About the role
The Senior Policy Officer will lead complex policy development projects within the Land Rights Reform team. You will thrive in a dynamic environment, be highly strategic and motivated with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, as well as conceptual and analytical skills.
The Land Rights Reform team is responsible for:
-
leading and coordinating reform of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act and Aboriginal Land Rights Acts and associated regulations and policies.
-
provide advice to the Minister about other department’s reforms and programs that directly impact on the work of the Land Rights Reform Team; and
-
ensuring there is policy and strategic alignment between native title, the Traditional Owner Settlement Act, Aboriginal Land Rights Acts and Traditional Owner Treaties.
The First Peoples – State Relations Group is committed to employing Aboriginal staff and promoting Aboriginal leadership.
This is a designated position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
Key Accountabilities
-
Under limited direction, contribute to and lead the production of advice to departmental senior executives, the Minister for First Peoples, the Premier, and the Secretary, Cabinet on policy matters affecting Traditional Owners and the Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust (Aboriginal Trust) communities in relation to the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 (Vic), Aboriginal Lands Act 1991 (Vic) and Treaty processes.
-
Undertake shadow policy analysis and engagement on Victorian Government programs and reforms impacting Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Trust communities (including planning, land and waters, environment and infrastructure) to ensure Traditional Owner and Aboriginal Land rights and interests are fully understood and considered, including in the context of Treaty outcomes.
-
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative and productive relationships across FPSR, DPC, and departments, as well as with Traditional Owners, the Aboriginal Trust communities and their representatives to advance the work of the Land Rights Reform branch.
-
Contribute to and lead strategic research projects and policy analyses on priority issues and prepare, review and present high-quality documentation including reports, correspondence, briefing materials and presentations.
-
Promote a culture within the Group that is responsive, innovative and collaborative.
-
Other related tasks and duties as determined by management that are consistent with a position of this grade and skills requirement.
Desirable requirements
-
A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, humanities or related field and/or equivalent relevant experience is desirable.
-
Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal affairs policy, legislation and frameworks relevant to Victoria.
-
Current driver’s licence is desirable.
For more information, please see the Position Description.
How to apply
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026. All applications should include:
- a resume; and
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Other relevant information
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.
