The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available

The Government Services Branch is seeking to fill the role of Assistant Director for the Freedom of Information (FOI) Section. The Assistant Director will provide leadership and direction to the FOI team and function.

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 applications from high performing candidates with either recent experience in FOI or with a legal background.

The Assistant Director FOI is responsible for managing FOI workflow, including escalations and sensitive consultations and maintains positive, cooperative and professional relationships while undertaking FOI processing between ministerial offices, portfolio agencies and the department.

The Assistant Director’s responsibilities include:

• managing, leading and mentoring a team of FOI Case Officers, maintaining a positive working environment
• setting priorities and monitoring case-loads, managing resources effectively to ensure compliance with statutory timeframes
• analysing and distilling complex information, anticipating issues and contributing to ongoing issues management
• providing high quality technical FOI advice to authorised Decision Makers and Action Officers
• manage Internal Reviews and Information Commissioner Reviews, where required to do so
• assisting and supporting portfolio ministers and agencies with the processing of FOI requests, where required to do so
• developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including portfolio Ministers’ offices, portfolio agencies and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
• contributing to the ongoing improvement of the FOI Processing Framework within the Department
• entering and maintaining data into Departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
• Other duties as directed.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive level 1 Work level standards, and will include being dynamic and respectful, having integrity, valuing others and empowering people by:

• Thinking strategically - providing clear direction by aligning daily activities with the Department’s strategic objectives, clearly communicating purpose, expectations, and how individual contributions support broader goals - demonstrating a strong understanding of the Department’s mission, considering the long-term impacts of decisions, and ensuring operational alignment - using sound judgment and critical thinking, gather and analyse information from diverse sources, exploring different perspectives, identifying gaps, and developing innovative, evidence-based solutions to support effective outcomes.
• Achieving results - reviewing operational performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced outcomes, while supporting key talent and contributing own expertise to team goals - remaining adaptable to changing requirements, valuing specialist input, and leveraging the knowledge of others - developing clear work plans, monitoring progress, adjusting as needed, and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery - supporting others through change, fostering collaboration by sharing information, and seeking stakeholder feedback to inform improvements.
• Cultivating productive working relationships - building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, offering support to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes - anticipating and responding to stakeholder needs through open communication and collaboration, working effectively as part of a team - promoting diversity, encouraging different perspectives, and fostering inclusive, high-performing team environments - identifying development opportunities, delegating tasks to build capability, setting clear expectations, and providing timely feedback—while addressing underperformance promptly and professionally as required.
• Exemplifying personal drive and integrity - adopting a principled approach, consistently upholding the APS Values and Code of Conduct while acting with professionalism, ethics, and impartiality - representing the Department effectively, providing forthright, impartial advice and constructively challenging issues where appropriate - demonstrating accountability, taking ownership of your work, showing initiative, and persisting in achieving goals despite challenges - reflecting on your performance, seeking feedback, learning from mistakes, and pursuing continuous personal and professional development with a proactive and growth-focused mindset.
• Communicating with influence - communicating with clarity and confidence, using concise and unambiguous language tailored to your audience - structuring written and verbal communication for maximum impact, actively listening to others, and ensuring mutual understanding - preparing thoroughly for negotiations, anticipating different perspectives, and framing arguments strategically - engaging stakeholders to build support and work toward outcomes that deliver mutual benefit

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Either FOI experience or legal qualifications and experience is a necessity for this role.
• Effective people management and leadership skills
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders in a professional and effective manner

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Exposure to high profile and interesting projects, with networking opportunities across the breadth of the Department’s work in the major infrastructure, transport, communications, sport and arts sectors, supporting our regions, cities and territories and across the wider APS FOI Community.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours and home-based work.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

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 Baseline. 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.

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Applications open: 20 August 2025

Applications close: 3 September 2025

Application shortlisting: 8 September 2025

Further assessments: 15 September 2025

Selection report finalised: 25 September 2025

Offers and announcements: 3 October 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include interviews and reference checks.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Wednesday 3 September 2025.

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 1 (one) page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 3 (three) pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email [email protected]

Work with us. Apply now!