The key duties of the position include:
The Role
The APS 5 Travel Policy Officer plays a key role in providing assistance to the Defence community with queries concerning the application of Travel Policy together with a broad range of other travel related implementation, analysis and reporting requirements in Defence. Working under limited supervision, the role contributes analytical, research, and policy development skills to simplify and strengthen operation of the travel policy across Defence.
About our Team
The Defence Travel Policy team develops and maintains the official travel policy and supports all related activities for travel undertaken by Australian Public Servants (APS) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) members in the course of their official duties.
The travel support infrastructure ensures Defence travel is consistent, efficient, compliant, and aligned with Whole of Government travel arrangements and other Commonwealth framework. The team closely monitors operational requirements, the broader travel environment, and emerging business and compliance risks to ensure policy settings remain contemporary and fit for purpose.
Our Ideal Candidate
Policy Development and Review:
* Contribute to the development, maintenance, and simplification of Defence’s official travel policies in alignment with Whole of Government requirements.
* Undertake research, analysis, reviews, assessments, and investigations to support improvements in travel policy and compliance.
* Apply sound judgement and document decisions, recommendations, and policy rationale clearly and accurately.
Data Analysis and Insights:
* Analyse travel data to identify trends, risks, inefficiencies, and patterns across Defence’s travel operations.
* Translate insights into concise, actionable advice for team leaders and policy decision-makers.
* Support evidence-based policy refinement by integrating data insights with operational understanding.
Systems Knowledge and Process Understanding:
* Develop a working understanding of Defence’s travel systems, including travel requisitions, booking systems, and post-travel acquittal and certification processes.
* Use system-derived information to inform policy improvements and risk mitigation strategies.
Team Contribution and Quality Assurance:
* Coordinate and contribute to teamwork plans and support the delivery of policy outputs and priorities.
* Provide guidance and assistance to team members on task completion methods, quality expectations, and process consistency.
* Review the work of others and help identify opportunities for on-the-job learning and capability development within the team.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
* Engage effectively with internal stakeholders to identify issues, respond to queries, and provide clear, reliable policy advice.
* Communicate analysis, insights, and policy recommendations in a simple, practical, and audience-appropriate manner.
* Build positive working relationships across Defence to support policy adoption and compliance.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers