Senior Policy Advisor

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria invites applications for a Senior Policy Adviser within the First Peoples Self Determination and Reform Division in Melbourne. The role provides expert policy advice on First Peoples land justice and supports Victoria’s self-determination reform agenda across the Transport and Planning Portfolio.

It requires strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver high-quality briefs and options for senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Designs and develops effective policy, clearly defining problems, developing evidence-based options and considering broader strategic and community impacts.
• Influences and communicates effectively, tailoring approach to different audiences and building support for ideas and recommendations.
• Works collaboratively, engages stakeholders and partners to understand needs, share insights and co-create effective solutions.
• Delivers work effectively, coordinates tasks, monitors progress and keeps work on track to achieve outcomes.
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging new ideas and seeking feedback to improve quality and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develops high-quality briefs, policy advice and options for senior decision-makers on complex issues.
• Applies specialist knowledge to policy development within the First Peoples self-determination reform agenda.
• Cultivates strong stakeholder relationships and delivers quality work within tight timeframes.

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

The Senior Policy Adviser sits within the First Peoples Self Determination and Reform Division, providing expert policy advice and supporting Victoria’s self-determination reform agenda across the Transport and Planning Portfolio. The role specialises in First Peoples land justice and supports key Aboriginal affairs commitments and frameworks.

The position develops high-quality briefs, policy advice and options for senior decision-makers on complex issues. It requires strong analytical and research skills, the confidence to challenge ideas, and the ability to apply specialist knowledge to policy development. Strong stakeholder relationships, sound judgement and the ability to deliver quality work within tight timeframes are essential.

Whatwe’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’resomeone who:

• Designs and develops effective policy, clearly defining problems, developing evidence-based options and considering broader strategic and community impacts.
• Influences and communicates effectively, tailoring your approach to different audiences and building support for ideas and recommendations.
• Works collaboratively and partners with others, engaging stakeholders, users and experts to understand needs, share insights and co-create effective solutions.
• Delivers work effectively, coordinating tasks, monitoring progress and taking action to keep work on track and achieve agreed outcomes.
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging new ideas, seeking feedback and finding ways to improve quality, efficiency and outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies, including Traditional Owner groups (mandatory)
• Knowledge of native title, land rights, or equivalent processes and the broad issues affecting Victorian traditional owner groups (desirable)
• Relevant tertiary qualification would be well regarded (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 29 September2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we’reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Rebecca Collins, Director Regional Planning Services via email ***************@transport.vic.gov.au

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

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