ACT Policing - Policy Officer, Legislation and Governance

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 04 ($84,458.00 - $99,285.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14829

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 recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 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 11 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 arrangement that provides 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?

The Legislation and Governance section leads the ACT Policing law reform and policy agenda and supports the Executive on law enforcement forums, budget policy, performance analysis and statistical reporting, and provides governance and compliance support. The section is comprised of teams that cover the following:

• Governance & Compliance
• National Forums
• Budget Policy
• Legislation & Policy
• Performance Statistics

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Team Member, Policy Officer predominantly in the Legislation and Policy team however this round will also be used to establish a merit pool for any other future vacancies in the broader Legislation and Governance section.  

The Legislation and Policy team coordinates whole-of-agency engagement on legislative review and reform. The team provides policy advice to the ACT Policing Executive through research and by drawing on the relevant subject matter experts within the organisation. The primary remit of the Legislation and Policy team is to uphold advocacy for first responders to ensure that government initiatives and policies are practicable for real-world outcomes. The team plays a key role in delivering tangible benefits to the workforce and the ACT community.

ACT Policing Legislation and Governance's main services include: 

• Providing critical advice to law makers on the impacts of reforms on policing.
• Coordinating whole of agency involvement to develop ACTP’s position on key domestic law enforcement policy matters.
• Coordinating responses for information requests from other policing and justice jurisdictions.
• Maintaining ACTP’s Governance Instrument Framework.
• Maintaining the ACT Policing’s Lessons Management System, including capturing lessons and recommendations identified and assisting in the implementation of best practice.
• Provide critical statistical, analytical and performance monitoring.
• Supporting the development of budget business cases to drive ACTP’s strategy to increase capacity and capability with tangible outcomes for the frontline. 
• Formulating and coordinating advice to ACTP Executive, ACT Government, and senior ACTP Officers.

What will you do?

Team Members in this portfolio are responsible for supporting their team to progress bodies of work through to finalisation, while also proactively contributing to a positive culture within their small team and broader section.

Successful applicants will play a key role in achieving outcomes for ACT Policing within the regulatory framework, AFP Code of Conduct, and 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. We're looking for someone who:

• Will support the team to lead and shape legislation and policy directly relevant for ACT Policing, as well as the community more broadly. The team works across a broad raft of policy themes including sexual assault, family violence, recidivism, juveniles in the criminal justice system, traffic and firearms laws, and illicit drugs. The team makes a tangible impact on the criminal justice outcomes in the ACT, including working to ensure justice for victims and ensuring the safety of the community.
• Will thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment and have a track record of adaptability and delivering results.
• Is eager to delver into policing issues and government processes.

Applicants will be highly regarded for their ability to:

• Research, evaluate, analyse and formulate solutions to existing and emerging policy issues.
• Establish and maintain productive and cooperative working relationships, contributing to positive outcomes.
• Proactively develops and maintains current knowledge of key policy issues and best practices, the strategic environment and focus on professional development.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Tertiary qualifications in relevant field.
• Relevant qualification or extensive experience and knowledge in area of expertise.

Additional Information

• This role is located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra.

Selection Criteria

• 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. 

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

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

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:  Jennifer Hodge,

Contact Officer Phone:  0251266954, ​

Contact Officer Email:  jennifer.hodge@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 30/07/2025

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

www.afp.gov.au