Senior Access to Information Officer

- Fixed-Term Contract (12–15 months)
- $110k-115k + Super
- Flexible working can be consider - 5 in 4, or school day flex, etc. So lets chat!
- Hybrid Working 50%

Your new company A forward-thinking Sydney council committed to transparency, accountability and strong community outcomes is seeking a Senior Access to Information Officer to join its Corporate Governance function. This is a genuinely unique opportunity to step into a niche and highly specialised role that sits at the intersection of legislation, privacy and community access. Internally regarded as a rare skillset, the position offers a high degree of autonomy, visibility and impact.

Your new role

You will lead Council’s access to information function, managing a small team while acting as the go-to expert across GIPA and privacy-related matters.

This is a broad and hands-on role where technical depth is just as important as leadership and stakeholder engagement. You will be equally comfortable making nuanced legislative decisions as you are guiding your team, influencing internal stakeholders and improving processes.

Day to day, your responsibilities will include:

- Leading a small team, setting priorities, reviewing work and ensuring a consistent, high-quality service to both internal and external stakeholders
- Managing a varied caseload of GIPA applications, including formal, complex and at times contentious requests that require sound judgement and careful interpretation
- Assessing both formal and informal information requests, balancing transparency with legislative obligations and privacy considerations
- Acting as the escalation point for difficult or sensitive matters, including complaints, disputes and competing stakeholder interests
- Handling privacy-related issues as they arise, from advisory queries through to complaints and real-life scenarios involving personal data or published information
- Conducting or supporting internal reviews relating to access decisions and privacy matters




- Working across the organisation to promote appropriate informal release of information, while ensuring risks are managed effectively
- Developing and maintaining policies, procedures and protocols in line with legislative requirements and organisational needs
- Overseeing document management practices, including how requests are captured, tracked and processed
- Delivering guidance and training to build capability across Council in access to information and privacy
- Monitoring performance, reporting on service levels and ensuring compliance obligations are consistently met

You’ll operate closely alongside governance but within a distinct specialist function, giving you real ownership over how access to information is delivered across the organisation. What you’ll need to succeed

You’ll bring a strong foundation in access to information, whether from a GIPA, FOI or similar legislative environment, along with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with confidence.

- Experience managing access to information or FOI/GIPA-style requests
- Sound understanding of relevant legislation, particularly around public access and privacy
- Ability to manage complex, sensitive or high-risk matters
- People leadership or supervisory experience
- Robust communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise across a range of stakeholders
- A practical, balanced approach to transparency, risk and service delivery

Candidates from broader governance environments will be considered, particularly those who can quickly adapt to NSW legislation. What you’ll get in return

- Hybrid working environment with flexibility based on operational needs
- Supportive handover period with the current incumbent
- Flexible working hours, including options around start/finish times or compressed weeks
- Flex time and other local government benefits
- The opportunity to step into a rare and impactful role with real organisational visibility

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ or contact us for a confidential discussion.

📌 Senior Access to Information Officer (North Sydney)
🏢 Hays
📍 North Sydney