Principal Officer (Indigenous & Local Government Relations)

Queensland Government; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration and generous

Five weeks annual leave + extra leave

Flexible working arrangements (work–n

Relocation assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Queensland Government, Transport and Main Roads, is seeking a Principal Officer (Indigenous & Local Government Relations) to lead a team coordinating works and grants programs across Far North District local government areas. The role emphasises projects with Indigenous involvement and delivery of the QTRIP, while strengthening collaboration with councils.

You will provide strategic policy advice, drive program efficiency, and build productive stakeholder partnerships in meetings, forums, and

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Law, Town Planning or Engineering, or a similar qualification relevant to the industry.
• Current holder of a Class C driver licence.
• Must be eligible to work in Australia.
• Criminal history screening must be completed before appointment.
• Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Leading infrastructure planning and program delivery aligned with district priorities, QTRIP commitments and agreed scope, timeframes and quality standards.
• Developing policies and programs that strengthen relationships and mutual understanding with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander local governments.
• Building productive stakeholder partnerships and representing TMR in meetings, conferences and forums on policy and operational matters.
• Providing clear advice and correspondence, applying sound judgement and improving program efficiency, processes and outcomes.
• Leading and supporting a collaborative, adaptable and innovative Indigenous and Local Government Relations team.

Education

Tertiary qualification in Public Policy / Political Science / Indigenous Studies / Anthropology / Archaeology / Law / Town Planning / Engineering or related field

Job description

Help shape infrastructure outcomes through strong partnerships. As Principal Officer (Indigenous & Local Government Relations), you will lead a team coordinating works and grants programs across Far North District local government areas. With a focus on projects with high levels of Indigenous involvement, you will support delivery of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), meet stakeholder expectations and strengthen collaboration between TMR and local governments.Key responsibilities include:- Leading infrastructure planning and program delivery aligned with district priorities, QTRIP commitments and agreed scope, timeframes and quality standards.- Developing policies and programs that strengthen relationships and mutual understanding with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander local governments.- Building productive stakeholder partnerships and representing TMR in meetings, conferences and forums on policy and operational matters.- Providing clear advice and correspondence, applying sound judgement and improving program efficiency, processes and outcomes.- Leading and supporting a collaborative, adaptable and innovative Indigenous and Local Government Relations team.Further information on the role can be found in the attached role description.Mandatory qualifications and conditions- A tertiary qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Law, Town Planning or Engineering, or a similar qualification relevant to the industry.- Current holder of a Class C driver licence.- Must be eligible to work in Australia- Criminal history screening must be completed before appointment.- Pre-employment check of serious discipline history for the recommended candidate(s) as a condition of employment.Desirable requirements- Experience managing, developing and delivering local government infrastructure road grants and projects/programs.- Experience managing projects and programs in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environments.What We Offer:- Competitive remuneration, including generous superannuation and leave provisions.- Five weeks of annual leave plus an additional leave day each year, with access to Volunteer and Community Service Leave.- Ongoing training and development opportunities.- Flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, part-time hours, and flexible start/finish times (subject to approval).- Employer superannuation contributions up to 12.75%.- Annual leave loading.- Salary packaging arrangements.- Wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Program.- Generous parental leave entitlements.- Relocation assistance.Diversity and Inclusion:At Transport and Main Roads, we foster a workplace culture built on respect, dignity, and fairness. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, culturally diverse individuals, and women.If you require additional support or adjustments, such as interpreting services, assistive technologies, or specific physical accommodations, please let us know to ensure you can showcase your abilities during the recruitment process.Additional Information:Applications for this role may also be considered for similar vacancies within the Far North District for up to 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.Job Ad Reference: QLD/705909/26Closing Date: Friday, 13 November 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.