Project Officer, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Reform

Project Officer, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Reform

Clerk award 7/8

Full Time Permanent

Salary Range: $113,574 - $125,720 (plus superannuation and leave loading).

See here for further details on the Crown Clerk pay rates.

The Mental Health Commission NSW is seeking interested applicants for the position Aboriginal Project Officer, Suicide Prevention Reform. This is an exciting opportunity to manage and deliver suicide prevention projects and initiatives that drive systemic reform across NSW.

Role of Mental Health Commission NSW

The Mental Health Commission of New South Wales (the Commission) was established in July 2012. The Commission's purpose is to lead, drive and measure mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention reform across whole of government. Our progressive work shapes contemporary policies to achieve the best outcomes for the people of NSW.

The Commission works with government agencies, peak bodies, community-managed organisations, academics, advocacy groups and service providers. We believe this approach, with close collaboration in all aspects of our work, will achieve stronger services and better outcomes for all people in NSW.

We are based in the Sydney CBD and have agreed flexible working arrangements.

The Mental Health Commission is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. As such, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Visit us at:

Primary Purpose of the Role

The Project Officer, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Reform is a key member of the System Reform Directorate reporting to the Manager, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Reform. The role is responsible for supporting and managing the delivery of high-quality project management activities related to the Aboriginal suicide prevention portfolio. The role supports all aspects of project planning, development and implementation including developing project plans, project administration tasks, preparing presentations and contributing to the development of reports, briefs and correspondence.

The team plays a key role in identifying opportunities to strengthen integration, coordination and collaboration across government and the broader mental health and social service system to advance Aboriginal suicide prevention reform.

About You

You are a strategic, detail-focused leader with deep expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and compliance within a complex organisation. With a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks, you bring a proactive approach to ensuring organisational integrity, transparency, and accountability.

You excel at overseeing governance functions such as Audit & Risk Committees, internal audit programs, enterprise risk frameworks, and legislative compliance. Your experience enables you to confidently manage external auditors, provide high-quality secretariat support, and guide executive leaders in meeting statutory and organisational obligations.

You are highly skilled in interpreting and applying legislation including the Government Information (Public Access) Act and privacy requirements, and you are comfortable acting as a trusted advisor on matters related to public interest disclosures, legal coordination, and internal policy governance.

A natural communicator and collaborator, you build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation. You bring sound judgement, ethical leadership, and the ability to simplify complex governance matters, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements: (to be addressed in your application)

• This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to organise and present complex information in a clear, logical and systematic way.
• Ability collaborate across government agencies, and with Aboriginal people with lived and living experience of suicide, promoting a social determinants approach to suicide prevention.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the role of the NSW Mental Health Commission and the broad range of issues affecting people with lived experience of suicidal distress and caring, families and kinship groups.
• Organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an effective team.

For a full list of the Key Accountabilities and Key Challenges, please see PD link here

How to apply

For applications to be considered, candidates must upload a current resume and a cover letter up to a maximum of 3 -pages outlining your interest in the role and how you meet each of the essential requirements of the role. The cover letter is to also outline your capabilities and relevant experience to this role.

For more information on how to apply for a role in the NSW Public Sector please click here.

Click here for the role LINK TO PD HERE

For role related queries or questions please contact Vanessa Brunker, Manager Aboriginal Suicide Prevention via email

Applications close: Wednesday 19 November to Tuesday 2 December pm)