APS6 - Freedom of Information (FOI) Case Officer, Government Services

The opportunity we have available

**THIS OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN TO APPLICATIONS FROM
CANBERRA, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE
OR
BRISBANE
**

The Government Services Branch is seeking to fill the role of Assistant Director for the Freedom of Information Section. The FOI Case Officer will manage multiple FOI requests and provide technical support and advice to a range of stakeholders.

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, aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing internal processes, and strengthening capability across teams. This transformation is focused on modernising systems, streamlining workflows, fostering a supportive culture of continuous improvement, and aligning operations with strategic departmental priorities.

What will you do?

We are looking for high performing candidates with either recent experience in processing FOI requests or with a legal background.

As an APS6 FOI Case Officer, you will be responsible for:

• managing complex FOI requests, including liaison with, and provision of support and advice to, FOI Decision Makers and Action Officers throughout the department
• managing routine Internal Reviews and, where required, providing assistance in complex Internal Reviews and external reviews with the Information Commissioner and the ART
• building and maintaining professional working relationships with key stakeholders across the portfolio to progress FOI requests
• monitoring progress of cases and ensuring compliance with statutory timeframes, including managing extensions of time as required, liaising with departmental Decision Makers and Action Officers and escalating outstanding actions as appropriate
• where necessary, undertake and manage communications with FOI applicants to clarify and revise the scope of requests to ensure they meet FOI Act requirements
• preparing correspondence to FOI Applicants and internal stakeholders, and drafting decisions on access under FOI legislation for consideration by Decision Makers
• issuing final decisions to FOI Applicants and, where necessary, Affected Third Parties, and facilitating the release of documents, including their publication on the FOI Disclosure Log
• entering and maintaining data into departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
• liaising with external stakeholders, including other state and Commonwealth agencies and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OAIC), including undertaking and managing formal consultations with Affected Third Parties and information interagency consultations
• researching legislation as required
• providing support and training to junior staff in the team as required

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS6 Work level standards. This will include being dynamic and respectful, having integrity, valuing others and empowering people by:

• Supporting strategic direction:
  supporting shared purpose and direction by promoting the department's vision, linking goals to operational tasks, and clearly communicating objectives – thinking strategically by understanding the environment, setting team goals, and anticipating broader trends and long term impacts – harnessing information and opportunities by gathering diverse insights, analysing their relevance, staying well-informed, and seeking best practice – demonstrating good judgement, intelligence, and common sense through objective, evidence based analysis, problem solving, and promoting innovative work improvements.
• Achieving Results:
  effectively managing resources by reviewing performance, leveraging team strengths, negotiating responsibilities, and adapting to changes – applying and developing professional expertise by valuing specialist knowledge, utilising organisational skills, and contributing personal expertise – responding positively to change through clear planning, flexibility, open communication, and supporting others' adaptation – taking full responsibility for projects by ensuring completion, monitoring progress, adjusting plans, committing to quality, maintaining documentation, and seeking feedback where appropriate.
• Supporting productive working relationships:
  building and nurturing strong stakeholder relationships by proactively supporting and anticipating stakeholder needs – actively listening to understand and involve others – valuing diverse perspectives and working styles, and fostering respect and inclusivity – supporting team development by identifying learning opportunities, delegating tasks effectively, setting clear expectations, providing timely recognition and constructive feedback, and where staff supervision is relevant, promptly addressing underperformance.
• Displaying personal drive and integrity:
  demonstrating professionalism and integrity by following the APS values, providing honest advice, managing risks, and effectively representing the department – using initiative and taking responsibility to achieve goals, maintaining resilience under pressure, and committing to self-awareness and continuous personal development.
• Communicating with influence:
  communicating confidently and clearly by focusing on key points, using precise language, and selecting the best medium to ensure messages are concise and understood – actively listening and adapting communication by understanding the audience, appropriately tailoring messages, confirming others' views, and addressing misunderstandings promptly – negotiating confidently with a clear grasp of key issues and outcomes – anticipating stakeholder expectations – presenting persuasive arguments and gaining relevant support.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship
  : candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment
  : The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department's preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance
  : The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Insert Required Clearance Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check
  : The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check
  : The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at
11.59pm AEST, Tuesday 30 September 2025.