Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 9468
People, Legal and Governance provides business enabling people, legal and corporate services functions, to drive a high-performance culture; timely and accessible legal advice and services; and to support integrated operations and portfolio wide programs. Sitting within the People, Legal and Governance group, the First Peoples and Self-Determination division leads the coordination of integrated advice to the Victorian Government on the portfolio’s delivery of First Peoples policy commitments, including:
– Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Self Determination and Reform Plan 2025-2029
– Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023-2027
– Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework and department action plan
– Transport and Planning Portfolio Wurrek-Al First Peoples Engagement Framework
– Transport and planning related recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission
– Transport and planning related work resulting from Treaty
– Transport and planning inputs into Victoria’s implementation plan for the National Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement
– Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework
– Victorian Government Self-Determination Reform Framework
– Yuma Yirramboi – Aboriginal Employment and Economic Strategy
– Barring Djinang First Peoples Workforce Development Framework.
About the role
*This is a 12 month Fixed Term Position*
*This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians. People who Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.*
This part-time (three days per week) job-share role co-leads the Policy and Reform team within the First Peoples Self Determination and Reform division and jointly manages two Senior Policy Advisers. The team provides expert policy analysis and advice to ensure departmental and portfolio initiatives align with First Peoples rights and government commitments. Key responsibilities include leading cabinet briefings, reviewing submissions, and developing plans, frameworks and guidance. The Principal Policy Adviser brings strong leadership and specialist policy expertise to deliver culturally aligned, evidence-based solutions and support team performance and wellbeing. The role also builds trusted relationships with stakeholders, including Traditional Owners and First Peoples communities, to strengthen cultural capability and drive meaningful reform outcomes.
Key Selection Criteria
This role requires demonstrated expertise in designing and delivering evidence-based policy and programs that address complex issues and align with strategic priorities, government First Peoples-related commitments and Community expectations. You will apply strong systems and critical thinking to identify trends, navigate political and organisational contexts, and influence stakeholders to achieve sustainable, whole-of-government outcomes. Proven leadership capability is essential, with experience managing and developing teams, fostering accountability, and driving high performance in line with public sector values.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
Position accountabilitiesDTP is seeking an experienced and capable professional to lead and advise on complex policy and program initiatives that shape outcomes across major functional areas. This role plays a critical part in delivering the department’s policy agenda and meeting government commitments, requiring strong expertise, sound judgement and the ability to navigate large-scale, multifaceted issues with confidence.
You will provide advice on, and design and implement policies, programs and initiatives that drive meaningful impact, while ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and organisational objectives. Success in this role relies on your ability to influence and manage diverse stakeholders with competing interests, build strong relationships, and provide clear, evidence-based advice to inform decision-making.
You hold proficient knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies, including Traditional Owner groups, and of Victorian government First Peoples policy, including related obligations and commitments, and their policy application and Community expectation.
As a leader, you will guide and support your team, fostering high performance, capability development and a positive, values-driven, wellbeing-focused culture. You will actively contribute to strategic planning processes and play a key role in shaping direction at both program and departmental levels.
This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative and strategic thinker who thrives in complex environments and is motivated to deliver outcomes that benefit First Peoples and Victoria’s transport network and community.
Qualifications and experience
· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies, including Traditional Owner groups. (mandatory)
· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian government First Peoples policy, including related obligations and commitments, and their policy application and Community expectation. (mandatory)
· Knowledge of land use and transport planning policy, Victoria’s planning system and the broader issues affecting Victorian Traditional Owner groups. (desirable)
· Relevant tertiary qualification would be well regarded. (desirable)
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
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.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 17th February 2026.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Hilary Williams - Principal Policy Adviser via 0477 901 324 or [email protected].
Important Information:
· 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 by phone or email for a confidential conversation. We're here to support you.