Our Department Values

Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.



The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available


The Commonwealth Infrastructure Projects Division (CIPD), within the Infrastructure Group, has unique responsibility for providing specialist policy, strategy and project governance advice, oversight and risk management of multi-billion dollar Commonwealth-delivered, significant national infrastructure and transport projects and their associated entities including:

• High Speed Rail
• Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
• Inland Rail (and other ARTC delivered projects)
• Infrastructure Australia
• Westport
• Intermodal facilities across Australia.

The work across the division is interesting, rewarding and at times fast-paced, giving staff opportunities to contribute their diverse skills, experiences and knowledge to transformational and high-profile projects. Staff also have the opportunity to be directly involved in Australian Government processes, including preparation of materials to support the Federal Budget and the selection and recommendation of national leaders for significant appointments to key Commonwealth boards and organisations.


The Taskforce Branch is a multi-disciplinary team with the role of supporting projects of national significance as well as managing significant board and statutory appointments for CIPD. The Taskforce Branch also coordinates major projects Budget submissions for the department.


We currently have multiple opportunities for Policy Officers at the APS6 level.


In the Taskforce Branch you will have the rare opportunity to contribute to the management and oversight of multi-billion dollar projects across various stages of their lifecycle. You will engage with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including across all levels of government, influencing and shaping agreed outcomes. Key duties may include but are not limited to:

• Undertaking research and analysis to inform policy development, the assessment of infrastructure initiatives and major project business cases.
• Program (major project) monitoring and reporting, supporting existing assurance functions, and identifying and addressing emerging issues.
• Preparing high-quality reports and papers, briefings and correspondence for ministers and senior executives including on significant Government appointments, as well as Cabinet submissions for consideration through Commonwealth Budget processes.
• Representing the branch at, and participating in, a range of stakeholder engagement activities, including working with Commonwealth-owned Government Business Enterprises and other entities, state/territory and Commonwealth agencies and a range of internal stakeholders.

We are seeking to fill roles within our Taskforce and the Governance Oversight and Appointments (GOA) teams. The Taskforce teams facilitate Budget and MYEFO processes for major projects, oversee updating of governance documents and develop non-BAU policy advice for major Commonwealth projects. The GOA team manages significant board and statutory appointments and provides governance oversight functions for CIPD.


As a valued team member, you will apply your subject matter and policy expertise to develop options to inform and support the Australian Government to deliver investment in national significant marine, aviation and rail infrastructure projects. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a positive workplace culture that encourages engagement, collaboration and team-building.


Who are we looking for?


We are looking for individuals who are excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced and dynamic environment to deliver outcomes. The successful candidate for this position will be able to:

• Problem solve, apply well developed strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Showcase strong written and oral communication skills, delivering clear, concise, and easily understood information to diverse audiences in a range of briefing materials including for ministers and senior executives, Senate Estimates, significant appointments, Parliament Question Time, presentations, and submissions.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and liaison skills with experience in analysing, building and maintaining stakeholder relationships to influence and shape agreed outcomes, and representing the department at stakeholder activities.
• Adapt to change, display resilience and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
• Demonstrate effective organisational skills and a proven record of taking responsibility in delivering results including the ability to multitask under time pressures to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate within a team that values a culture of continuous improvement, integrity, respect, and a growth mindset.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Recruit Ability minimum requirements


Minimum requirements for this role include that candidates are able to problem solve, showcase strong written and oral communication skills and demonstrate strong interpersonal and liaison skills as described in the ‘who are we looking for?’ section above.


Recruit Ability is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.


Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at Recruit Ability scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Our collaborative and supportive culture fosters high performing teams where you are valued for your expertise, experiences and point of view.
• Our breadth of work provides unmatched opportunities to apply your subject matter expertise while discovering new interests across our diverse portfolio.
• We offer you the unique opportunity to experience a range of exciting work areas, all with one thing in common – improving the lives of everyday Australians.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements


Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEDT, Thursday 31 October 2024.


In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than 750 words outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than 3 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.


Your application will be assessed against the ‘Who are we looking for’ section. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.


Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.


If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.


Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email Diversityand Inclusion@infrastructure.gov.au


Timeline and assessment


A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.


If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.


Anticipated timeline for recruitment milestone dates:


Applications open: 17 October 2024
Applications close: 31 October 2024
Application shortlisting: By 7 November 2024
Further assessments: 8 – 14 November 2024
Selection report finalised: 25 November 2024
Offers and announcements: 28 November 2024


The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.


Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants.

Work with us. Apply now!