The Department of the Senate is seeking applications from those interested in joining the Legislative Scrutiny Unit within the Procedure Office in the role of Senior Research Officer. The successful occupant is expected to work across the secretariats to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee.

If selected for a non-ongoing engagement, the duration of the engagement may be for a period of up to 12 months.

The Senior Research Officer is responsible for undertaking legislative analysis, research and writing tasks for the Legislative Scrutiny Unit, which supports the Senate Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee, the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights. This includes supervised legislative scrutiny as well as contributing to the drafting and preparation of the committee’s reports for consideration and adoption by the committee.

The Senior Research Officer contributes to the administration of committee meetings and other committee business, and is responsible for preparation of background and briefing material for committee members as needed.

The Senior Research Officer has a well-developed understanding of parliamentary processes and of the role played by parliamentary committees, or the ability to acquire such an understanding.

The key duties of the position include:

1. Provide report drafting, legislative scrutiny, analysis and research assistance for the Legislative Scrutiny Unit committees, including the preparation of briefs, papers and other background material for consideration by the committees.
2. Provide administrative assistance for the Legislative Scrutiny Unit committees, particularly in the preparation of material for, and organisation of, committee meetings.
3. Draft correspondence, including correspondence with departments and ministers regarding legislation,



and respond to inquiries from the public in relation to committee business.
4. Develop and maintain knowledge of Senate procedures and parliamentary law and practice, particularly as they relate to the work of committees.

Eligibility

Highly desirable:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications (or progress towards relevant tertiary qualifications).
- Familiarity with, and knowledge of, legislation and legislative processes.
- Understanding of administrative law and rule of law principles.

Notes

To apply, you are asked to provide a one-page pitch detailing your experience, skills and abilities relevant to perform the duties of the position. You are also asked to provide a copy of your CV or résumé.

The Department of the Senate is committed to being an inclusive employer. We aim to provide a supportive, adaptable, and fair workplace that recognises the diversity within the Australian community, where all employees feel respected, valued and supported to best contribute to our work. We encourage applications from First Nations' people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQA+, mature aged employees and people with caring responsibilities.

Getting to know the Department of the Senate

The Department of the Senate provides the secretariat to the Senate – enabling its legislative and accountability activities – and to dozens of parliamentary committees, whose work encompasses the Senate’s scrutiny functions and its exercise of Parliament’s broad inquiry powers. In doing so, departmental officers provide the Senate, its committees, the President and other senators expert, impartial advice about Senate and committee operations. We publish the Senate’s records, and produce an array of information resources so that people may understand and engage in its work. With our colleagues across the Parliamentary Service we also provide specialised advice and logistical support to senators so they may undertake their duties.

📌 Senior Research Officer (Canberra)
🏢 Department of the Senate
📍 Canberra