Senior Policy Lead

About This Role

• Lead transformational reforms that reduce Aboriginal over-representation in youth justice through initiatives like Our Youth Our Way and Closing the Gap.
• Shape the future of youth justice by overseeing policy development, implementation, and evaluation of Wirkara Kulpa—Victoria's first Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy.
• Turn data into impact by driving analysis and insights on Aboriginal youth in the justice system, while collaborating with key stakeholders including the Aboriginal Justice Forum.

The Aboriginal Youth Justice unit at the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) is responsible for the design and development of policy, strategy and program responses for young Aboriginal people in contact with, or at risk of contact with the Youth Justice system.

A key focus of the Policy and Strategy team is to drive the implementation of Wirkara Kulpa in partnership with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and under the governance of the Youth Collaborative Working Group of the Aboriginal Justice Forum.

The Opportunity

• Ongoing, full-time position based in Melbourne.
• VPS Grade 5 role: $113,022 - $136,747 per year plus superannuation.
• Prepare high-level policy advice, reports, and presentations for departmental executives and ministers on sensitive and complex matters.
• Lead the coordination and provision of timely and strategic advice on high priority, high profile reforms designed to reduce Aboriginal over-representation in the youth justice system, including Our Youth Our Way and Closing the Gap.
• Drive the collection, analysis and dissemination of data related to Aboriginal children and young people in contact with the youth justice system, engaging key stakeholder groups including the Aboriginal Justice Forum.
• Actively lead and participate in team policy and governance projects for Aboriginal Youth Justice.

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• Demonstrated experience in Victorian Government administrative processes, with understanding of key Aboriginal governance mechanisms such as the Aboriginal Justice Forum highly desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting it.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of justice involvement on Aboriginal youth is highly desirable

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
To learn more about the type of skills you will need to thrive in this role, please read the position description.
What's in it for you?
You will be working for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which is one arm of the Victorian State Government, a recognised top employer of choice nationally. All our staff work to the vision of a safe, just, innovative and thriving Victoria.

There are many advantages in working for the department, including:

• Job stability – position as a member of the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
• A fair salary– enjoy great work conditions and salary sacrificing options.
• Transparent performance framework– approach your work with confidence in how you're tracking, working to professional development plans agreed on by you and your manager.
• Generous leave entitlements– provisions for many forms of leave; including personal, parental, carers, study, cultural, compassionate, and sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program support – you are encouraged to use this short-term, confidential counselling service if you're experiencing emotional stress, relationship problems, conflict with others or personal issues. It is also available for financial counselling and retirement planning.

If you have any queries, please contact Jack Allford on or

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact

if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.
For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made
We want to make sure all Victorians feel represented by the department's work. One of the ways we do this is by recruiting a diverse workforce – we welcome people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability and cultural background. We are also committed to the Victorian Government's promise to increase the number of veterans working in the public sector.

We're proud of our individual differences. We're proud of the many languages we speak and the stories we can share with each other. We hope you will share your story too.

If this sounds like a compelling job that you believe your skills would be a great match for, please APPLY NOW. Applications close 11.59pm,
Wednesday 01 October 2025.
How To Apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

T
he successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
Important Information
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.