Rethinking the Victorian public sector - the urgent need for change

Drinks with Jeff Floyd AM

Hosted by Tony Nippard

We are delighted to welcome Jeff Floyd AM to Melbourne Forum to discuss his newly released book, Rethinking the Victorian Public Sector - A blueprint for change. The book draws on Jeff’s extensive experience working within and alongside the Victorian public sector over many years.

In Rethinking the Victorian Public Sector, Jeff examines how the rise of large, consolidated 'mega-departments', the diminishing role of statutory corporations, the increasing centralisation of decision-making, and the continual restructuring and renaming of agencies have contributed to a decline in public sector performance.

He argues that now is the time for a fundamental rethink, not simply as a cost-saving measure, but as an opportunity to rebuild a system centred on service delivery excellence and genuine public accountability. Jeff proposes a significant reshaping of government: reducing the size of existing departments and transferring major service delivery and regulatory functions to new or revitalised independent statutory corporations. His model would see 46 current departmental agencies and corporations abolished, and 23 purpose-built statutory bodies established to take on key functions.

Jeff Floyd AM has enjoyed a distinguished career across both the public and private sectors in Victoria and the UK, including nine years in local government, twelve years in the Victorian public sector, and a decade serving as CEO across four Victorian government agencies.

In 2025, Jeff was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to the community through a range of senior executive roles.

Join Jeff and your fellow members for a far-reaching conversation that goes to the heart of how Victoria works, and what its future could look like.