Electorate Officer – Policy and Strategy (EOB) - Senator Richard Dowling

seek.com.au; Canberra; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The Electorate Officer – Policy and Strategy role in Canberra supports Senator Richard Dowling with high‑quality policy analysis and strategic advice across national economic, social and environmental issues, linking national policy with parliamentary work and the Senator’s priorities.

Based in Parliament House, you will work with the Parliamentary and Policy Adviser, engage with stakeholders, prepare briefs and speeches, and participate in committee work as required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated public policy and analytical capability.
• Strong research ability to understand unfamiliar topics and advise.
• Understanding of the national political environment, Australian government and parliamentary processes.
• Knowledge of the Australian Labor Party and policy context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently with initiative in a small team.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyse policy issues and provide evidence-based advice.
• Develop policy ideas and parliamentary opportunities.
• Support Senate committee work: research, hearings, analysis.
• Lead priority policy work, including financial capability literacy.
• Prepare briefs, policy papers, speeches, submissions and talking points.
• Meet with stakeholders and represent at forums and briefings.
• Liaise with Ministers’ offices and government departments.
• Coordinate policy, parliamentary, stakeholder and communications priorities.
• Travel as required and support office operations.
• Promote a safe, inclusive workplace.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research skills

Parliamentary processes

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Independent work

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Tools

Speechwriting

Job description

Electorate Officer – Policy and Strategy (EOB) - Senator Richard Dowling

The office of Senator Richard Dowlingis seeking applications for an ongoing full-time Electorate Officer - Policy and Strategy position, based in the parliamentarian's Australian Parliament House office in Canberra, ACT.

The role provides high-quality policy analysis, research and strategic advice to Senator Richard Dowling across a broad range of national economic, social and environmental policy issues, connecting national policy and parliamentary work with the Senator’s priorities and their implications for Tasmania.

Based in Canberra, the role will support the Senator’s policy priorities, Senate committee work, stakeholder engagement and parliamentary activities, working closely with the Parliamentary and Policy Adviser and wider office. It will provide an on-the-ground presence in Parliament House during sitting and non-sitting periods and build relationships across government, Parliament and relevant stakeholder networks.

During non-sitting periods, the successful candidate will often be the only member of the Senator’s staff based in Canberra and must be comfortable working independently and exercising sound judgement. This is a hands‑on role in a small, collaborative office requiring flexibility, initiative and intellectual curiosity.

Key Duties

• Research and analyse complex economic, social and environmental policy issues, monitor national policy and political developments, and provide clear, evidence‑based advice on emerging issues, risks and opportunities relevant to the Senator’s priorities.
• Identify and develop policy ideas and parliamentary opportunities that support the Senator’s priorities.
• Support Senate committee and inquiry work, including research, hearing preparation, questions, analysis of evidence and follow‑up. Analyse Bills, proposed amendments, explanatory memoranda and other legislative developments, and provide advice on their policy and political implications.
• Lead and contribute to priority policy work and strategic projects, including financial capability and financial literacy.
• Prepare high‑quality briefs, policy papers, research, correspondence, submissions, speeches, parliamentary statements, opinion pieces, talking points and other material, including content that can be adapted for traditional and social media.
• Meet with policy, industry, community and other stakeholders, including representing the Senator at forums, briefings and events where appropriate, and ensure issues raised are appropriately followed up.
• Liaise with Ministers’ offices, government departments and other parliamentary offices to progress policy and stakeholder matters.
• Work closely with the Parliamentary and Policy Adviser and wider team to coordinate policy, parliamentary, stakeholder and communications priorities.
• Contribute flexibly to campaign, community, constituent and broader office priorities, undertake travel as required, and perform other duties necessary to support the Senator and the effective operation of the office.
• Promote, support and maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture
• Other duties as required to support the Parliamentarian and the effective operation of the Electorate Office.

Selection Criteria

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications and experience:

• Demonstrated public policy and analytical capability, with an ability to engage deeply with complex economic, social and environmental issues.
• Strong research skills and an ability to rapidly understand unfamiliar subject matter, assess evidence and produce clear, practical and well‑reasoned advice.
• A strong understanding of the national political environment, Australian government and parliamentary processes, including the Senate and parliamentary committee system.
• A sound understanding of the Australian Labor Party and broader labour movement, and the political context in which policy and parliamentary work occurs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distil complex information into clear briefs, speeches, policy material and practical verbal advice.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and an ability to work effectively with Ministers’ offices, government departments, parliamentary offices and external organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with sound judgement and initiative, while collaborating effectively as part of a small team and managing competing priorities in a fast‑moving political environment.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent skills, knowledge and professional experience relevant to the role.
• High levels of professional integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
• Capacity to work reasonable additional hours when required.
• Previous experience in public policy, government, Parliament, a parliamentary or Ministerial office, a policy organisation, think tank, industry association, union or comparable environment.
• Experience supporting parliamentary committees or inquiries.
• Experience in speechwriting or preparing substantive material for public communication.

Values

The values of Accountability, Integrity, Curiosity, Respect and Service are fundamental to all roles within the Senator’s office.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:

• A commencing salary between $79,525 and $92,846 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.
• An additional Electorate Staff Allowance (ESA) of up to $38,416 may be considered in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and any travel requirements.
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

• An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards | Parliamentary Workplace Support Service.
• As a condition of employment, the successful applicant will be required to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and any material matter relevant to their suitability for the role, including publicly available statements, publications or online activity that could reasonably give rise to a significant integrity, security, operational or reputational risk for the office.

Applications close: Wednesday, November 4 2026, 11.59pm AEDT