Principal Policy Adviser

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

This is a fixed term position until 8th October 2027.

Reporting to the Director, Office of the Secretary, and based at 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, the Principal Policy Advisor works closely with the Director and senior management team to respond to critical challenges facing the Planning, Land and Building portfolios. The role provides strategic, high-level advice and support to the Office of the Secretary, working with a high degree of autonomy, judgement and influence amid competing priorities.

With an advanced understanding of government processes, the role provides strategic advice on, and leads the coordination and assurance of, reports, briefings and submissions for Cabinet, Ministers and Senior Executives across government. It requires discretion to maintain confidentiality, and draws on strong stakeholder networks to facilitate the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for

You’re someone who:

• Resolves issues through sound judgement and critical thinking, determining what further information is needed to make informed, well-reasoned decisions.
• Communicates with impact, identifying key messages and tailoring content and style to the needs of senior and ministerial audiences.
• Builds influence and persuasion behind the scenes, gaining agreement to proposals and securing buy-in across government.
• Identifies and manages a range of complex, often competing stakeholder needs, facilitating innovative solutions to resolve issues.
• Uses strategic relationships and political and organisational awareness to anticipate impacts, holding self and organisation accountable to public sector values.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• Sound knowledge and a thorough understanding of Departmental policies, and Victorian Parliamentary and Cabinet processes (mandatory).
• Experience working within Victoria’s planning system (mandatory).
• A tertiary degree or relevant qualification (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

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.

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

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We’re here to support you.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Natalia Morgan, at **************@transport.vic.gov.au.

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