EOI Principal Policy Officer

Location:Located in Sydney or Regional NSW Hybrid working
Grade:Clerk Grade 11/12
Salary Range:$149739 - $173174 super
Employment type: TAA 2 weeks (6 17 July 2026)

Portfolio Policy Primary Industries and Regional Development

• Leading policy development focused on delivering Ministerial and Department priorities
• Experience navigating Cabinet and Legislative processes and providing strategic advice to protect support and develop primary industries and regional economies in NSW.

About this role

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking a dynamic and experienced policy professional. The Principal Policy Officer role generally involves the following:

• operating with a high level of autonomy responsible for leading policy and reform projects working across DPIRD teams and with other agencies.
• developing Cabinet submissions in collaboration with subject matter experts and other agencies and supporting the passage of legislation through Parliament.
• developing and advising on policy initiatives and reform projects that deliver priority outcomes within the DPIRD portfolio.
• collaborating with various stakeholders including industry representatives and government agencies to influence and drive policy and reform agendas.
• engaging with executive ministerial offices and stakeholders to develop reforms and guide policies through Cabinet and Parliamentary processes.

Key responsibilities include undertaking complex policy analysis maintaining influential relationships providing strategic advice to senior executive and supporting Cabinet and Legislative processes.

This role reports to the Director Legislation and Reform.

About Us

The role sits within the Legislation and Reform team at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This team drives legislative reform priorities and cross-cutting policy development for the department relating to Ministerial and Department priorities.

The team sits within the Departments central Policy Reform and Evidence (PRE) Branch which leads cross-cutting policy and reform initiatives underpinned by robust data analysis and evidence.

PRE works with teams across the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to protect support and develop primary industries and regional economies by ensuring that government decisions are informed by evidence expert advice and stakeholder views.

About You

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a strong background in policy and reform with a particular focus on developing Cabinet submissions and supporting the passage of Legislation through Parliament. You will have a proven ability to establish and maintain influential relationships across government to ensure effective achievement of policy objectives. Additionally you will be adept at maintaining alignment of policy and legislative settings with the governments broader policy objectives.

You excel in balancing political drivers and imperatives with the diverse views and demands of stakeholders as well as legislative and resource constraints. This skill allows you to produce effective and efficient policy for the DPIRD portfolio. You will work with a high level of autonomy to achieve strategic goals.

Strong communication skills are essential enabling you to engage and consult effectively with people from across the department government and stakeholder groups.

Accordingly we are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Experience with developing Cabinet submissions and supporting the passage of Legislation.
• Leadership of evidence-based public policy and/or strategic reform projects.
• Ability to exercise judgment in providing detailed advice in the context of broad policy objectives
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills including theability to consult broadly and manage conflicting perspectives.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability tomanage multiple tasks effectively meet deadlines and deliver high qualitywork.
• People management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail

Please ensure you have a discussion with your Manager prior to submitting your EOI.

If you are interested in this opportunity please send an email to with your CVand a short cover emailoutlining why you are applying and why you think you are a good fit for the role. EOIs close Friday 19 June 2026.

Role Description - Clerk 11-12 - Principal Policy Officer