The Assistant Director, ACT Freedom of Information (FOI) role is a leadership position within the ACT FOI team. You’ll manage FOI functions, mentor a small team, and guide complex merit review decisions. Daily work moves between case management, legal research, stakeholder engagement, and preparing guidance and briefs for executives and committees.
You’ll operate in a collaborative APS environment that values independence, integrity, and high-quality decision making. The role blends strategic thinking with practical leadership, underpinned by a strong understanding of FOI legislation and merit review standards. If you want to shape how FOI operates in the ACT and influence outcomes through well-reasoned, legally sound decisions, this is your opportunity.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Assistant Director ACT Freedom of Information |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768335 |
| Position Number | 019_03/26 |
| Classification | Executive Level 1 |
| Salary | AU$121,917 – AU$131,653 per year |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Canberra ACT, Melbourne VIC, Sydney NSW, Brisbane QLD |
| Future Merit Locations | Various locations – ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, SA |
| Office Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Office Arrangement Details | Hybrid working arrangements may be negotiated |
| Closing Date | Sunday 12 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ |
About the Opportunity
The ACT FOI team sits within the Defence, Investigations, ACT and Legal Branch and oversees the ACT FOI Scheme. You’ll oversee merit reviews, monitor compliance with Open Access obligations, and manage complaints related to the FOI Act. The role requires strong legal research, high-level stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead a small team to strong outcomes.
The successful candidate will bring legal qualifications, experience in researching and interpreting legislation, and the ability to think strategically while delivering clear, legally sound decisions. You’ll work to foster productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to annual reporting and briefing executives for high-level meetings.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | |
|---|---|
| Supporting the Director | Assist in managing ACT Ombudsman FOI functions, including Ombudsman review applications, extension of time requests, and monitoring agency compliance with Open Access obligations. |
| Case Management & Research | Case managing, researching, and drafting ACT FOI Ombudsman review decisions for the delegate’s consideration. |
| Guidance & Leadership | Provide guidance to a small team on correct and preferable outcomes in review matters. |
| Reporting | Prepare the ACT FOI annual report within statutory timeframes. |
| Briefings | Prepare briefings for Senior Executives attending committee hearings and other high-level meetings. |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Engage with stakeholders to provide assistance and advice on ACT FOI matters. |
| Complaints & Other Duties | Case manage complaints about the ACT FOI Scheme; perform other duties as required. |
About You (Eligibility)
- Australian citizenship is required; undergo a National Criminal History check and be able to obtain/maintain a security clearance appropriate to the position.
- Experience in FOI or merit review functions with high-level stakeholder engagement and management experience.
- Legal qualifications with demonstrated ability to research, interpret and analyse legislation; strong written communication skills.
- Ability to lead a small team, exercise sound judgement, and think strategically under pressure.
- Familiarity with merit review functions and FOI is highly desirable.
Important Information for Applicants
The role requires Australian citizenship, security clearance, and a criminal history check. The vacancy notes RecruitAbility provisions; applicants may elect to disclose a disability and participate in suitable assessment activity. For more details see the APS RecruitAbility program guidance.
Note on the keyword: jobs in australia for foreigners – this vacancy requires Australian citizenship and a security clearance, making it unsuitable for non-citizen applicants unless there are special exemptions. Applicants should plan accordingly around eligibility requirements.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion: The APS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy; more information is available on the APS site.
RecruitAbility: You may be invited to participate in further assessment activity if you apply under RecruitAbility and meet the minimum requirements.
Future Merit Pools: Suitable applicants may be offered similar employment opportunities in other APS agencies through future merit pools.
Call to Action
| How to Apply |
|---|
| Contact Officer: Erin O’Connell |
| Candidate Kit: https://ombudsman.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.home&CurATC= |
| Application Portal: https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ |