About Us The Victorian Ombudsman (VO) provides a free, independent, accessible and impartial service to the public. Our purpose is to ensure fairness for the public in their dealings with the Victorian public sector, to improve public administration, and engage within both public organisations, the government sector and the broader community. The Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic) is the governing legislation.
The VO’s role is to ensure that the services of state and local government, and other public organisations are delivered in a fair and reasonable manner that is compatible with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) and that human rights have been taken into consideration in decision making.
About this role
Reporting to the Manager Complaints - First Nations, the Indigenous Cadet role provides a structured pathway for a First Nations student to gain experience within a statutory oversight environment while providing targeted support to the First Nations team’s priority projects and broader First Nations work across the organisation. The responsibilities of the role are to:
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the implementation of the First Nations Complaint Handling Strategy
- Undertake administrative tasks, including data entry into Resolve in relation to new respondents
- Confirm key liaison contacts for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and new Treaty Authorities
- Support the Manager, Complaints – First Nations and Senior Complaint Resolution Officer – First Nations with external stakeholder engagement as required
- Support cultural calendar mapping and preparation for significant events
- Support the review of data trends,
case studies and systemic issues raised by First Peoples to inform strategic priorities and new committee functions such as Compass and Radar
- Support and coordinate logistics for training sessions
- Scope, research and support communication with other states, territories and jurisdictions about their policies and practices specific to First Nations communities
- Undertake other tasks as required by the First Nations Complaints team and First Nations Focus Area
Core to your success in this role is the ability to obtain a strong understanding of the Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic).
This role is an identified position available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. The position is classified under ‘special measures', section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Please review the position description for full details.
How to apply
Applications need to be submitted online via the ‘Apply Now' button.
To be considered for this role, you must include:
- a 1-page Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria.
- a Resume, no longer than 5 pages.
Applications close midnight Wednesday 9 December 2026.
VO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible and safe work workplace. We want to ensure all applicants and employees with disability are treated respectfully and equitably in all stages of the recruitment process.
We encourage job applications from people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, LGBTIQ and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
VO is committed to supporting our employees work and life balance commitments. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.
Employment at the Victorian Ombudsman is subject to:
- Criminal Record check
- Working with Children check
- Statutory Declaration
- Confidentiality Agreement
- Conflict of Interest check