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?
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| Department: | Department of Justice and Community Safety |
| Work Type: | Ongoing - full time |
| Job Function: | Policy |
| Classification: | VPSG6 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/DJ8471OCTOBER2026 |
| Closing Date: | 08-Nov-2026 |
| Salary Range: | $142,790 - $191,084 |
| Job Duration: | N/A |
| Attachments: | Position Description - Principal Policy Officer - DJ8471 - Ongoing, full-time.pdf (PDF, 259KB) Position Description |
| Contact: | Matt Considine on 0435 552 304 matt.considine@justice.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
- Shape how Victoria manages fines through clear, informed policy advice.
- Lead major reforms from first ideas through to delivery.
- Put your legal and policy skills to work on complex issues.
- Build your influence through advice that guides senior government decisions.
- Ongoing, full-time role earning $142,790 - $191,084 per year, plus super.
About us
Fines and Enforcement Services (FES) is a business unit within the Department of Justice and Community Safety's Justice Services and Regulation group. FES is responsible for monitoring and managing the end-to-end fines system in Victoria and for delivering the functions of Director, Fines Victoria and the Sheriff of Victoria.
What you will do
As principal policy officer, you will help improve Victoria's fines system. You will work across laws and daily operations to turn complex issues into practical advice.
You will:
- provide clear advice to government and senior leaders on fines, laws and services
- lead policy reform projects from early planning through to delivery
- prepare timely briefs, reports and responses for Cabinet and Parliament
- use research and evidence to propose changes to laws, rules and policies
- build trusted working relationships and seek feedback from people across and outside government.
About you
You will ideally hold a tertiary qualification in law, policy development or another relevant field.
You should also have:
- experience developing complex policy advice, conducting research and leading major projects
- expertise in criminal and administrative law, interpreting laws, lawful decision-making and human rights
- knowledge of Cabinet and parliamentary processes, government decisions and Victoria's fines laws and services
- sound judgement, clear communication and an inclusive approach to solving problems, building relationships and developing others.
To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Matt Considine at matt.considine@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.
