The Opportunity
The Commonwealth-State Relations Branch provides strategic and technical advice to the Prime Minister, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Australian Public Service (APS) on policy priorities requiring collaboration between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments (the states), and on financial transfers from the Commonwealth to the states. We also support the Secretary of PM&C and Deputy Secretary Social Policy to engage regularly and productively with their state and territory counterparts.
The work is fast-paced and infinitely varied. You’ll gain unparalleled insights into the inner workings of intergovernmental relations, diverse policy areas most critical to the nation’s prosperity, security and social wellbeing, and PM&C’s broad-ranging support to the Prime Minister and Government. We work on a wide range of evolving issues adding strategic value to ensure positive outcomes for Australians.
The most pressing priorities right now include responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and creating jobs. We work closely with several divisions across the Department as well as other agencies, particularly the Treasury, and state and territory public service counterparts, to support the Prime Minister and senior executive get results. We are seeking high performing candidates at the APS 5 level to fill a small number of vacancies.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating on matters that require Commonwealth-state cooperation.
- Developing strong and respectful professional relationships with key officials in PM&C and the states and territories.
- Preparing high quality briefing to support the Prime Minister and senior executive engagement with state and territory leaders.
- Providing secretarial support for key meetings involving state and territory leaders and senior executives.
- Providing policy support across government on matters with Commonwealth-state implications and horizontal fiscal equalisation (the distribution of GST to the states).
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate would highly value the opportunity to contribute to achieving positive outcomes for the Australian community.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- You will be a team player who creates strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve results.
- This role would suit someone with strong relationship skills, who is able to quickly build rapport with people, and is confident in taking initiative.
- You will represent PM&C and the Commonwealth with integrity and professionalism.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates who thrive in busy and dynamic environments. Working in a small branch with broad responsibilities, you will be able to quickly get across new material and effectively collaborate to get things done.
Successful applicants will:
- have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, and thrive in a team environment.
- be a critical thinker and contribute ideas on a wide range of policy issues.
- also be able to produce clear and succinct written advice for a diverse spectrum of audiences.
We will support you to deepen these skills and to develop the knowledge, networks, and confidence to effectively influence Commonwealth-state matters. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people experiencing disability, and people identifying as part of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Applicants with flexible work arrangements are also encouraged to apply.
Contact Officer
Jordan Gannaway on (02) 6271 5594 or Jordan.Gannaway@pmc.gov.au