Job Description

Lead Governance & Access to Information
Full Time Permanent

Sydney’s South | Local Government

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Lead governance. Strengthen decision-making. Make a difference.

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An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced governance professional to take a lead role in shaping and strengthening governance and access to information across a progressive local government organisation.

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This is a senior position for someone who brings strong technical governance expertise, sound judgement and the ability to work confidently with executives, managers and stakeholders across an organisation.
n You will lead the Governance & Information teams and play a key role in ensuring robust, transparent and compliant decision-making across Council.

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About the organisation;
n Located in Sydney’s south, the Council serves a diverse and growing community of more than 160,000 people across approximately 50 square kilometres.
n With major infrastructure, key transport corridors and significant activity across the area, this is a agile environment where governance plays an important role in supporting effective decision-making and community confidence.
n The organisation is committed to:

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- Visionary Leadership - being decisive, outward focused and forward thinking
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- Empowered People - being courageous, cutting-edge and committed to making a difference
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- Meaningful Relationships - working collaboratively and investing in each other
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- Exceptional Service - delivering an outstanding customer experience
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About the role;
n Reporting to the Manager Governance & Risk , you will be responsible for developing and implementing Council’s governance framework and ensuring strong governance, probity and legislative compliance across the organisation.
n You will provide trusted advice to the Executive and staff on governance matters and lead the delivery of coordinated governance and access to information activities.
n Key areas of responsibility include:

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- Leading and continuously improving Council’s governance framework, policies, systems and processes
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- Providing expert advice on governance, legislation, delegations, probity and statutory requirements
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- Leading the Governance & Information functions and supporting a high-performing, multidisciplinary team
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- Overseeing business papers, including agendas, minutes and action tracking
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- Coordinating formal,



informal and internal reviews relating to access to information and GIPA applications
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- Overseeing delegations, legislative compliance and changes to legislation
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- Managing governance registers including GIPA, delegations, donations and sponsorship, and conflicts of interest
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- Leading the development, implementation and review of Council’s Policy Framework
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- Providing advice on Code of Conduct, Code of Meeting Practice and Public Interest Disclosures
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- Supporting the processing of GIPA applications, subpoenas and other access to information matters
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- Monitoring statutory and regulatory reporting requirements, including the OLG compliance calendar
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- Supporting Council’s election responsibilities and ward boundary reviews
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- Providing training and advice to Council officials on ethical standards and governance responsibilities
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- Identifying opportunities to improve governance systems, processes and organisational effectiveness
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The role operates with a significant level of autonomy and requires the ability to balance legislative requirements, community expectations, organisational priorities and stakeholder needs in a politically sensitive environment.

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About you;
n You will be an experienced governance professional with the technical capability, leadership maturity and judgement to operate effectively at a senior level.

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You will ideally bring:

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- Tertiary qualifications in law, corporate governance, public policy, business or a related discipline
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- Extensive experience in a governance-related role
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- Solid knowledge of governance frameworks, legislation, policies and procedures
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- Demonstrated experience across at least three of the following:n n
- Government Information (Public Access) Act
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- Policy development and implementation
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- Statutory compliance
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- Business papers
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- Delegations
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- Probity
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- Investigations
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- Experience providing governance advice to senior management, including General Managers, Directors and Managers




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- Strong knowledge of local government governance matters, including the Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice
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- Experience interpreting and applying the Local Government Act 1993 , Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998
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- Experience in compliance management, probity advice and coordinating investigations
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- Robust written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports, policies, correspondence and presentations
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- Demonstrated experience leading and developing a multidisciplinary team
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- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process, system and governance improvement
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Local Government experience will be highly regarded.
n Experience with InfoCouncil and HPE electronic document and records management systems would also be advantageous.

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The leadership qualities we are looking for. You will be someone who;

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Acts with integrity
n You set high ethical standards, understand the legislative and policy environment and build a culture of professionalism and accountability.

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Communicates with influence
n You can translate complex governance and legislative matters into clear, practical advice for a range of audiences.

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Builds robust relationships
n You are confident working with senior stakeholders and can influence, negotiate and manage challenging conversations with fairness and sound judgement.

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Thinks strategically and solves problems
n You use evidence and sound analysis to identify issues, develop practical solutions and drive continuous improvement.

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Leads and develops people
n You provide explicit direction, build capability and create an environment where people can perform and contribute effectively.

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Why this chance?
n This is an opportunity to take a genuinely influential role in strengthening governance across a modern local government organisation.
n You will have the autonomy to shape governance practices, provide trusted advice to senior leaders, lead a specialist team and contribute directly to transparent, ethical and effective decision-making.
n If you are a governance professional looking for your next opportunity to make a meaningful organisational impact, we would like to hear from you.

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📌 Lead Governance & Access to Information (Sydney)
🏢 Norwest Recruitment
📍 Sydney