Lead Governance & Access to Information

Bayside Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 extra days off during Christmas

10 days sick leave

5 days MyLeave flexible personal leave

Parental leave entitlements

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Fitness Passport

Annual skin checks & flu vaccinations

Job summary

Bayside Council is seeking a Governance Director to lead the Governance and Access to Information teams and strengthen policy frameworks ensuring legislative compliance and transparency.

The role coordinates delegations, probity and statutory requirements across the organisation, partnering with stakeholders to drive best practice.

Qualifications

• Extensive governance experience and understanding of policy and probity requirements.
• Experience applying legislation and statutory compliance in a public sector context.
• Ability to develop, implement and monitor governance policies and frameworks.
• Proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expert governance advice including policies, procedures, delegations and statutory requirements.
• Coordinate Council’s Governance framework and advise Executives and staff on improvements.
• Oversee delegations and legislative change processes and notify responsible officers.
• Maintain registers such as GIPA, Delegations and Conflicts of Interest.
• Lead development, implementation and review of the Policy Framework.

Skills

Governance

Policy development

Legislation interpretation

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Written & verbal communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in governance or related field

Tools

HPE EDM system

Electronic business paper system

Job description

Centrally located in Rockdale (close to public transport)

Supportive team with opportunity to grow

Our team

At Bayside Council, we are committed to a positive, flexible and supportive workplace culture, where our people and customers feel respected and valued. We are proud to serve our community through operating with transparency, integrity and in the best interests of the Bayside community to deliver exceptional service.

About the Role

The City Performance directorate underpins the delivery of service excellence by providing expertise in financial services, governance and business technology.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to drive best-practice governance, compliance, and ethical decision-making across Council. Leading the Governance and Access to Information teams, you will strengthen governance frameworks, policies, and processes while partnering with stakeholders to ensure legislative compliance, transparency and organisational excellence.

About the role:

Provide subject matter expert advice on Governance matters including policies, procedures, delegations, legislation, probity and statutory requirements

Coordinate Council’s Governance framework providing expert advice to Executive and staff and continually review and implement improvements to the Framework.

Coordinate and have oversight of delegations and legislative compliance including managing the process to identify legislation changes and make responsible officers aware of such changes

Maintain various registers including but not limited to GIPA, Delegations, Donations and Sponsorship and Conflicts of Interest /Pecuniary Interest etc.

Oversee the development, implementation and review of Council’s Policy Framework, including coordinating the regular review and updating of Policies on the Council Policy Register.

About you:

Extensive experience in a governance related role.

Tertiary qualifications and/or knowledge and experience in a relevant field.

Experience in Local Government (would be highly regarded).

Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and maintaining governance frameworks, policies, procedures and related systems that support legislative compliance and organisational best practice.

Demonstrated experience in governance, with experience in at least three (3) of the following areas:

Access to Information (Government Information (Public Access) Act)

Policy development, implementation and monitoring

Statutory Compliance, Business paper administration, Delegations, Probity, Investigations

Highly developed written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to prepare accurate and timely reports, policies, correspondence, presentations and other governance documentation.

Experience in effectively leading and supervising a multi-disciplinary team.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and manuals including the Local Government Act 1993, Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act 1998.

Experience in an electronic business paper system and HPE electronic document management record system.

Current Driver’s Licence Class C.

Our benefits and culture

3 extra days off during Christmas each year

10 days sick leave each year

5 days MyLeave allowing flexible personal leave each year

Additional parental leave entitlements for both parents

Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Access to Fitness Passport

Annual skin checks & flu vaccinations

Closing date: Friday 25 September 2026.

Salary Range:$124,203 - $139,107 pa +12% Superannuation

Applicants may be required to satisfactorily undertake a Criminal History Check, Medical and/or Working with Children check in accordance with the position.

Bayside Council is proud to be both an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child-Safe Organisation. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace where all individuals regardless of background, experience and identity, feel valued and respected. We also recognise the rights of children and young people to feel safe when accessing Council services, and we strive to maintain an environment that promotes their safety and wellbeing. All hiring decisions are based solely on individual merit and alignment with requirements of the role. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process by getting in touch with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss their needs in confidence.