Dr Vijaya Ramamurthy

Dr Vijaya Ramamurthy

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Director
Linkedin
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  • +61 8 6186 1410
  • +61 439 860 700

Vijaya has over 30 years’ professional experience and specialises in program review and evaluation; public sector policy, governance and financial management; federal-state relations; and capability building in these areas. She has practical knowledge and expertise in the design, implementation, review and reform of public sector programs, public sector regulation, budgeting and policymaking processes, and proven ability in providing evidence-based advice to support government decision-making.

Vijaya’s sector experience includes science and innovation, industry and community development, health and disability services and environment. Prior to joining Sapere, Vijaya held a range of senior to mid-range roles in the Western Australia public sector for 25 years, primarily in the Departments of Treasury and Health. As part of those roles, she has been intimately involved in the design and implementation of several major WA Government reforms – the introduction of decentralised governance in the WA health system and the development of the Health Services Act 2016 (2014-16); the delivery of the Health Reform Committee’s A Healthy Future for Western Australians report (2003-04); and the design and implementation of a whole-of-government accrual budgeting and cash management framework (1998-2000).

Specialisations

Expertise

  • Data analytics
  • Economic and market analysis
  • Evaluations
  • Financial modelling
  • Regulatory and cost benefit analysis
  • Strategy and business cases

Industries

  • Arts, Culture and Recreation
  • Climate and environment
  • Economic development
  • Energy and decarbonisation
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Public sector policy and finance
  • Science and innovation
  • State, regional and local government
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Qualifications & accolades

  • PhD (Public Policy) from The John Curtin Institute of Public Policy, Curtin University
  • Certified Practising Accountant, CPA Australia
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting, Finance and Systems) from the University of New South Wales
  • Member, Australian Evaluation Society
  • Member, Healthcare Financial Management Association

Recent work highlights include:

  • Program evaluation of the Reconnect WA and the Connecting Communities Fund grant programs for RAC Western Australia
  • Support the program evaluation of a state government’s investment in National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) nodes
  • Review the operating model for the provision of state government gambling research and treatment services
  • Development of a state government compliance and enforcement framework for gaming, wagering and liquor
  • Review of school student participation in state government recreation camps to identify options to reduce social, economic, geographical and cultural barriers impacting on participation
  • Expert advice on the development and implementation of a public sector climate risk framework
  • Implementation review of a state government online system for environmental approvals
  • Program review of a state-based defence science centre
  • Strategic review of a state government agency’s business case development and budget processes following machinery of government reforms
  • Economic evaluation of a state government’s new industries fund
  • Program evaluation of a state-based science and innovation endowment fund and fellowship program
  • National review of the provision of aged care services for older people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness
  • Financial and performance assessment of a state government tourism agency

Case studies

Development of a state public sector financial management awareness training program

Australian Health-Care Federalism: beyond the logic of autonomy

The Australian primary healthcare experiment: a national survey of Medicare Locals

Challenges and opportunities for integration in health systems: an Australian perspective

Tied Grants and Policy Reform in Public Hospitals and Schools

Dr Vijaya Ramamurthy's

recent articles

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An example of climate risk: A barren red desert landscape with scattered dry branches and sparse bushes under a partly cloudy blue sky. Bushes and small trees are spread across the red sandy ground. The scene conveys an arid and dry environment.

How can governments effectively assess and manage climate risk to ensure a sustainable future?

  • Client: Department of Treasury (Western Australia)
Sapere provided expert advice on the design of a Climate Risk Framework for the WA government, exploring options for a staged approach, and aligning with international standards for climate risk disclosure, to support Western Australia's climate resilience efforts.
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Financial management

What if every public sector officer could master financial management?

  • Client: Department of Treasury (Western Australia)
The Financial Management Act 2006 forms the backbone of financial management for the WA Government, yet many public sector officers lacked familiarity with its provisions. In response, the WA Treasury asked Sapere to develop a comprehensive training program to improve practice and behaviour.
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