Brad Petry

Head of Data and Analytics

Length of service:  4 years

My journey so far

I’ve always enjoyed solving challenging problems and helping others. I guess that’s why I have been so drawn to the field of data analytics; there are endless opportunities to improve how we use data and evidence to improve citizens’ lives.

In my current role as Head of Data and Analytics in the Victorian Centre for Data Insights (VCDI), I lead and deliver innovative cross-government analytics projects and drive initiatives to build data science and analytics capability across the Victorian public sector.

Prior to joining VCDI, I held a number of other data analytics roles in the public sector, including at the Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation where I helped establish the Crime Statistics Agency to independently report public crime statistics for Victoria.

My day-to-day work

I can safely say that no two days are ever the same. However, each morning usually starts with a check-in with the team to get updates on current analytics projects and any issues I can help to resolve.

On any given day, you could find me brainstorming analytics project ideas with teams across the public sector, meeting with a university or a tech company, or applying a predictive model or machine learning to a current social policy issue.

My role in the bigger picture 

VCDI is all about making better use of data analytics and insights to improve the lives of Victorians, but the way we go about achieving this varies depending on the type of project.

For instance, our work with the Cladding Taskforce; using analytics to prioritise building inspections, shows how we can help keep Victorians safe and contribute to the community.

We also work on projects with teams across the public sector to help improve how they collect, manage, integrate and analyse data. These types of projects help demonstrate to others across government how we can use data to deliver better services for Victorians.

Join me in the public sector 

To me, the clear difference between working in the Victorian public sector and other jobs is the ability to drive change and see the impact of our work on individuals and their communities.

Every day we get to work on projects that deliver for all Victorians – from tackling violence to improving employment opportunities. We also have the opportunity to work across many different fields and areas of government. Unlike other industries, we aren’t limited to one arena.

Brad