Our role within the system
How agencies and GPO work together to manage the government office portfolio.
Acting as the operational arm of the System Lead for Property, GPO sets system direction, drives shared priorities, and works to ensure that office environments support the public service to operate as a unified, coordinated whole.
System roles and responsibilities
GPO works with agencies to plan, manage and deliver government office accommodation. Together, agencies and GPO help ensure office accommodation supports both agency needs and whole-of-life government outcomes.
Agencies
Agencies are responsible for managing their accommodation needs and making decisions that support a whole-of-government approach. This includes:
- collaborating with other agencies and aligning decisions with system priorities
- designing and managing workplaces in line with government standards, guidelines and targets
- providing accurate and up-to-date property data and documentation
- using data and insights to inform planning and decision-making
- identifying opportunities for co-location, co-tenancy and other shared arrangements
- engaging with GPO when planning accommodation changes or projects
- delivering property projects or seeking GPO support where appropriate.
Government Property Office
GPO provides system leadership, guidance and support to help agencies achieve better portfolio outcomes. This includes:
- setting strategic direction and leading portfolio-wide improvement initiatives
- advising Ministers and Cabinet on government office accommodation matters
- developing standards, frameworks, tools and guidance to support consistent practices and outcomes
- sharing research, insights and emerging best practice
- coordinating procurement of common goods and services across agencies
- managing the Property Portal as the central source of government office accommodation data
- providing portfolio analysis, planning advice and system-wide insights
- helping agencies identify opportunities for co-location, collaboration and space optimisation
- providing brokerage services for short-term or shared accommodation needs.