ACT Policing - First Nations Liaison Officer, Education & Diversion

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time, Non-Ongoing Full Time 

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 04 ($87,836.00 - $103,256.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 16060

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 14 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of an ACT Policing First Nations Liaison Officer (FNLO).

As a team member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver the core responsibilities and meet all requirements of the position as outlined below.

ACT Policing's FNLO team undertake a wide variety of tasks including developing and maintaining a network of contacts between police, government agencies and First Nations persons in the community in order to strengthen communication and improve outcomes for First Nations people, families and communities located in the ACT region.

As a Team Member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

• Develop and maintain a network of contacts between police and local First Nations communities in order to strengthen cooperation and communication;
• Provide support and encourage positive role models to enhance police/First Nations youth relationships as an effective crime prevention strategy;
• Provide education to police officers about First Nations culture and encourage them to develop a better understanding and interaction with persons of First Nations backgrounds;
• Improve relations between the police and members of the First Nations communities in the ACT and Wreck Bay community.
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts between ACT Policing, external stakeholders and the community;
• Support frontline members when investigating incidents involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community;
• Support First Nations people who have been victims of, or witnesses to crime and other events in which have become involved, this could include being in police custody;
• Be a point of contact for ACT Policing and external stakeholders and community groups.
• Attend community events to represent ACT Policing;
• Have a proven level of cultural authority and an ability to engage with and support members of the First Nations community and external stakeholders in the ACT or demonstrate the skills to develop this ability; and
• Demonstrate flexibility when working to deadlines and/or changes in priorities.

Essential Requirements

• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one;
• Demonstrated knowledge of First Nations culture, peoples lived experience and an understanding of accessing justice systems;
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity to the compounding disadvantage experienced by First Nations peoples and the social and legal factors affecting their families and communities;
• Demonstrated cultural competency to undertake engagement that is appropriate and safe; and
• Demonstrated ability to engage with and support members of the community.

Desirable Requirements

Relevant experience and skills in education and/or community engagement is highly desirable, as are demonstrated skills, knowledge and understanding in fields including:

• A sound understanding of the criminal justice system, knowledge of support services or the ability to obtain that understanding and knowledge within a reasonable time;
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills and ability to present accurate and well-presented documents;
• Well-developed analytical skills and the initiative to implement improvements in the workplace while considering relevant legal procedures; and
• Ability to work in a team, work flexibly, accept direction, prioritise, and work with minimum supervision in a high-pressure environment.

Additional Information

• Identifying as First Nation’s is critical to the role due to the unique nature of the position. The FNLO will build trust and rapport with the Aboriginal community, which in their culture is most frequently done by the sharing of history and family. 
• This position has been advertised in multiple locations, however, the role is located in Canberra, ACT. Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Canberra and if successful, relocation will be at your own expense.

• The FNLO follows an Operations Working pattern, with the successful applicant required to work a roster and support the broader business requirements of the area as required.This position requires the ability to work a roster between 0800-1600 Monday to Friday, and outside of the business hours and weekends when necessary. As such, you will be subject to the appropriate condition's details in the AFP Enterprise Agreement. 

   

Selection Criteria

Bands 4 

• Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes
• Communicating and working effectively with other people
• Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. 

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We're all individuals and we love that. At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Sergeant Brandon THURGAR

Contact Officer Phone: 0429837111 ​

Contact Officer Email: brandon.thurgar@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 22/06/2026

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au