Principal Policy Officer (Identified)

• Employment Type: Full Time, Ongoing
• 35 hour working week, in a hybrid working environment
• Do you have a passion to support the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, families and communities in NSW?

This is an identified role. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent and be recognised as being Aboriginal and accepted in the community as such. Under Section 14(d) of the Anti-discrimination Act (1997), Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification, therefore, proof of Aboriginality will need to be provided upon request to ensure you qualify for this position

About this role

This position is an excellent opportunity to use your experience of program management, stakeholder engagement and policy development to support those living with a mental illness in NSW.

The Principal Policy Officer will be responsible for managing the development and evaluation of best practice policies, programs, projects, and activities for the Ministry of Health, public health organisations, and related government agencies to support the achievement of NSW Health’s objectives in relation to Aboriginal Mental Health, delivering outcomes for the NSW Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020 – 2025, Closing the Gap and Future Health Strategy.

Crown Clerk 11/12, starting salary from $149,739 - $173,174 p.a plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.

For more information, please read the full Role Description.

Working at the Ministry of Health

The Aboriginal Mental Health team, Mental Health Branch works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, local health districts, specialty health networks, and other Government agencies to provide policy advice to support the achievement of NSW Health’s mental health objectives. The team manages a busy and dynamic portfolio which is focused on supporting Aboriginal mental health services.

The Team is responsible for a diverse and interesting range of policy and program work, including:

• Leading the work to embed appropriate Aboriginal mental health policies and operation
• Working collaboratively across NSW Health and other government agencies to ensure NSW Health mental health services are delivering culturally safe supports for Aboriginal peopl
• Responding to various mental health related reviews and inquiries.

The position is located in St Leonards, in a modern, purpose-built building within an activity-based working environment. Close to public transport, cafés and local amenities.

What you'll be doing

The successful Principal Policy Officer will:

• Lead and manage staff undertaking policy development and evaluation activities and projects for the Ministry of Healt
• Research and evaluate Aboriginal mental health policies in order to assess and advise on their relevance and their potential impact on Ministry and Government objectives.
• Provide sound information and advice on current and emerging Aboriginal mental health policy issues.
• Lead statewide programs and transformational actions for Aboriginal mental health workforce, governance, and strategy.
• Represent NSW Health on internal and external committees working on Aboriginal Mental Health policy issues.

About You

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

• The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and analysis skills.
• Influence and transform outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
• The ability to lead and work in a small dynamic team environment.
• A growth mindset, and commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
• Knowledge of the mental health system an advantage but not essential

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

1. This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
2. For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
3. Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!

Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 10 August 2025