Policy Officer

NSW Ministry of Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Ministry of Health's Mental Health Review Tribunal is seeking a Policy Officer to support the Tribunal's strategic policy agenda. The role involves researching complex issues, preparing briefs and submissions, and delivering evidence-based policy advice across health, justice and government sectors.

You will coordinate consultations, lead stakeholder engagement, and contribute to policy evaluation, reporting and law reform initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong policy research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication, including briefs, reports and submissions.
• Sound judgement with clear, practical and evidence-based advice.
• Strong project management and organisational skills for competing priorities.
• Confident in engaging with diverse stakeholders and building productive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and implement policy initiatives in mental health policy.
• Conduct research and analysis on complex issues and prepare papers, briefs and submissions.
• Provide evidence-based advice on matters relating to mental health, tribunal operations and law reform.
• Coordinate consultations, working groups and stakeholder engagement activities; support policy evaluation and reporting.

Skills

Policy research

Policy analysis

Brief writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Job description

Employment Type: Full time Ongoing
Position Classification: Crown Clerk grade 7/8
Remuneration:$116,981 - $129,492 p.a. plus super and annual leave loading
Location: 580 George St Sydney
Hours Per Week: 35 hours
Requisition ID: REQ698382
Closing Date: 25 October 2026 (11:59PM)

Join a growing, high-functioning and dynamic organisation.

We are searching for enthusiastic and motivated Policy Officer to join the Mental Health Review Tribunal. This new position will play a key role in supporting the Tribunal's strategic, operational and legislative policy agenda. The position undertakes research, analysis and policy development activities, providing high-quality advice and practical solutions that contribute to informed decision-making, continuous improvement and effective governance across the Tribunal.

About this role
As a Policy Officer, you will work closely with the Tribunal Executive, the Registrar, Members and a broad range of stakeholders across the health, justice and government sectors to develop, review and implement policy initiatives. You will conduct research and analysis on complex issues, prepare discussion papers, briefs, submissions and reports, and provide evidence-based advice on matters relating to mental health, tribunal operations and law reform.

The role requires a highly organised and adaptable professional who can manage competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accuracy. You will coordinate consultations, working groups and stakeholder engagement activities, contribute to policy evaluation and reporting, and support projects that enhance the Tribunal's effectiveness and service delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated policy practitioner who enjoys working in a complex and multidisciplinary environment. You will contribute to matters of significant public interest, collaborate with experienced professionals across government, and support initiatives that strengthen mental health and forensic mental health systems in New South Wales.

About you
The ideal applicant will demonstrate:

• Strong policy research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefs, reports and submissions.
• Sound judgement and the ability to provide clear, practical and evidence-based advice.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence engaging with diverse stakeholders and building productive working relationships.
• Excellent consultation, facilitation and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain effective in changing environments.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute positively to team outcomes.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• An interest in public policy, mental health, law reform and improving outcomes for the community.

The Tribunal
Working for the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal offers the opportunity to contribute to work that has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of people receiving mental health care across New South Wales. As part of a small, specialist organisation, you will gain exposure to complex legal, policy and mental health issues while working alongside experienced professionals from health, legal and clinical disciplines.

The Tribunal provides a collaborative and supportive environment where staff are encouraged to innovate, develop their expertise and contribute to continuous improvement. In return, you will enjoy the benefits of public sector employment, opportunities for professional growth and the satisfaction of supporting a fair, independent and person-centred decision-making framework that promotes the rights, wellbeing and recovery of some of the community's most vulnerable members.

For role related queries please contact Alisa Kelley, Registrar **************@health.nsw.gov.au or 1800 815 ***

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Mental Health Review Tribunal we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
• Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role

Applications Close: 25 October 2026 (11:59PM)