Job description
Agency Department of Children and Families Work unit Strategic Policy and Commissioning
Job title Government Relations Officer Designation Administrative Officer 7
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $120,877 - $130,039 Location Darwin
Position number 12041 RTF 361026 Closing 23/11/2026
Contact Officer Michelle Ganzer, Strategic Policy and Commissioning on 08 8999 44128
About the agency https://families.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=361026

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity and encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
Provide leadership, advice and coordination to support the Department of Children and Families’ government relations and functions. The
role is responsible for managing the effective flow of information, advice and correspondence between the Department, central agencies,
Northern Territory (NT) and Commonwealth government agencies and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with government priorities,
Cabinet processes and intergovernmental obligations.
Key duties and responsibilities




• Provide strategic advice to the Executive on government priorities, emerging issues, risks and sensitivities, including whole-of-

government, intergovernmental and cross-portfolio matters.

- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with central agencies, NT and Commonwealth government agencies and internal

stakeholders to support coordinated and informed decision-making.

- Oversee systems and processes for tracking, monitoring and reporting on government and ministerial requests, commitments,

decisions and intergovernmental obligations, ensuring accountability and compliance with required timeframes.

- Contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures and guidance material to strengthen ministerial liaison, government

relations, and correspondence management and practice across the Department.

- Represent the Department in internal and external forums as required, including interagency working groups and coordination

meetings.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Proven written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing and coordinating high-level ministerial,

Cabinet and executive correspondence and briefing materials within tight timeframes.
2.



Demonstrated experience in project management, with the adaptability to see projects/tasks through to completion.
3. Demonstrated experience in gathering, investigating and synthesising information from diverse sources and viewpoints
4. Demonstrated understanding of government processes, including Cabinet and inter-government relations requirements, and the ability

to operate effectively in a politically sensitive workplace.
5. Proven ability to provide strategic, timely and practical advice on complex issues, balancing policy, operational, political and

reputational considerations.
6. High level negotiation and relationship skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships and partnerships with internal

and external stakeholders and effectively negotiate and liaise with all levels of government and the community sector.
7. Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across

agencies and jurisdictions, and different levels of government.
Desirable
1. Tertiary qualifications in public policy, public administration, communications, social sciences or a related field.
2. Knowledge of, or ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, the Department’s policy and service delivery environment.
Further information
The successful applicant may be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance and undergo a criminal history check. A
criminal history will not automatically preclude appointment unless it is relevant to the role.

📌 Government Relations Officer (Darwin)
🏢 Department of Children & Families
📍 Darwin