Policy Officer (APS employees)

Taxation Ombudsman; Council of the City of Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a talented Policy Officer in Sydney to analyze tax matters and draft policy recommendations. You'll work closely with stakeholders to improve the efficiency and fairness of taxation administration. Ideal for candidates with experience in policy within the Commonwealth Government and strong communication skills. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Career growth opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development within Commonwealth Government.
• Proven experience in producing briefs and policy advice.
• Strong teamwork and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and report on tax-related issues.
• Draft policy documents and submissions.
• Support the Deputy Tax Ombudsman in liaison with Treasury.

Skills

Policy development experience

Strong written communication skills

Business analysis

Research and data interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Self-starter

Education

Qualifications in public policy, economics, law, or related field

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a talented and self‑motivated Policy Officer to join our team. In this role, you will help maximise the influence and impact the Tax Ombudsman can have on key matters of tax and superannuation administration. This includes undertaking initial analysis of key matters, researching and drafting briefing papers, and contributing to consultations. The role also plays an important part in holding the ATO and TPB to account in the delivery of the Ombudsman recommendations.

This role is suited to an existing member of the APS, with policy experience, looking for a new challenge.

Initially the role will be offered non‑ongoing for up to 12 months with a possibility of extension or a permanent transfer.

Key duties

• Undertaking research, gathering insights, conducting environmental scans and reporting on findings, as required on issues of interest to the Tax Ombudsman.
• Problem solving and developing options and solutions to identified issues, often in collaboration with stakeholders or with the ATO.
• Producing early drafts of policy discussion papers, submissions to Ministers or briefs, as required by the Tax Ombudsman.
• Reviewing draft legislation, consultation documents or monitoring parliamentary inquiries to identify key issues for the agency’s responses.
• Supporting the Deputy Tax Ombudsman – Reviews in their liaison with Treasury on their areas of work related to tax administration.

Planning, tracking and records management

• Use of research, data and insight to curate a list of emerging issues arising from complaints, reviews and stakeholders and referring them for a decision for action.
• Driving progress and following up on issues raised and options suggested to the ATO or Treasury to achieve problem resolution or closure.
• Supporting the work of the broader team on systemic reviews, including planning and quality assurance.
• Supporting the tracking, monitoring, and evaluation of ATO or government’s action towards recommendations made by the agency.
• Supporting the agency to meet government privacy and records management frameworks, policies and procedures.

Skills and experience you will bring to the role

• Experience of policy development within Commonwealth Government.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop briefs, submissions or policy advice.
• Proven experience in business analysis, research, and the ability to interpret and synthesise complex information, data and identify trends.
• Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork and the confidence to manage stakeholder engagements.
• Strong attention to detail, planning and organisational skills.
• The ability to positively contribute and work as part of a team.
• The ability to be a self‑starter and meet competing deadlines.

Desirable attributes

• Qualifications in public policy, economics, law, accounting, politics, or a related field.
• An understanding or experience in tax administration.

Eligibility

• Undergo pre‑employment checks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a national police check.
• Australian Citizenship is a condition of eligibility.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a baseline security clearance.

How to apply

1. Your resume (maximum 4 pages).
2. A 700‑word pitch outlining your relevant skills and experience to the role.

Send your resume and application by email to ***********@taxombudsman.gov.au. Applications close midnight on 23 November 2025.

Location and office arrangements

Hybrid / working from home – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory or Victoria.

Office arrangements: The agency office location is in Sydney. Sydney‑based applicants will be expected to attend the office a minimum of 2 days per week. Other applicants may work fully remote after an initial induction at the Sydney office and will be required to attend the office twice yearly.

Why you’ll love working at the Tax Ombudsman

Meaningful work: At the Tax Ombudsman, you will have the chance to contribute to improving the fairness and transparency of Australia’s tax system while supporting the rights of all taxpayers across Australia.

Small team, big impact: As a small agency, everyone in the team has an important role to play to contribute to the agency’s purpose. You will be encouraged to apply your skills across a broad remit while also working in a supportive team environment.

Empowerment and innovation: We encourage our employees to take ownership of their roles and drive change, fostering a culture of innovation and progress. This is a brand new role, and you will be encouraged to help shape it to maximise the impact of your work.

Work‑life balance: We offer hybrid working arrangements with flexible hours to ensure a balanced career and personal life. Approximately 30% of our workforce currently works remotely, supporting a flexible and inclusive work environment.

Career growth: This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to key policy matters impacting the Australian community. You will have the opportunity to take the lead on policy analysis and producing draft advice and briefs, working closely with the SES and agency head. As part of a small, impactful team, you’ll build valuable skills for your future in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Notes

The Tax Ombudsman acknowledges the value of a diverse workforce and the wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas it brings. A culture of inclusion strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and enhances decision‑making, allowing us to better serve the diverse communities we represent. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to, individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disabilities, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support applicants through the recruitment process where necessary.

Getting to know the Taxation Ombudsman

The Tax Ombudsman is an independent statutory office whose purpose is to improve the fairness and integrity of taxation and superannuation administration in Australia. In delivering against our purpose, our key activities are to: 1. investigate and help resolve complaints from taxpayers or tax practitioners on the administration of the ATO or TPB in a timely and efficient way; 2. review and make recommendations on systemic issues relevant to improving tax administration; 3. provide independent advice to the Government and Parliament on tax administration; and 4. raise awareness of the role of the agency and promote the integrity of the tax system.