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Learn how a merit list or pool may be used
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy, may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months. This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne. For more information about Merit Lists or Merit Pools please go to APSC's website - The APS Merit Principle.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
APS6 - Freedom of Information (FOI) Case Officer, Government Services
The opportunity we have available
The Government Services Branch is seeking to fill the role of an FOI Case Officer for the Freedom of Information Section. The FOI Case Officer will manage multiple FOI requests and provide technical support and advice to a range of stakeholders.
Government Services Branch delivers essential services and expert advice and plays a critical role in upholding accountability, transparency, and effective communication between the department, Minister’s Offices and key stakeholders. There are 5 teams in the branch:
- Freedom of Information (FOI) ensures that the department meets its obligations under the FOI Act.
- Ministerial Liaison supports the Departmental Liaison Officers.
- Ministerial Services oversees the management and administration of ministerial workflows, including through PDMS+, of submissions, briefs and correspondence for multiple ministerial offices.
- Cabinet Services coordinates the portfolio’s Cabinet business and classified material.
- Parliamentary Services assists and tracks the department’s involvement with Parliamentary processes and committees.
Government Services Branch is undergoing a structured change management process, aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing internal processes, and strengthening capability across teams. This transformation is focused on modernising systems, streamlining workflows, fostering a supportive culture of continuous improvement, and aligning operations with strategic departmental priorities.
The key duties of the position include:
What will you do?
We are looking for high performing candidates with either recent experience in processing FOI requests or with a legal background.
As an APS6 FOI Case Officer, you will be responsible for:
- managing complex FOI requests, including liaison with, and provision of support and advice to, FOI Decision Makers and Action Officers throughout the department
- managing routine Internal Reviews and, where required, providing assistance in complex Internal Reviews and external reviews with the Information Commissioner and the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
- building and maintaining qualified working relationships with key stakeholders across the portfolio to progress FOI requests
- monitoring progress of cases and ensuring compliance with statutory timeframes, including managing extensions of time as required, liaising with departmental Decision Makers and Action Officers and escalating outstanding actions as appropriate
- where necessary, undertake and manage communications with FOI applicants to clarify and revise the scope of requests to ensure they meet FOI Act requirements
- preparing correspondence to FOI Applicants and internal stakeholders, and drafting decisions on access under FOI legislation for consideration by Decision Makers
- issuing final decisions to FOI Applicants and, where necessary, Affected Third Parties, and facilitating the release of documents, including their publication on the FOI Disclosure Log
- entering and maintaining data into departmental systems to ensure accurate record keeping
- liaising with external stakeholders, including other state and Commonwealth agencies and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OAIC), including undertaking and managing formal consultations with Affected Third Parties and information interagency consultations
- researching legislation as required
- providing support and training to junior staff in the team as required
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS6 Work level standards. This will include being dynamic and respectful, having integrity, valuing others and empowering people by:
- Supporting strategic direction: promoting the department’s vision, linking goals to operational tasks, and clearly communicating objectives; thinking strategically by understanding the environment, setting team goals, and anticipating broader trends; harnessing information and opportunities by gathering diverse insights, analysing their relevance, staying well-informed, and seeking best practice; demonstrating good judgement and problem solving with objective, evidence-based analysis and promoting improvements.
- Achieving Results: effectively managing resources, applying professional expertise, planning and adapting to changes, and taking full responsibility for projects including monitoring progress and maintaining documentation.
- Supporting productive working relationships: building stakeholder relationships, actively listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering respect and inclusivity; supporting team development and providing timely feedback.
- Displaying personal drive and integrity: following APS values, providing honest advice, managing risks, and maintaining resilience; committing to self-development.
- Communicating with influence: communicating clearly, listening to understand, tailoring messages to the audience, and negotiating with stakeholders.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
- Citizenship : Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
- Health Assessment : The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- Security Clearance : The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the required level. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.
- Police check : The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
- Integrity and Performance check : The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check.
Notes
For more information about this role, including the type of person we are looking for and how to apply, please refer to the position description available by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: This initiative applies to appointments under the Public Service Act 1999.
Getting to know the Department
Our work connects and enriches every Australian community, underpins our economy and society, and empowers our regions. We provide policy advice and deliver programs, projects and services in the infrastructure, transport, communications, sport and arts sectors. We seek people with a wide range of skills and competencies and are committed to an inclusive workforce that values diversity and promotes gender equality.
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📌 Freedom of Information (FOI) Case Officer, Government Services
🏢 Australian Public Service Commission
📍 City of Sydney