6.1. 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.
6.2. In some cases, it may be appropriate for Victorian Public Service officers located in a Minister's office to assist with more general office administration matters. This may include handling certain correspondence matters, and supporting the Senior DLO.
6.3. In such instances, the scope of that administrative work should be carefully defined and monitored to ensure that it does not lead to the Victorian Public Service officer undertaking duties more appropriately performed by ministerial staff. Activities carried out to assist in general office administration must not include any of the activities described under paragraphs 6.4 or 6.5.
6.4. Duties and activities that should not be undertaken by DLOs or other Victorian Public Service officers located in a ministerial office include:
- conducting policy development or research work
- providing policy advice
- drafting or editing briefs or correspondence
- preparing speeches, media releases, ministerial statements, parliamentary questions and answers, or other similar documents
- organising calendars, meetings or events on behalf of the minister or his or her office
- initiating communication with external parties, including Members of Parliament or other ministers’ offices
- involvement in electorate office matters or any other party-political activities.
6.5. DLOs and other Victorian Public Service officers should not participate in activities in ministerial offices which could compromise their apolitical character, such as office planning sessions, group chats where political matters are discussed, strategy meetings, and other similar activities. DLOs may participate in other activities that support productive interactions and relationships, such as office morning teas, or that relate to the general operation of the Minister’s office.
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