Information Access Officer (VPS4)
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
Ongoing | Melbourne CBD + hybrid
About the role
DEECA is seeking an experienced, high‑performing Information Access practitioner to join our team delivering complex work across Freedom of Information (FOI), privacy and Parliamentary Orders workstreams.
Reporting to the Manager Information Access, you will manage complex and sensitive FOI requests and deliver timely, defensible outcomes in a high‑demand environment. You will exercise sound judgement on challenging issues, provide practical advice to stakeholders, and contribute to the department’s response to Parliamentary orders.
You will also play a key role in lifting the quality and consistency of Information Access practices, contributing to improvements in systems, processes and guidance across the function.
About you
We are looking for candidates who can operate with a high degree of independence and judgement.
You will bring:
strong, demonstrated experience applying the Freedom of Information Act 1982, including decision‑making on complex matters
proven ability to manage complex, sensitive and time‑critical work, balancing legal risk and stakeholder expectations
strong judgement and the ability to deliver clear, well‑reasoned and defensible decisions
experience preparing high‑quality briefings and decision documents
the ability to provide practical, authoritative advice to diverse stakeholders.
Experience with Parliamentary Orders to produce documents or privacy will be highly regarded.
Why join us
This role offers exposure to complex, high‑profile work across government, with opportunities to broaden your expertise across FOI, privacy and Parliamentary Orders processes.
You will join a high-performing, collaborative team and work in an environment that values judgement, professionalism and continuous improvement.
Flexible working arrangements are supported.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
- A relevant legal qualification or experience in legal research and in interpretation of law is desirable, but not necessary.
- Knowledge and experience in the interpretation and application of FOI legislation and FOI administration including decision making and evaluation of other legislation and case law.
- Extensive experience in dealing with detailed and confidential material and preparation of detailed briefings, correspondence and reports.
- Management of a number of FOI applications simultaneously and prioritising work to achieve statutory response times.
This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.
Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.
How to Apply:
If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
Other relevant information:
Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace
DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [email protected].
We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.
