APS6 - Freedom of Information (FOI) Case Officer, Government Services

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available

The Government Services Branch is seeking to fill the role of Assistant Director for the Freedom of Information Section. The FOI Case Officer will manage multiple FOI requests and provide technical support and advice to a range of stakeholders.

Government Services Branch delivers essential services and expert advice and plays a critical role in upholding accountability, transparency, and effective communication between the department, Minister’s Offices and key stakeholders. There are 5 teams in the branch:

• Freedom of Information (FOI) ensures that the department meets its obligations under the FOI Act.
• Ministerial Liaison supports the Departmental Liaison Officers.
• Ministerial Services oversees the management and administration of ministerial workflows, including through PDMS+, of submissions, briefs and correspondence for multiple ministerial offices.
• Cabinet Services coordinates the portfolio’s Cabinet business and classified material.
• Parliamentary Services assists and tracks the department’s involvement with Parliamentary processes and committees.

Government Services Branch is undergoing a structured change management process, aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing internal processes, and strengthening capability across teams. This transformation is focused on modernising systems, streamlining workflows, fostering a supportive culture of continuous improvement, and aligning operations with strategic departmental priorities.

What will you do? 

We are looking for high performing candidates with either recent experience in processing FOI requests or with a legal background.

As an APS6 FOI Case Officer, you will be responsible for:

• managing complex FOI requests, including liaison with, and provision of support and advice to, FOI Decision Makers and Action Officers throughout the department
• managing routine Internal Reviews and, where required, providing assistance in complex Internal Reviews and external reviews with the Information Commissioner and the ART
• building and maintaining professional working relationships with key stakeholders across the portfolio to progress FOI requests
• monitoring progress of cases and ensuring compliance with statutory timeframes, including managing extensions of time as required, liaising with departmental Decision Makers and Action Officers and escalating outstanding actions as appropriate
• where necessary, undertake and manage communications with FOI applicants to clarify and revise the scope of requests to ensure they meet FOI Act requirements
• preparing correspondence to FOI Applicants and internal stakeholders, and drafting decisions on access under FOI legislation for consideration by Decision Makers
• issuing final decisions to FOI Applicants and, where necessary, Affected Third Parties, and facilitating the release of documents, including their publication on the FOI Disclosure Log
• entering and maintaining data into departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
• liaising with external stakeholders, including other state and Commonwealth agencies and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OAIC), including undertaking and managing formal consultations with Affected Third Parties and information interagency consultations
• researching legislation as required
• providing support and training to junior staff in the team as required

Who are we looking for? 

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS6 Work level standards. This will include being dynamic and respectful, having integrity, valuing others and empowering people by:

• Supporting strategic direction: supporting shared purpose and direction by promoting the department’s vision, linking goals to operational tasks, and clearly communicating objectives – thinking strategically by understanding the environment, setting team goals, and anticipating broader trends and long term impacts – harnessing information and opportunities by gathering diverse insights, analysing their relevance, staying well-informed, and seeking best practice – demonstrating good judgement, intelligence, and common sense through objective, evidence based analysis, problem solving, and promoting innovative work improvements.
• Achieving Results: effectively managing resources by reviewing performance, leveraging team strengths, negotiating responsibilities, and adapting to changes – applying and developing professional expertise by valuing specialist knowledge, utilising organisational skills, and contributing personal expertise – responding positively to change through clear planning, flexibility, open communication, and supporting others’ adaptation – taking full responsibility for projects by ensuring completion, monitoring progress, adjusting plans, committing to quality, maintaining documentation, and seeking feedback where appropriate.
• Supporting productive working relationships: building and nurturing strong stakeholder relationships by proactively supporting and anticipating stakeholder needs – actively listening to understand and involve others – valuing diverse perspectives and working styles, and fostering respect and inclusivity – supporting team development by identifying learning opportunities, delegating tasks effectively, setting clear expectations, providing timely recognition and constructive feedback, and where staff supervision is relevant, promptly addressing underperformance.
• Displaying personal drive and integrity: demonstrating professionalism and integrity by following the APS values, providing honest advice, managing risks, and effectively representing the department – using initiative and taking responsibility to achieve goals, maintaining resilience under pressure, and committing to self-awareness and continuous personal development.
• Communicating with influence: communicating confidently and clearly by focusing on key points, using precise language, and selecting the best medium to ensure messages are concise and understood – actively listening and adapting communication by understanding the audience, appropriately tailoring messages, confirming others’ views, and addressing misunderstandings promptly – negotiating confidently with a clear grasp of key issues and outcomes – anticipating stakeholder expectations – presenting persuasive arguments and gaining relevant support.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Either FOI experience or legal qualifications and experience is a necessity for this role.
• Effective people management skills
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders in a professional and effective manner

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Exposure to high profile and interesting projects, with networking opportunities across the breadth of the Department’s work in the major infrastructure, transport, communications, sport and arts sectors, supporting our regions, cities and territories and across the wider APS FOI Community.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours and home-based work.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Insert Required Clearance Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Applications open: Tuesday 16 September 2025

Applications close: Tuesday 30 September 2025

Application shortlisting: 6 October 2025

Further assessments: 13 October 2025

Selection report finalised:  27 October 2025

Offers and announcements: 3 November 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include interviews and reference checks.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Tuesday 30 September 2025. 

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 1  page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 3 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section. 

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email [email protected]

Work with us. Apply now!