Policy Officer

APS 5 - $76,260 - $83,658 per annum plus superannuation
- Australian Chief Plant Protection Office Division, Biosecurity Plant Division
- Canberra, ACT
- _Several vacancies, variety of roles._
- _Seeking an understanding of the importance of biosecurity and knowledge of issues affecting plant health._

**Who we are**
The
**Australian Chief Plant Protection Office (ACPPO)** is the primary representative of, and an advisor to, the Australian Government on all matters relating to the management, maintenance and improvement of Australia’s plant health status and the systems that support it. The objective of the ACPPO is to promote a shared vision for plant health that ensures Australia’s valuable plant resources and production capacity is protected and enhanced. This in turn drives opportunities for the Australian economy and Australia’s plant-based industries though production efficiencies, reduced pest pressures and improved access to domestic and international markets.

The work of the
**Plant Health Policy Branch** within ACPPO includes providing focus for national and international plant biosecurity activities; preparing for and coordinating national responses to plant pests and exotic weeds; promoting reform of the plant biosecurity system; improving plant health capacity and capabilities in near-neighbour countries and trading partners; domestically improving national surveillance and diagnostic capability and capacity; and assisting the department to meet national and international obligations and influencing plant health policies.

The
**National Policy and Implementation Section** within the Plant Health Policy Branch designs, drives and delivers Australian Government, departmental and national policies to protect, confirm and enhance Australia’s plant health status and facilitate safe international and domestic trade. The section is also responsible for delivering the Smart Fruit Fly Management measure.

The
**Preparedness and Response Section** within the Plant Health Policy Branch builds preparedness for plant pests and coordinates emergency responses for plant pests and diseases.

**Biosecurity Plant Division** provides a contemporary, responsive, sustainable, intelligence-led and science-based plant biosecurity system that protects Australia's plant health status. The work of the division supports agricultural productivity, competitiveness and market access for plant and plant products imports and exports. The division pursues new market access for Australian exporters, particularly opportunities arising from finalised free trade agreements. The division conducts plant pest and disease risk analyses, develops and implements risk mitigation measures and works collaboratively to strengthen Australia’s plant pest prevention, preparedness and response capabilities both within Australia and regionally.

The
**Plant Import Operations (PIO) Branch** in the Biosecurity Plant Division helps to maintain the favourable plant health status of Australia by setting conditions for imported plants and plant products in-line with the
- Biosecurity Act 2015_. It consists of three operational teams, as well as the Biosecurity Assurance Program, the Plant Innovation Centre, and the Plant Imports Reform Team.

**The Jobs**
There is a need to fill vacancies across different areas within the Australian Chief Plant Protection Office and the Biosecurity Plant Division. The duties of the specific roles are as follows:
**National Policy and Implementation Section (Plant Health Policy Branch)**
The duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

- providing advice about international standards and requirements relating to plant biosecurity and trade issues
- supporting efforts to establish sustainable resourcing of pest management activities
- promoting science-based improvements to pest management across Australia
- assisting in preparing for and coordinating national responses to plant pests
- effectively working within a team to promote reform of the plant biosecurity system
- assisting the department to meet national and international obligations and influencing plant health policies
- contributing to tasks associated with the management of projects, including governance responsibilities
- liaising with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including Commonwealth and state and territories stakeholders.

**Preparedness and Response Section (Plant Health Policy Branch)**
The duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

- delivering secretariat services for emergency response activities relating to environmental pests and diseases
- meeting preparation and coordination, internal/external stakeholder liaison and the progression of action items
- providing sound technical and policy advice on emergency response issues
- establishing and maintaining networks of internal stakeholders, state/territory departments of agriculture and the environment, industries and other organisations involved in t