Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/1934024

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role

The Principal Policy Advisor, Policy & Strategy will support the development of strategic policy to strengthen Victoria's public AOD system. The role will lead complex policy development to improve treatment and harm reduction responses across the state.

Responsibilities

- Develop strategic policy to strengthen Victoria's public AOD system.
- Lead complex policy development to improve treatment and harm reduction responses across the state.
- Provide leadership in the development of evidence‑based policy advice that responds to emerging issues and improves health and social outcomes for people affected by alcohol and other drug use.
- Play a key part in the development and stewardship of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy and related reform initiatives.
- Ensure policy design is informed by research, data, stakeholder engagement and lived experience.
- Work closely with other AOD teams to support the effective transition of policy and reform initiatives into operational delivery across the AOD service system.





Qualifications

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to mental health, public health, public policy, community engagement, project management, AOD, communications, administration, business management or related fields would be an advantage.
- A sound understanding of the Victorian AOD system, and knowledge of the department and its operating processes and information systems is desirable. People with lived and living experience are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
- A strong commitment to work‑life balance, including a diverse array of adaptable working arrangements.

EEO and Diversity Statement

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Applications close Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 11.59pm

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📌 Principal Policy Adviser, Policy & Strategy (Melbourne)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria, Australia
📍 Melbourne