20 Sep
|
Australian Financial Security Authority
|
Perth
20 Sep
Australian Financial Security Authority
Perth
About AFSA
The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) supports confidence in Australia's personal insolvency and personal property securities systems through regulation, service delivery and stewardship. AFSA is a modern national regulator committed to delivering trusted outcomes for government, business and the Australian community.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join AFSA Legal as a Senior Privacy & FOI Officer, where you will play a pivotal role in promoting transparency, accountability and the responsible management of information across the agency. Working under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Information Management Unit, you will manage complex and sensitive privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI) matters that have a direct impact on the agency's legislative obligations, reputation and service delivery.
In this specialist role, you will lead the management of complex FOI requests, privacy complaints, data breach matters and information access enquiries, while providing trusted advice to stakeholders across the organisation. You will apply your judgement and expertise to interpret legislation, resolve challenging issues, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment.
You will have the opportunity to influence best-practice privacy and information management by contributing to policy development, governance initiatives, capability building and continuous improvement activities. Working closely with business areas and senior leaders, you will help strengthen AFSA's privacy maturity, support compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and Freedom of Information Act 1982 and contribute to maintaining public trust in the agency.
This role offers a unique opportunity to build deep expertise in privacy and FOI, work on complex and meaningful matters, and be part of a team-oriented, supportive and high-performing team committed to making a real difference across government.
The key duties of the position include:
As the Senior Privacy & FOI Officer, you will:
- Manage a complex caseload of Freedom of Information requests, privacy complaints, privacy incidents and data breaches, ensuring matters are assessed and resolved in accordance with legislative and policy requirements.
- Interpret and apply the Privacy Act 1988, Freedom of Information Act 1982 and associated legislation to support lawful, timely and consistent decision-making.
- Provide strategic, risk-based and practical advice on privacy, FOI and information management matters to decision-makers and stakeholders across the agency.
- Build productive relationships and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the resolution of sensitive and complex matters.
- Prepare high-quality briefs, investigation reports, decisions, submissions and correspondence on complex privacy and FOI matters.
- Identify and manage privacy, FOI and information management risks, and contribute to strategies that strengthen compliance and governance outcomes.
- Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of privacy, FOI and information governance frameworks, policies, procedures and guidance materials.
- Support organisational capability by providing advice,
guidance and education to stakeholders on privacy, FOI and information management obligations.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory and policy developments and advise on their implications for AFSA's operations and practices.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement activities.
All duties will be performed in accordance with:
- the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles
- WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others
- AFSA’s risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks.
Our ideal candidate:
Engages people to build productive working relationships
- Acts with honesty, integrity and respect in dealings with others.
- Is willing and able to understand others' perspectives.
- Sets and manages expectations to achieve positive outcomes.
Uses information to make evidence-based decisions
- Researches, identifies and integrates relevant evidence towards finding solutions to the problem.
- Provides unbiased, comprehensive and accurate advice to others.
- Uses past experience and organisational/environmental awareness to analyse what information is key and how it should be used in the decision-making process.
Sustains a user-focused approach to deliver better services
- Uses and shares this understanding to inform collaborative service offering.
- Embraces ambiguity and is curious, works with users to identify a solution which provides value.
Communicates simply and clearly
- Communicates clearly in plain English, without using jargon.
- Demonstrates an ability to convey a message succinctly and with empathy, regardless of medium (written, verbal, digital).
- Understands the target audience, and tailors' message in a way that appeals to them.
Engages proactively with risk
- Ensures compliance with all legislative and policy requirements to mitigate risk.
- Challenges assumptions and explores possibilities to take calculated risks.
- Consistently demonstrates a proactive and responsible attitude towards the identification and management of risk.
Qualifications and experience
Desirable
- Demonstrated understanding of the Privacy Act 1988 and Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Understanding of Commonwealth Legislative framework, including Legal Services Directions 2025 and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
- Degree in law from an Australia tertiary institution or comparable qualification, including candidates currently undertaking such studies.
Working arrangements
AFSA supports flexible ways of working and is committed to helping employees balance their work and personal commitments. Flexible, hybrid, part-time and job-share arrangements may be available, subject to operational requirements.
Why join AFSA?
At AFSA,
you'll contribute to meaningful work that supports Australians while developing your skills in a collaborative and inclusive environment. AFSA values its people and offers:
- 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
- Flexible working arrangements
- Hybrid and remote work options where operationally appropriate
- Market-competitive salary and conditions under the Enterprise Agreement
- Paid Christmas and New Year shutdown
- Generous leave provisions
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- A supportive, inclusive and respectful workplace culture
AFSA is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment with AFSA, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen
- Successfully complete police record and identity checks
- Obtain and maintain the required security clearance
- Meet any probationary requirements applicable to the role
Security clearance: Baseline
Notes
How to apply
Applications close: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
To apply, select Apply and follow the instructions in the AFSA recruitment portal. You are required to submit:
- a current resume; and
- a cover letter (maximum 750 words words)
For information about working at AFSA and preparing your application, visit:
- AFSA Careers
- What We Offer
- How to Apply
Applications exceeding these limits will only be assessed up to the page and word limits specified.
AFSA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to support equitable participation. For assistance, contact *************@afsa.gov.au.
Getting to know the Australian Financial Security Authority
AFSA is an executive agency within the Treasury portfolio that works to maintain confidence in Australia’s personal insolvency, personal property securities, and criminal asset management systems, supporting a strong and resilient credit framework. Its regulatory responsibilities are delivered under key legislation, including the Bankruptcy Act 1966, the Personal Property Securities Act 2009, and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. AFSA is committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder trust through collaboration and engagement. To support this, it has established a Consumer Consultative Panel to enable constructive dialogue with consumer and community representatives and values the expertise of community and consumer organisations, particularly in frontline services, advocacy, education, and research. AFSA offers an inclusive, flexible workplace that supports diversity, wellbeing, and work–life balance. Roles are available across our offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, and may be full time or part-time. Employees benefit from strong career development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, competitive remuneration, generous leave entitlements, study assistance and learning and development opportunities, and a Christmas–New Year shutdown.
📌 Senior Privacy & FOI Officer (Perth)
🏢 Australian Financial Security Authority
📍 Perth