Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
The office of the Hon Senator Bridget McKenzie is seeking applications for a full-time ongoing Research Officer, based in the Senator’s Electorate Office in Wodonga VIC. A Canberra base may be considered for the right applicant.
About the position
The successful applicant will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to establish professional relationships with key stakeholders in regional Victoria and the infrastructure and transport sectors.
This role would suit someone with experience in public policy research, project management or marketing, and who is excited by the opportunity of serving their community.
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Provide timely advice and support on complex policy issues relevant to infrastructure, transport, regional development and regional Victoria
- Research, analyse and prepare briefing notes and statistical information on infrastructure, transport and regional policy and related matters
- Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and constituents.
- Research solutions to constituent enquiries and liaising with government agencies and stakeholders as needed to ensure matters are resolved in a timely and effective manner.
- Draft talking points, speeches, media releases, and other communication pieces.
- Assist with parliamentary duties including Question Time, Senate Estimates, and Senate Committee inquiries.
- Accompany the Senator to electorate activities and events as required.
- Answer constituent phone calls and correspondence to the Office.
- Some interstate travel may be required as directed.
- Other duties as directed.
The ideal applicant should possess the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated experience and/or qualifications in public policy, politics, communications or economics is highly desirable.
- Solid understanding of the Australian system of government, parliamentary processes, and how a Parliamentarian’s office operates.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Highly organised with the ability to work independently and prioritise tasks with competing demands in a high-functioning team environment.
- The maturity to deal with members of the public and key stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office 365 and Excel.
- High levels of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
- Prior political experience is preferred but not essential.
Employment conditions:
The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:
- A commencing salary ranging from $74,537 to $78,911 will be paid depending on experience.
- An additional optional allowance may be considered in recognition of experience, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work.
- Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
- An employer contribution of 15.4% superannuation will be payable.
Applicants should note the following:
- An initial probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.
- The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
- Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
- The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.
Applications should be forwarded to ***************@aph.gov.au and include a cover letter setting out details of your relevant skills and experience, and a CV with the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications close on Thursday 3 October 2025.
For further information please contact Simon Price on 0455 191 *** or email ***************@aph.gov.au.