The Department of the House of Representatives is seeking applications from those interested in directly supporting the work of the House of Representatives and members of Parliament at Parliament House in Canberra.
About the department
The Department of the House of Representatives provides services to support the efficient conduct of the House of Representatives, its committees and certain joint committees, and provides a range of services and facilities for Members of Parliament in Parliament House. The department also promotes the work of the House in the community and supports the conduct of the Parliament's international and regional relations.
About the role
The Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025 requires the appointment of a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCOD). Subject to passage of the legislation, the Committee will be required to inquire into matters referred to it by the Senate or the House of Representatives or a Minister of the Commonwealth Government, or on its own motion. The Committee will also have a wide range of standing review functions.
The Inquiry Secretary will be a senior officer within the PJCOD secretariat, providing research, advisory, report writing and administrative support to the parliamentary committee. The Inquiry Secretary is responsible for managing the planning and conduct of Committee reviews and inquiries, including analysing evidence provided to the Committee as well as annual reports, white papers, reviews, legislation and other documents dealing with the strategies, planning and contingencies of Australian defence agencies. The Inquiry Secretary also supports the Committee Secretary in providing advice to committee chairs and members regarding parliamentary practice and procedure, and in leading and developing junior secretariat staff. Inquiry Secretary roles may require domestic travel to support the Committee.
The position of Inquiry Secretary is an equivalent level to an Assistant Director in Australian Public Service agencies. You will work directly with Members of Parliament and be responsible for liaising with a range of senior executive stakeholders.
The department is committed to leadership at all levels and there is an expectation that all staff are able to demonstrate leadership in their professional experience.
The key duties of the position include:
The Inquiry Secretary will:
1. As a senior officer in the secretariat, provide research, advisory, report writing and administrative support to the PJCOD.
2. Under the direction of the Committee Secretary, advise a committee chair or the chair and other members as required, including:
* support the planning and management of inquiries and other oversight functions of the committee;
* conduct research and analysis;
* provide written and oral advice;
* arrange meetings and hearings, and record minutes;
* provide advice and information to witnesses, officials and the general public on committee business;
* advise on aspects of parliamentary practice and procedure relevant to the work of the committee; and
* draft and prepare for publication reports, discussion papers and other documents.
3. Assist the Committee Secretary in the effective management of a secretariat, including:
* leading, managing and developing staff as required;
* implementing the department's policies and procedures;
* committee record keeping; and
* performing other duties as required
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
* Be an Australian citizen;
* Undertake a National Police check;
* Obtain and maintain a security clearance at the NV2 level.
Notes
Applications must include a 2 page statement of claims addressing the selection criteria, and details of two referees. See the Applicant information pack for further information on how to apply.
Applications close 11:59 pm, Monday 1 June 2026.
Visit the Department of the House of Representatives vacancy page, and apply online.
For further information, please contact the recruitment team on 02 6277 4***, or at ***************@aph.gov.au
Getting to know the Department of the House of Representatives
The Department of the House of Representatives provides services to support the efficient conduct of the House of Representatives, its committees and certain joint committees, and also provides a range of services and facilities for Members of Parliament in Parliament House. The department also promotes the work of the House in the community and supports the conduct of the Parliament's international and regional relations.