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.

• 2 x Fixed term temporary positions, flexible full-time
• AO7 Classification
• Brisbane, Ipswich, Cairns or Townville

about the role

The Principal Policy Officer provides advice on complex disability and safeguarding policy issues to progress the Office of the Public Guardian’s (OPG) reform program. This role is focussed on providing advice on 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 projects.

key responsibilities:

• Deliver 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 solutions, identifying operational impacts, and contributing to products such as position papers.
• Research, analyse 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 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.

While there are no mandatory qualifications for this position, qualifications or relevant experience in public policy or law would be highly regarded.

A position description is attached.