Parliamentary and Governance Coordinator
APS6
**Open to ongoing APS employees only**
Canberra, Townsville
Full-time to 27 January 2027
Applications close 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday 5th August 2026
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.
Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.
Please note, this opportunity is for ongoing Reef Authority/APS employees only.
The Position
The Parliamentary and Governance Coordinator supports and coordinates the Reef Authority’s accountability and performance obligations across parliamentary, governance, and corporate planning processes.
The role leads timely delivery of high-quality Senate Estimates briefs, Questions on Notice, Ministerial submissions, correspondence, coordination requests, and other government business.
Under the Director and Assistant Director’s oversight, the position writes materials, analyses information, and liaises with stakeholders on corporate planning and performance reporting frameworks.
The role is available for a temporary move at level or higher duties for a period of 6 months.
About You
- Experienced in parliamentary services in an Australian Government context.
- Adept at coordination, reporting, and administrative delivery roles with set deadlines.
- Able to research, write, and edit high quality written materials for a range of audiences.
- Confident to research, interpret, and apply tasking instructions and guidance materials.
- Organised with an eye for detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in tasks and deliverables.
- Display integrity, sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion with sensitive matters.
- Collaborate well with others across the Reef Authority and Australian Public Service.
- Able to respond well to guidance and feedback in a government and governance context.
- Able to understand the broader operating environment of the organisation and government.
- Display a desire to contribute to the success of the team and working in harmony.
- Flexible in how and where you work and willing to support your team in a range of areas.
Duties
- Lead the coordination, advice, and responsive engagement in the Reef Authority’s ministerial and parliamentary business including ministerial submissions, Question Time briefs, Senate Estimates and committee hearings, parliamentary inquiries, and Questions on Notice.
- Scan, monitor, and provide advice to the Executive, Director, and Assistant Directors on accountability and performance obligations across parliamentary processes, governance, and corporate planning.
- Maintain productive working relationships while working across the Reef Authority and the APS, with a strong understanding of organisational operations and whole of government activity.
- Collect, analyse, and consolidate input from across the Reef Authority and the broader APS under the guidance of the Director and/or Assistant Director.
- Plan, write, edit, and proof-read a wide range of materials for the Reef Authority and the Strategic Governance section under the guidance of the Director and/or Assistant Director.
- As a small agency and team, from time-to-time you may be asked to support the organisation, branch and section with duties outside of your usual span but within your capabilities.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jessica Mead, Assistant Director - Governance and Strategy; Ph. 0499 438 324
Essential Requirements
The position requires a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role. While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. We encourage you to review the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.
Please submit your application to [email protected] before the closing time.
Applications close 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday 5th August 2026
Your application should include:
- your personal details
- current CV/resume
- a pitch of no more than 500 words
- contact details of two professional referees, including your current supervisor.
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
- The current position is non-ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.
