Departmental Liaison Officers and other departmental officers in ministerial offices Administrative Guideline

• Introduction

  Departmental Liaison Officers (DLOs) play an important role in ensuring the Victorian Public Service fulfils its duty to ably support the government of the day. DLOs support clarity and efficiency of communication flows between departments and Ministerial offices, and support Ministerial staff with departmental procedures and protocols.

• Purpose

  This Guideline provides advice to departments regarding the role and function of Victorian Public Service employees who are located in ministerial offices.

• Application and commencement

  This Guideline is issued pursuant to section 36A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (PAA).

• Role of a Departmental Liaison Officer

  DLOs are public service employees appointed and employed by departments and allocated to ministers. DLOs provide a central point of contact and facilitate strong communication, efficient and effective flow of information and advice, and a cooperative working relationship between the department and the Minister and their office.

• Duties

  DLOs facilitate efficient communication and an effective working relationship between a Minister’s office and the department that serves them by:

• Duties beyond the scope of a DLO or other Victorian Public Service officer

  DLOs' roles must be limited to their designated departmental liaison function. DLOs are not appointed to Ministerial Offices and should not perform any role usually performed by ministerial staff.

• Appointment and allocation

  DLOs are appointed by their respective departments, and report to the Secretary or another senior officer of the department.

• Authorisation and amendments

  Authorised by the Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria, under section 36A(1) of the PAA Act.

Updated 21 May 2026