Department for Housing and Urban Development
Job reference: 857286
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Who are we:

Our department’s primary objective is the delivery of homes and housing options for South Australians. In response to the national housing crisis, we are committed to accelerating the build of a diverse range of housing options. We strive to find solutions to the urgent demand for housing security.

Our mission focuses on coordinating various portfolios related to housing, housing infrastructure, urban development, and planning. By ensuring sound decisions and efficient management, we strive to create sustainable, well-planned communities offering safe and affordable housing options.

Join us in our endeavour to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time and make a tangible difference in the lives of our community.

The Role:

The Manager Local Government Policy Unit (LGPU) is a key leadership role responsible for managing a small team that provides policy and legislative advice to the Minister for Local Government and administers the Local Government Act 1999 and related legislation. LGPU also provides support to the Behavioral Standards Panel.

Along with this management role, the Manager is also expected to provide high level advice on policy and legislative matters relevant to local government, including governance issues, regulatory matters, and functional and financial issues, to the Director, Office of Local Government and the Minister for Local Government. You will hold the following responsibilities:





- Operate in a highly complex and specialised operating environment which regularly requires the development and/or implementation of strategic initiatives according to system and/or legal developments.
- Manage proposals for legislation and regulation amendments.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of new operational policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain appropriate work flows and task management systems to ensure that agreed standards are met.
- Develop and implement improved service delivery models.
- Undertake projects, investigations and reviews of existing and new policies, systems, practices and procedures.

About You:

To be successful in this position, you must be able to demonstrate experience across the following key capabilities:

- Experience working in a public policy related role undertaking local government policy development, policy development and/or reform projects.
- Experience and capacity to provide expert advice and resolve complex issues relating to agency policies, national and international developments.
- Extensive experience in strategic and statutory reform development.
- Ability to interpret, review and implement public policy, legislation and regulations.
- Developed Understanding of the South Australian system of local government, local government legislation and regulations, and structure, role and function of councils.





Desirable Qualification:

- Experience managing proposals for legislation and regulation amendments .
- A recognised degree or post graduate qualification that supports the relevant discipline of public policy, policy or law.
- Knowledge of Government policy objectives, processes, agency structure and functions.

Special Conditions

Successful applicants may be required to obtain a satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check prior to employment. A renewal will be required every 3 years.

Remuneration:

SM1 – $144,421 per annum plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

For all confidential enquiries, please contact David Whiterod, Director, Office of Local Government at **************@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions:

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 pages), outlining your skills and experience in relation to the key capabilities outlined in the role statement, a current CV and the contact information of three referees including your current line manager.

All applicants must complete a ‘Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector’ form.

Applications close: 23/09/2026 6:00 PM

Attachments:
- Manager, Local Government Policy Unit - Role Statement - DHUD.pdf
- Pre-Employment Declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

📌 Manager, Local Government Policy Unit (Adelaide)
🏢 Department for Housing and Urban Development
📍 Adelaide