Deputy Director-General, Strategy, Policy and Legisation

The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety plays a critical role in shaping and delivering policies and services that transform lives across Queensland. With a bold reform agenda and an ambitious vision for the future, we are seeking a
Deputy Director-General (DDG)
to lead the
Strategy, Policy and Legislation Division
at a time of unprecedented opportunity and impact.

OnTalent is proud to partner with the Queensland Government on this pivotal executive leadership role in seeking out a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader who thrives on complexity, influence, and driving systemic change.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the
Director-General
, the DDG will lead a high-performing division responsible for strategic policy, legislative reform, research, and intergovernmental engagement across the department's diverse portfolio. You will oversee five direct reports and work closely with the Minister, Director-General and senior executives, and key stakeholders across government, industry, and the community.

This is a rare opportunity to shape Queensland's policy landscape through:

• Major legislative reform in response to high-profile reviews, commissions of inquiry, and in alignment with government priorities and Ministerial Charter's.
• Driving strategic policy initiatives across disability, child safety, domestic and family violence, and community recovery.
• Leading integrated, evidence-based approaches to address complex social challenges.
• Fostering innovation, collaboration, and cultural capability within a large and diverse department.

This role operates at the intersection of
policy, legislation, and strategy
. The successful candidate will:

• Navigate a high-volume legislative agenda and deliver reforms of statewide significance.
• Work with Deputy Director-General peers within the department and across government to create whole of system opportunity for policy and legislative progress.
• Position the department as a leader in policy innovation and community-focused service delivery.

With significant reform underway, including the implementation of Our Way, the Disability Reform Framework, and upcoming legislative responses to major inquiries, this role demands both
strategic foresight
and
delivery excellence
.

About You

You are an accomplished senior executive with a track record of leading in large, complex organisations. You are:

• Strategic and results-driven - experienced in shaping and delivering integrated policy and legislative frameworks.
• Collaborative and collegiate - able to work seamlessly across government, industry, and community sectors.
• Confident and influential - comfortable engaging with Ministers, Directors-General, and other senior stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptive - thriving in dynamic environments and driving progress through ambiguity and complexity.
• Inclusive and culturally capable - committed to building diverse, respectful, and empowering workplaces.

This is your opportunity to lead transformative change and deliver lasting social impact across Queensland. You'll join a supportive and inclusive executive team, working on reforms that directly affect the lives of families, seniors, people with disability, and vulnerable communities.

The department values diversity, cultural capability, and innovation and is committed to providing an environment where you can make a difference while growing your leadership capability.

For a confidential discussion please reach out to Chris Dougherty or Jevon Seah on

To apply and for a copy of the success profile please visit Applications close 11.59pm Thursday 25 September 2025.