The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.
The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Senior Freedom of Information & Privacy Officer
- Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (plus superannuation)
- Ongoing position
- Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
- Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available)
The Position
We are looking for a Senior Freedom of Information & Privacy Officer to manage complex privacy and Freedom of Information queries.
Working as part of a small team, this role requires expert technical skills, the ability to influence and negotiate effectively and a willingness to support a positive team culture. The position also assists in driving continuous improvements including identifying process improvements, tracking and reporting on trends, and responding to regulatory bodies.
This role also provides high quality legal and legislative advice and services on a broad range of matters across the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and a diverse range of portfolios.
Main accountabilities:
- Enhance departmental compliance with the FOI Act and Privacy Act by providing expert advice and support to staff in relation to complex FOI and privacy matters, including the handling of sensitive information.
- Contribute effectively to the planning, development, maintenance and improvement of the Freedom of Information & Privacy unit, including mentoring, training, quality control, procedures, and systems.
- Prepare quality written material, including briefings, reports, correspondence, and training material.
- Influence and negotiate respectfully and effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including departmental staff, Ministerial offices, portfolio agencies, regulatory bodies and other government departments.
- End to end management of FOI & Privacy requests in line with internal business rules and legislative timeframes.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of the work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
The Team
The position of Senior Freedom of Information & Privacy Officer forms a part of the Sport and Recreation Victoria Branch, which sits within Corporate Services Group.
The Corporate Services Group actively supports Ministers and the Department's portfolio groups to create the conditions for sustainable economic development and employment growth.
The Group works to build a safe, high-performing organisation where the Department's people are supported to perform at their best. The Group does this by providing strategic, operational and program delivery support services in creative and innovative ways. The Group comprises Strategic Communications, People and Culture, Investment and Procurement, Information Services, Legal and Legislation, Financial and Property Services, Performance and Governance, and Commonwealth Games Transition.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:
- Technical expertise: Highly proficient in the administration of the FOI Act and/or Privacy Act or significant experience in governance, compliance or administrative law, including practical knowledge of Victorian Government decision-making processes.
- Stakeholder engagement: Able to identify and use common issues across clients or stakeholders to build mutually beneficial partnerships. Identifies and responds to stakeholder's underlying needs. Uses understanding of the stakeholder's organisational context to ensure outcomes are achieved.
- Innovation and continuous improvement: Uses understanding of clients or stakeholders' context to
design and implement systems for continuous improvement within the team or organisation. Reviews and analyses internal and external information to improve effectiveness and quality of work. Supports and drives a team environment where innovation and creativity are fostered and rewarded.
- Critical thinking and problem solving: Considers wider business context within business unit when exploring options to resolve issues. Identifies recurring problems and prevents future recurrence by integrating solutions into work process. Delivers tangible business outcomes as a result of critically evaluating problems from multiple perspectives and delivering effective solutions
- Working collaboratively: Guides others to create a culture of collaboration. Identifies, and works to overcome, barriers to knowledge or information sharing. Identifies opportunities to work with other teams to deliver outcomes. Demonstrated ability to make timely, robust decisions based on a consideration of available facts and alternatives in a time pressured environment.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Cindy Tata, Manager, FOI & Privacy on 0447 596 339.
The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
For Finance Roles:
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at [email protected] with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.