Aps6 - Freedom of Information (Foi) Case Officer, Government Services Branch

**Contact Officer**:
**Closing Date**:
**11.59pm AEST, Monday 10 February 2025**

**The opportunity we have available**:
Government Services Branch provides advice, information and services to support policy and program areas, and Ministerial offices across the entire portfolio. The Branch provides support through a range of enabling services including Freedom of Information (FOI).

The FOI Section manages and coordinates the processing of requests for access to documents under the _Freedom of Information Act 1982_ (Cth) (the FOI Act) including:

- assessing the validity of requests;
- working with business areas to identify and retrieve relevant documents;
- assisting authorised decisions makers to make decisions on access to documents;
- facilitating consultations with FOI applicants, affected third parties and other government agencies;
- managing both internal and external reviews of decisions made under the FOI Act.

We are looking for an APS6 Case Officer who can manage all aspects of the FOI Act obligations and processes within the Department.

**What will you do?**:
In this role, you will be responsible for:

- managing FOI requests, including liaison with and provision of support and advice to FOI decision makers and action officers throughout the Department
- preparing draft decisions on access under the FOI legislation
- entering and maintaining data into Departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
- preparing correspondence to FOI applicants and other stakeholders
- building and maintaining relationships with Action Officers and Decision Makers within the Department and across the Portfolio to progress FOI requests, ensuring statutory timeframes are met
- liaising with external stakeholders, including other state and commonwealth agencies, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
- researching legislation

**Who are we looking for?**:

- A demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure, adapting to competing priorities and remaining focused in a fast‐paced environment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally, solving problems and negotiating positive outcomes.
- Ability to work cooperatively within a small team environment including working on routine matters with mínimal supervision, and more complex tasks under supervision and direction of more senior officers.
- Following through with priorities, delivering impartial and accurate advice to stakeholders and exercising discretion in handling high‐profile, sensitive matters.
- Systematic analysis and ability to identify issues, including interpreting statutory obligations.

**RecruitAbility minimum requirements**:
Minimum requirements for this role include:

- Ability to effectively coordinate work ensuring high quality and timely outcomes
- Good interpersonal communication skills, including strong attention to detail
- Ability to establish and maintain key relationships with a broad range of stakeholders

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

- Opt into the scheme
- Declare they have a disability, and
- Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

**What else can we offer?**

**Your life**
- Find your purpose.
- We provide the environment you need through excellent conditions and a supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
- Our values are to be: respectful, informed, collaborative, adaptive, accountable. Through our commitment to these values, we maintain a fulfilling and supportive environment that promotes the wellbeing of our people.
- We offer job security, flexible work arrangements, regional and city work locations, generous leave and superannuation entitlements and access to higher tiered pay points in some classifications.
- Access to join our 6 staff-led diversity networks which promote a culture of inclusion to enhance work performance and the wellbeing of all staff.

**Your contribution**
- Our collaborative and supportive culture fosters high performing teams where you are valued for your expertise, experiences and point of view.
- We provide the environment you need through excellent conditions and a supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
- We provide a respectful and inclusive working environment.
- Our people feel a sense of belonging and are acknowledged for the contributions they make towards our objectives to deliver for the Australian community.

**Your development**
- Commence or enhance your career pathway and