Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DJ9329/AUG/2026

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

- Give clear advice on complex issues that affect justice services.
- Help the Deputy Secretary make sound, timely decisions.
- Work on sensitive issues with senior leaders across government.
- Shape strategy while supporting better outcomes for people in our care.
- Ongoing full-time role earning $142,790 - $191,084 per year, plus super.

About us

Justice Services and Regulation (JSR) supports the department and its ministers by providing legal, policy and integrity expertise. It brings together all policy,



service delivery, research, evaluation and reform functions aligned to the Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation portfolio, including Tobacco Licensing Victoria, and supports the Attorney General as First Law Officer of the State. JSR also manages civil and enforcement services (including adoption services) and regional partnerships and provides health services for people in prisons and youth justice centres.

What you will do

As Senior Strategic Advisor, you will give high-level advice to the Deputy Secretary.You will help shape strategy and respond to complex issues across justice services.

You will:

- provideclearadvice on complex, sensitive and confidential matters
- preparehigh-qualitybriefs, reports and presentations at short notice
- trackcurrentissues and risks, then recommend practical options and solutions
- buildstrongworking relationships across the group and with senior leaders
- supportstrategicplanning and represent the Deputy Secretary at meetings and forums

About you

There are no mandatory qualifications for this role. Qualifications or experience in public policy would be well regarded.

You will understand the justice system and the pressures facing government. You will also need to work well under pressure in a changing environment.

You should also have:

- strong justice knowledgeand an understanding of legal,



social and political issues
- sound judgementand the ability to solve complex problems under pressure
- strategic thinkingwith the ability to plan for change and its wider effects
- inclusive leadershipand robust relationship skills across different teams and backgrounds.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Emma Catford at [email protected].

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Child safety statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbein g of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

Applications close Sunday 13 September 2026 at 11.59pm

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📌 Senior Strategic Adviser (Melbourne)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria, Australia
📍 Melbourne