About the role: 

The Legislation and Entities Oversight Unit plays a key role in supporting the critical foundations of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's mental health system and supporting those entities established as recommended by the Royal Commission.

The Legislation and Entities Oversight Unit work flexibly across competing priorities, with supporting both legislative reform and relationship management, central policy and oversight functions for the key entities in the Mental Health and Wellbeing system architecture, including the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and the .

The Legal Policy team — which was responsible for developing, and supporting the passage of, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 — also works on key legislative reform project components across the mental health and wellbeing and Alcohol and Other Drug portfolios and develops proposals and recommendations for the consideration of senior executives and ministers.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

The Principal Policy Adviser will bring specialist expertise to supporting the implementation of the Act and other initiatives requiring legal policy expertise. This includes:

• Development of necessary regulations, and other delegated instruments,
• Preparation of any necessary amending legislation
• Support for the broader division in understanding obligations under the legislative reform
• Providing information about the act and implementation support to the sector
• Providing advice, including to the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and the Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing, for the issuing of guidance where required.

There is an opportunity to collaborate and provide specialist advice in relation to legislative reforms in other parts of the division such as in relation to alcohol and other drug reforms.

The role would be suited to individuals who are comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams and with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You will work collaboratively within the Division and the sector more broadly and have the opportunity to contribute to ensuring that the new legislation achieves the vision of the Royal Commission.

To be successful in this role, you will be a high performing individual with strong analytical, problem solving, policy development and communication skills.

We are looking for individuals with outstanding skills and experience in legal policy and law reform to support this challenging and important work.

To view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date please click on the positon description attached.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

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