Principal Policy Officer

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 143,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice and Community Safety in Melbourne seeks a Principal Policy Officer – Liquor & Tobacco Projects to lead policy work on complex issues. You will help shape laws and advice that guide how Victoria regulates liquor and tobacco.

You will lead complex policy projects, prepare briefs for senior leaders, review trends, and guide teams to deliver high‑quality policy work within tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, social science, public health, economics or business is highly regarded.
• Experience in policy and project management is desirable.
• Cabinet submissions, regulations and impact assessments experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy projects and develop advice on laws and government policy.
• Shape laws and guidance for Victoria's liquor and tobacco regulation.
• Prepare clear briefs, reports and submissions for senior leaders and the Minister.
• Review local and global trends to identify new issues and policy options.
• Guide teams and collaborate with government, industry and communities.
• Manage high‑quality policy work and meet tight deadlines.

Skills

Strong policy skills

Leadership skills

Cabinet submissions

Policy project management

Clear communication

Education

Public policy or related degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DJ4389OCT2026

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

• Lead policy projects that help reduce harm from liquor and tobacco in Victoria.
• Shape laws and policies that affect public health, industry and communities.
• Work on complex issues and turn sound ideas into clear policy action.
• Build your leadership skills while helping make Victoria safer and healthier.
• Fixed-Term (2 years), full-time role earning $142,790 - $166,938 per year, plus super.

About us

The Gambling, Liquor &Tobacco business unit supports the regulation of Gambling, Liquor and Tobacco in Victoria, to minimise the harms these products can cause and contribute positively to the Victorian economy. It is responsible for:

• delivering and further developing the Victorian Government's strategic response to gambling, liquor, and tobacco issues
• developing and implementing the government's policy on major gambling licensing processes
• delivering a research and evaluation program to inform responses to gambling harm in Victoria.

It advises the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and is the primary government point of reference for industry, community and government on liquor and gaming issues.

What you will do

As a Principal Policy Officer – Liquor & Tobacco Projects, you will lead policy work on complex issues.

You will help shape laws and advice that guide how Victoria regulates liquor and tobacco.

You will:

• lead complex policy projects and develop advice on laws and government policy
• prepare clear, accurate briefs, reports and submissions for senior leaders and the Minister
• review local and global trends to find new issues and policy options
• guide teams, work with government and community groups and help shape sound policy
• manage high-quality policy work, meet tight deadlines and help teams solve problems.

About you

A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, social science, public health, economics or business is highly regarded. Experience in policy and project management is also highly desirable.

You should also have:

• strong policy skills and experience preparing Cabinet submissions, regulations and impact assessments
• leadership skills to guide teams and deliver work within tight timeframes
• sound judgement and an understanding of government, politics and the liquor or tobacco industries
• clear communication and problem-solving skills to explain complex issues, build support and work well with people from varied backgrounds.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Elese Cartledge at [e-mail].

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Child safe statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to g et in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

Applications close Thursday 29 October 2026 at 11.59pm