The role involves leading the OAIC enforcement program, managing complex litigation and regulatory actions, coordinating with internal teams and external lawyers, and guiding a team to deliver timely, legally sound enforcement outcomes. Day-to-day work includes supervising matters such as civil penalties, drafting determinations, briefing counsel, managing budgets, and reporting to stakeholders while upholding the APS Code of Conduct.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Assistant Director, Enforcement Action |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768521 |
| Position Number | OAIC-2026-006 |
| Classification | Executive Level 1 |
| Salary | $126,299 – $135,101 per annum (plus applicable allowances) |
| Job Type | Full-Time; Part-Time, Ongoing; Non-Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Sydney NSW; Canberra ACT; Melbourne VIC; Brisbane QLD; Adelaide SA; Perth WA; Hobart TAS; Darwin NT |
| Future Merit Locations | Various locations – ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, SA |
| Office Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Office Arrangement Details | The OAIC operates a hybrid work model with a combination of remote working and office attendance. |
| Closing Date | Thursday 16 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/ |
About the Opportunity
The Assistant Director, Enforcement Action leads enforcement matters within OAIC’s Enforcement Action team. You’ll shape how the agency uses civil penalties and other enforcement tools, coordinate litigation strategies, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Your role will involve working closely with internal stakeholders, external legal service providers, and other government agencies to uphold privacy and FOI laws.
OAIC values professional integrity, collaborative problem solving, and clear, forthright guidance. If you thrive in a regulatory environment and want to contribute to protecting information rights across Australia, this is the place to bring and grow your expertise while supporting a strong team culture and public service values.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Coordinating enforcement litigation | Instruct internal or external lawyers; manage litigation calendars; monitor progress and deadlines |
| Team management | Support Enforcement Action team leadership; contribute to budget planning and reporting |
| Budget management | Oversee litigation budgets; ensure effective use of Commonwealth funds; track expenditures |
| Litigation coordination for major matters | Coordinate external and internal counsel; align with enforcement strategy |
| Reporting and documentation | Draft determinations and enforcement documents; provide internal and external reports |
| Regulatory advice and support | Provide guidance to teams on enforcement actions; respond to stakeholder inquiries |
| Stakeholder engagement | Liaise with business areas, external lawyers, counsel, and other government agencies |
| Knowledge sharing | Train staff; develop guidance material; share best practices within OAIC |
| Cross-team collaboration | Work with other branches to support enforcement strategy |
| Other duties | Undertake tasks as required to support enforcement action program |
About You (Eligibility)
- Legal qualifications
- Experience in regulatory or legal environments working collaboratively in a team
- Experience in managing litigation, enforcement and compliance matters (highly desirable)
- Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988, or ability to quickly obtain
- Excellent written and verbal communication with influence
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage shifting priorities and external contracts
- Proven ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to provide impartial and forthright advice
- Willingness to obtain and maintain Australian Government security clearance (Negative Vetting Level 1)
Important Information for Applicants
Jobs in australia for foreigners is a topic that often comes up in public service hiring. The OAIC vacancy requires Australian citizenship under Section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999. If you are eligible and you meet the qualification and clearance requirements, this role offers a pathway to contribute to national privacy and information rights enforcement.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Mr Tom Wallace, 02 9942 4168 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | Join our team | OAIC (link provided in the job notice) |
| Application Portal | OAIC Join our team portal (see OAIC website) |
Diversity & Inclusion
The OAIC fosters an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity. The agency supports work environments where different perspectives are respected and where staff can thrive.
RecruitAbility
OAIC is committed to inclusive recruitment and will consider applicants with accessibility needs; contact the Recruitment Team to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application process.
Future Merit Pools
Successful applicants may be considered for future merit pools and similar vacancies within the OAIC or other APS agencies.
Notes
All duties are performed in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and OAIC policies, including Workplace Diversity and Work Health and Safety.
How to Apply (Summary)
| Subject Field | OAIC-2026-006 – EL1 Assistant Director Enforcement Action – FirstName LastName |
|---|---|
| Submission | Application form, CV, and statement of claim (max 1 A4 page) via [email protected] |