If your agency’s establishing Act contains specific requirements in relation to any of these topics, your board will Even if section 81 is not binding on your agency, it is need to adapt the relevant model policy accordingly. recommended that suitable board policies be in place on these topics. Such policies are fundamental to good Role as a member governance. It is of particular importance to have board policies in place It is recommended that, in your role as a board member, you which fulfil the requirements of the Conflict of Interest Policy ensure that: Framework and the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy your board has suitable policies in place on these topics
Public Administration Act (1) Board policies required under section 81 Guidance note - for boards of DEPI agencies This guidance note has been developed to assist all public entities and other statutory boards, committees, councils, panels, etc. in the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) portfolio. Overview Section 81 of the Public Administration Act 2004 (PAA) requires that certain board policies be in place. These policies are fundamental to the good governance of all DEPI agencies. ‘Section 81’ board policies Most DEPI agencies (except most committees of management) are bound by the requirements of section 81 of the PAA. Section 81 of the PAA requires that board policies which meet certain standards be in place on the following topics: . Even if section 81 is not binding on your agency, it is recommended that suitable board policies be in place on these topics. Such policies are fundamental to good governance. It is of particular importance to have board policies in place which fulfil the requirements of the Conflict of Interest Policy Framework and the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy Framework issued by Victoria’s Public Sector Standards Commissioner. These policy frameworks are binding on all public entities and are therefore binding on almost all DEPI agencies (including smaller committees of management). Board members of these agencies are also bound by the . Model policies available from DEPI To assist agencies to have suitable board policies in place, DEPI has developed model policies and guidance notes on each of the topics listed opposite. The model policies can be downloaded from the DEPI governance website On Board (). It is recommended that your board: the model policies, which can be adapted to take into account the nature and functions of your agency; or equivalent policies in place that are consistent with the key principles in the model policies. If your agency’s establishing Act contains specific requirements in relation to any of these topics, your board will need to adapt the relevant model policy accordingly. Role as a member It is recommended that, in your role as a board member, you ensure that: your board has suitable policies in place on these topics
2014-g-PAA-01-s-81-pols-v3.60-April-2014.docx