The office of Simon Kennedy MP is seeking applications for a full time ongoing Media & Policy Adviser, based in the Cook electorate office in Cronulla, NSW.

Role Description The Media & Policy Adviser is a rapid-paced advisory role supporting the Federal Member for Cook with proactive media, strategic political advice, policy development and parliamentary work. The role is media-first: identifying opportunities, shaping messages, preparing the Member for interviews and public appearances, responding to breaking issues and translating complex policy into clear public communications.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Member and office team to provide timely strategic advice on emerging political, policy and community issues, including positioning, reputational risk and longer-term priorities. The role also undertakes rigorous policy research, fact-checking and parliamentary preparation. We are seeking someone with strong media judgement, political instincts, exceptional writing and the ability to move quickly between media, strategy, policy and parliamentary priorities while delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.

The key duties of the position include but are not limited to:

Media and Communications

- Lead the development of proactive media opportunities around local, policy and national political priorities.
- Draft media releases, opinion pieces, speeches, statements, pitches, key messages and talking points for television, radio, print and digital media.
- Prepare the Member for interviews, press conferences and public appearances, including anticipated questions and rapid-response briefing material, and respond quickly to media inquiries and emerging issues.

Strategic Advice:

- Provide direct advice on political, media, policy and community issues, identifying opportunities, reputational risks and practical response strategies.
- Advise on positioning, messaging, timing and stakeholder considerations for announcements, campaigns,



parliamentary activity and longer-term priorities.

Policy Research, Advice and Parliamentary Work:

- Research Commonwealth policy, legislation, inquiries, government announcements and emerging political issues, providing concise, evidence-based advice and rigorous fact-checking.
- Prepare speeches, briefing notes, questions, motions, correspondence and analysis of Bills and amendments, including rapid support during parliamentary sitting weeks.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

- Prepare for meetings and engage with community, industry and government stakeholders while helping coordinate media, policy, parliamentary and electorate activity across the office.
- Undertake interstate and intrastate travel as required, including travel to Canberra during parliamentary sitting weeks, and work occasional irregular hours where required.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications, and experience:

- Demonstrated experience in media, political communications, journalism, public affairs or a comparable fast-paced communications environment.
- Excellent media judgement and a strong understanding of the news cycle, political communications and what makes an effective public message.
- Strong political judgement, strategic thinking and an ability to identify opportunities, emerging issues and reputational risk.
- Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive and media-ready material under tight deadlines.
- Ability to prepare a principal for interviews and public appearances and anticipate likely media questions,



risks and lines of inquiry.
- Strong understanding of Australian politics, government and parliamentary processes, supported by robust research and analytical skills.
- Ability to translate complex policy and political issues into concise messages and rigorously fact-check claims against authoritative sources.
- Strong organisation, stakeholder management and teamwork skills, with discretion and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced workplace.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:

- A commencing salary of $81,594.
- Additional optional allowances totalling $28,812 may be considered in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and travel on official business outside standard hours.
- Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility.
- An additional employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

- An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.
- The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.

· Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
- The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

How to apply

Submit a CV with the names of two referees and a one-page (maximum) cover letter outlining your interest in this position, and demonstrating your skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience.

Submit applications to: [email protected]

Applications close: Monday 21st September 2026

Contact Officer: Mitchell Hunt, Chief of Staff

📌 Media & Policy Adviser (EOA) (Sydney)
🏢 Parliament Of Australia
📍 Sydney