Changing the Way Government Works
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) promotes collaboration at the local level to achieve better outcomes for all. Government can plan and deliver improved services to local communities when all levels of government work together.
Regional Management Forums working on local issues
In Victoria and around the world, governments are learning the importance of making sure that regional governance is collaborative, flexible and responds to the needs of the community.
Victoria established Regional Management Forums (RMFs) in 2005 to make it easier for state government departments and local governments to work together. They are now an established part of the Victorian public sector landscape in each of Victoria’s eight regions. RMFs are made up of senior officers from each State Government department and council CEOs.
Some local issues are best addressed with a co-ordinated response from different community agencies and local and state government departments. RMFs engage with regional stakeholders to work out which issues would benefit from this kind of joined-up response. RMFs are also addressing the most important issues in each region through integrated planning and service delivery.
Review of Regional Management Forums
In 2007 the State Services Authority reviewed the governance and effectiveness of Regional Management Forums (RMFs).
The Review confirmed that RMFs are a good mechanism for constructive and regular dialogue between state and local governments. It recommended an expansion of the Forums’ functions to contribute to broader government objectives and priorities. The Victorian Government has accepted all of the report’s recommendations and DPCD is responsible for implementing them.
Regional Strategic Planning Initiative
Long-term planning for growth in rural and regional Victoria is being led by Regional Development Victoria in close consultation with regional communities. Regional Management Forums are playing a key role in the development of integrated regional strategic plans.
Departmental Secretaries as champions for each region
A departmental Secretary (Victorian public sector equivalent of a company CEO) champions the operation of each Regional Management Forum. This means that each region has a direct channel to the most senior levels of the public service.
The Secretary oversees the operations of the Forum, facilitates joined-up action between departments, engages with stakeholders to understand local issues, and develops proposals for addressing priority issues.
Alignment of regional boundaries
To make it easier to work with government, in 2005 the operations of Victorian Government departments were aligned to eight standard regions that match local government boundaries. This alignment allows better integration of service planning and delivery.
What region do you belong to?
Linked page opens in a new window