Principal Policy Officer
We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.
The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers
We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?
| Department: | Department of Justice and Community Safety |
| Work Type: | Fixed term - full time |
| Job Function: | Policy |
| Classification: | VPSG6.1 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/DJ4389OCT2026 |
| Closing Date: | 29-Oct-2026 |
| Salary Range: | $142,790 - $166,938 |
| Job Duration: | 2 years |
| Attachments: | Position Description - DJ4389 Principal Policy Officer - Liquor & Tobacco Projects - VPSG6 - Final.pdf (PDF, 280KB) Position Description |
| Contact: | Elese Cartledge Elese.Cartledge@justice.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
- Lead policy projects that help reduce harm from liquor and tobacco in Victoria.
- Shape laws and policies that affect public health, industry and communities.
- Work on complex issues and turn sound ideas into clear policy action.
- Build your leadership skills while helping make Victoria safer and healthier.
- Fixed-Term (2 years), full-time role earning $142,790 - $166,938 per year, plus super.
About us
The Gambling, Liquor & Tobacco business unit supports the regulation of gambling, liquor and tobacco in Victoria, to minimise the harms these products can cause and contribute positively to the Victorian economy. It is responsible for:
- delivering and further developing the Victorian Government's strategic response to gambling, liquor, and tobacco issues
- developing and implementing the government's policy on major gambling licensing processes
- delivering a research and evaluation program to inform responses to gambling harm in Victoria.
It advises the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and is the primary government point of reference for industry, community and government on liquor and gaming issues.
What you will do
As a principal policy officer – liquor & tobacco projects, you will lead policy work on complex issues.
You will help shape laws and advice that guide how Victoria regulates liquor and tobacco.
You will:
- lead complex policy projects and develop advice on laws and government policy
- prepare clear, accurate briefs, reports and submissions for senior leaders and the Minister
- review local and global trends to find new issues and policy options
- guide teams, work with government and community groups and help shape sound policy
- manage high-quality policy work, meet tight deadlines and help teams solve problems.
About you
A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, social science, public health, economics or business is highly regarded. Experience in policy and project management is also highly desirable.
You should also have:
- strong policy skills and experience preparing Cabinet submissions, regulations and impact assessments
- leadership skills to guide teams and deliver work within tight timeframes
- sound judgement and an understanding of government, politics and the liquor or tobacco industries
- clear communication and problem-solving skills to explain complex issues, build support and work well with people from varied backgrounds.
To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Elese Cartledge at Elese.Cartledge@justice.vic.gov.au.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.
How to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Child safe statement of commitment
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.


