The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights and interests of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and other visitable sites. Join us as we protect, support, advocate, educate and empower, to build a Queensland where our most vulnerable community members can live with dignity. Please visit the OPG website to learn more.

• Temporary, flexible full-time
• PO5 Classification
• Brisbane City, Cairns, Townsville or Ipswich locations

about the role

The Principal Policy and Legislation Officer provides advice on complex disability and safeguarding policy and legislation issues to progress the Office of the Public Guardian’s (OPG) reform program.

This role is focussed on providing advice and options, policies and strategies and initiatives for OPG in response to the recommendations for reform to Queensland’s guardianship, child advocacy and community visiting services contained in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission Final Report). The role may also contribute to other relevant policy and legislation projects.

key responsibilities

• Deliver legislative and policy projects in relation to issues impacting on the functions and powers of the Public Guardian, including the consideration of financial implications, developing innovative policy and legislative solutions, identifying operational impacts, and contributing to products such as position papers, and drafting instructions.
• Undertake research and analysis and contribute to strategic policy, legislative and operational implementation advice to the senior executive, other State Government departments and Commonwealth agencies on matters relevant to OPG.
• Preparation of submissions, correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, speaking points and other high-level documentation.
• Maintain strong partnerships, negotiate and work collaboratively with relevant statutory bodies, departments, professional bodies and community groups on policy and operational matters to contribute to mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Assist the Public Guardian or her delegates appearing as a witness in Parliamentary Committee hearings and inter-agency meetings and working groups.
• Other relevant policy duties as directed.

mandatory qualifications and conditions

A degree in law from a recognised tertiary institution or admission as a barrister or solicitor is required. Higher studies in law, public administration or related areas would be well regarded.

This position is available in Brisbane, Ipswich, Townsville or Cairns, please indicate your location preference for this role on your application.

A position description and information pack is attached.