Competitive EL1 hourly rate Canberra based with flexible working arrangementsPlease call Laura Meyer for more information Your new company
An exciting opportunity exists to join a high-profile government review program undertaking complex analysis and reporting on matters of national significance. Working within a multidisciplinary team of policy, regulatory and technical experts, you will play a key role in shaping evidence-based review outcomes and delivering high-quality reports for senior government audiences.
This is an initial 6-month contract commencing in August 2026, with a potential extension and flexible remote working arrangements available across Australia.

Your new role
As the Lead Writer, you will take ownership of developing and refining key review outputs, ensuring reports are clear, coherent, evidence-based and publication-ready. You will work closely with subject matter experts and review leadership to synthesise complex information into compelling written products for executive and government audiences.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the preparation of review reports, findings, recommendations and executive summariesSynthesising evidence, stakeholder input and assessment findings from multiple workstreamsTranslating complex policy, regulatory, legal and technical material into accessible contentDeveloping a consistent narrative and report structure across review outputsIdentifying key themes, trends, risks and opportunities emerging from review activitiesCollaborating with review leaders, technical experts and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and qualityWhat you'll need to succeed
To be successful, you will demonstrate:




Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience producing publishable reports, briefings, recommendations or similar productsStrong experience synthesising complex information from multiple sources into clear, evidence-based written contentExperience working with policy, regulatory, legal, governance or other complex subject matterExcellent analytical and critical thinking skillsExperience engaging with subject matter experts and translating technical information for broader audiencesThe ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlinesExperience working within government, reviews, enquiries, evaluations, policy or regulatory environmentsA sample of previous written work (report, briefing, submission, review or similar document) must be provided as part of your application.

Applicants must hold an Australian Government Baseline Security Clearance and be Australian citizens.

What you'll get in return
Initial 6-month contract with extension potentialCompetitive EL1-equivalent hourly rateFlexible working arrangementsOpportunity to contribute to a significant government review projectExposure to complex policy, governance and regulatory mattersCollaborative and high-performing multidisciplinary team environmentWhat you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV and a sample of relevant written work, or call or email Laura Meyer on (02) 6112 7654, [email protected].
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a recent position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

📌 Senior Policy Writer (Canberra)
🏢 Hays
📍 Canberra