Policy Officer

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

Job summary

NSW Health is seeking a Policy Officer for the Mental Health Review Tribunal based in Sydney. This role supports strategic and legislative policy, conducts research, analysis and prepares discussion papers, briefs and submissions to inform decision-making.

The successful candidate will work with executives, registrars and stakeholders across health, justice and government to implement policy initiatives, evaluate impact, and strengthen mental health and forensic policy in New South Wales.

Qualifications

• Strong policy research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication for briefs, reports and submissions.
• Sound judgement with evidence-based advice.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent consultation and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Resilience and adaptability in changing environments.
• Collaborative approach contributing to team outcomes.
• Professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• Interest in public policy, mental health and law reform.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and implement policy initiatives for the Tribunal.
• Conduct research and analysis on complex issues and prepare briefs, submissions and reports.
• Provide evidence-based advice on mental health, tribunal operations and law reform.
• Coordinate consultations, working groups and stakeholder engagement.
• Support projects that enhance Tribunal effectiveness and service delivery.
• Contribute to policy evaluation and reporting.

Skills

Policy research

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Public policy

Job description

Policy Officer, Mental Health Review Tribunal

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.

To review the role description, please click here.

About you

• 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 on [e-mail].

If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Lisa Byrne on [e-mail] and quote REQ698382.

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.

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.

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.
• 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)

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.