EL1 - Assistant Director - Freedom of Information, Government Services

EL1 - Assistant Director - Freedom of Information, Government Services

Join to apply for the EL1 - Assistant Director - Freedom of Information, Government Services role at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Pay and location

This range is provided by the Department. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$122,667.00/yr - A$139,534.00/yr

We prefer candidates located in Canberra or Brisbane due to current staff locations. We support flexible work arrangements and would consider candidates working from Sydney or Melbourne if they have the most suitable skills and experience.

The opportunity

The Government Services Branch is seeking to fill the role of Assistant Director for the Freedom of Information (FOI) Section. The Assistant Director will provide leadership and direction to the FOI team and function.

Government Services Branch delivers essential services and expert advice and plays a critical role in upholding accountability, transparency, and effective communication between the department, Minister's Offices and key stakeholders. There are 5 teams in the branch:

• Freedom of Information (FOI) ensures that the department meets its obligations under the FOI Act.
• Ministerial Liaison supports the Departmental Liaison Officers.
• Ministerial Services oversees the management and administration of ministerial workflows, including through PDMS+, of submissions, briefs and correspondence for multiple ministerial offices.
• Cabinet Services coordinates the portfolio's Cabinet business and classified material.
• Parliamentary Services assists and tracks the department's involvement with Parliamentary processes and committees.

Government Services Branch is undergoing a structured change management process to improve service delivery, enhance internal processes, and strengthen capability across teams. This transformation focuses on modernising systems, streamlining workflows, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and aligning operations with strategic priorities.

What will you do

The Assistant Director FOI is responsible for managing FOI workflow, including escalations and sensitive consultations, and maintains positive, cooperative and professional relationships while undertaking FOI processing between ministerial offices, portfolio agencies and the department.

• Managing, leading and mentoring a team of FOI Case Officers, maintaining a positive working environment
• Setting priorities and monitoring case-loads, managing resources effectively to ensure compliance with statutory timeframes
• Analysing and distilling complex information, anticipating issues and contributing to ongoing issues management
• Providing high quality technical FOI advice to authorised Decision Makers and Action Officers
• Managing Internal Reviews and Information Commissioner Reviews, where required to do so
• Assisting and supporting portfolio ministers and agencies with the processing of FOI requests, where required to do so
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including portfolio Ministers' offices, portfolio agencies and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
• Contributing to the ongoing improvement of the FOI Processing Framework within the Department
• Entering and maintaining data into Departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
• Other duties as directed

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will demonstrate capability against the Executive Level 1 Work Level Standards and will be dynamic, respectful, with integrity, valuing others and empowering people by:

• Thinking strategically – providing clear direction by aligning daily activities with the Department's strategic objectives, clearly communicating purpose, expectations, and how individual contributions support broader goals. Demonstrates strong understanding of the Department's mission, considers long-term impacts, and uses sound judgment and critical thinking to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
• Achieving results – reviewing operational performance, supporting talent, developing clear work plans, monitoring progress, and delivering timely, high-quality outcomes; fostering collaboration and seeking stakeholder feedback to inform improvements.
• Cultivating productive working relationships – building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting diversity and inclusive teamwork, delegating tasks and providing timely feedback.
• Exemplifying personal drive and integrity – upholding APS Values and Code of Conduct, providing impartial advice, taking ownership and pursuing continuous development.
• Communicating with influence – communicating clearly, listening, negotiating, and engaging stakeholders to build support for outcomes.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination.
• Security Clearance: The candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline. You must be willing to disclose all relevant information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: General Business
• Industries: Government Administration

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