Join the leaders shaping the future of public service in Melbourne.

This Mandarin Live conference will address key challenges and opportunities facing Victoria’s public sector and help future-proof your public service career.

The all-day conference on November 6, 2025 will feature presentations and panel sessions that cover all aspects of public service capability.

Capability is at the heart of a strong public service, and this event is your opportunity to explore what it really takes to build it. From attracting and retaining the next generation of leaders, to digital transformation, skills and training, collaboration, expertise, ethics and future government challenges, this event covers the essential elements that strengthen governments from the inside out.

Who should attend:

Government executives, department heads and senior leaders
Policy, HR, technology, data and service delivery professionals
Public sector advisors, consultants and partners
Anyone working with or within government who wants to lift capability in their organisation

Why YOU should attend:

Hear from leading thinkers and public sector reformers on the big issues shaping the future
Gain practical insights into what’s working in recruitment, retention, leadership and more
Build your network with peers, changemakers and decision-makers across government
Walk away inspired — and equipped — to help build a better public service

Join speakers including:

Brigid Monagle, Victorian Public Sector Commissioner
Jay Weatherill, Executive Director of Democracy, McKinnon Institute
Amanda Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, IPAA Victoria
Deborah Glass, former Victorian Ombudsman
Jenny Macklin, author and former deputy Labor leader
Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, University of Melbourne
Libby Hackett, Australian Public Policy Institute CEO
Sean Morrison, Victorian Information Commissioner
Robert Hortle, Commissioner, Wage Inspectorate Victoria
Ika Trijsburg, Head of Democracy and Diplomacy, Municipal Association of Victoria
Rena De Francesco, Director Family Violence Command, Victoria Police
Dr Karen Sutherland, Director, Child Protection, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing - Victorian Government

More speakers to be announced.

For enquiries, contact events@themandarin.com.au

Find out everything you need to know about the event here: Building a Better Public Service, Melbourne 2025

1. Event details
Thursday, November 6 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Conference 8.30am - 5.00pm
Networking drinks 5.00pm - 6.00pm

2. How much are tickets?
Ticket price is dependent on release and if you are working in the public sector. Please visit the checkout page for full pricing information. For group ticket purchases, please contact our team directly at events@themandarin.com.au.

3. Can this conference be used as part of my training and development?
Yes. If you need further information to provide for internal sign-off, please contact our team by emailing events@themandarin.com.au.

4. Are there other perks of attending?
Yes. You will receive a 50% discount on an annual subscription to The Mandarin

5. How can I find more information about sponsoring?
For our media kit and more information, please contact raustin@themandarin.com.au

The Mandarin Live: Building a Better Public Service - Melbourne

Choose your tickets

Public sector - earlybird ticket

Public sector - earlybird - Group Ticket: 5 for the price of 4 ticket

Private sector - earlybird ticket

Private sector - earlybird - Group Ticket: 5 for the price of 4 ticket