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

Job Description

The opportunity we have available Government Services Branch provides advice, information and services to support policy and program areas, and Ministerial offices across the entire portfolio. The Branch provides support through a range of enabling services including Freedom of Information (FOI). The FOI Section manages and coordinates the processing of requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act) including: assessing the validity of requests; working with business areas to identify and retrieve relevant documents; assisting authorised decisions makers to make decisions on access to documents; facilitating consultations with FOI applicants, affected third parties and other government agencies; managing both internal and external reviews of decisions made under the FOI Act. We are looking for an APS6 Case Officer who can manage all aspects of the FOI Act obligations and processes within the Department. What will you do? In this role, you will be responsible for: managing FOI requests, including liaison with and provision of support and advice to FOI decision makers and action officers throughout the Department preparing draft decisions on access under the FOI legislation entering and maintaining data into Departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping preparing correspondence to FOI applicants and other stakeholders building and maintaining relationships with Action Officers and Decision Makers within the Department and across the Portfolio to progress FOI requests, ensuring statutory timeframes are met liaising with external stakeholders, including other state and commonwealth agencies, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) researching legislation Who are we looking for? The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS 6 Work level standards . Our ideal candidate will have a technical knowledge of FOI legislation or a demonstrated ability to apply legislative principles. We are looking for a team member who is motivated to support the Department’s FOI function. This includes: A demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure, adapting to competing priorities and remaining focused in a fast‐paced environment. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally, solving problems and negotiating positive outcomes. Ability to work cooperatively within a small team environment including working on routine matters with minimal supervision, and more complex tasks under supervision and direction of more senior officers. Following through with priorities, delivering impartial and accurate advice to stakeholders and exercising discretion in handling high‐profile, sensitive matters. Systematic analysis and ability to identify issues, including interpreting statutory obligations. Eligibility requirements Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications 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 applicant 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 Baseline 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 Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Monday 10 February 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr