Principal Departmental Liaison Officer (Talent Pool)

• Recruitment process to establish Talent Pool for Temporary Opportunities as a Principal Departmental Liaison Officer
• Fixed office located in Sydney CBD
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $154,231.00 to $178,369.00 plus super (Clerk Grade 11/12)

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you will contribute to shaping lives and communities across NSW, while shaping your own career. You will enjoy flexible work options, varied and impactful projects, and a vibrant, diverse team culture built on collaboration, inclusion and support. We are creating a workplace where everyone belongs and where you can balance work, life and wellbeing.

The role

As the Principal Departmental Liaison Officer, you will be the Department’s key point of contact in the Minister’s office, connecting departmental expertise with ministerial priorities. You will provide policy and procedural advice and ensure the timely, effective exchange of information between the Minister’s office and the Department to support informed decision-making.

This is an opportunity to work at the centre of government, helping translate complex and emerging policy issues into clear, accurate advice. You will coordinate responses to requests from the Minister and Secretary, review and draft briefs, correspondence and reports, and support the Minister’s office during Parliamentary sitting weeks and budget processes, including estimates.

Working in a high-pressure environment with shifting priorities, you will bring together advice from across the Department, anticipate contentious issues and carefully manage the relationship with the Minister’s office. You will also lead and support staff, providing feedback and coaching to build capability and deliver high-quality, timely work.

• Extensive working knowledge of the machinery of government, including the roles of Cabinet and Parliament in NSW and departmental procedures for ministerial correspondence, briefings, parliamentary material and speeches.
• Strong research, analysis and judgement to evaluate complex, sensitive or emerging policy issues and provide clear advice on ministerial requirements and government priorities.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft and review briefs, correspondence and reports for accuracy, timeliness and strategic purpose.
• Strong relationship management skills to support effective liaison between the Department and the Minister’s office, using discretion and sound judgement when coordinating sensitive or contentious matters.
• The ability to obtain and summarise accurate information from multiple sources at short notice, anticipate emerging issues and coordinate responses amid competing priorities and deadlines.
• Team leadership and supervision skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching that builds staff capability and supports high-quality outcomes.
• Knowledge of the Department’s functions and objectives, with the ability to apply this understanding when advising on policy matters and supporting parliamentary and budget processes.

For more details about this role, read the full Role Description here: Principal Departmental Liaison Officer

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us! 

Applications close Wednesday, 4 November at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Belinda Sheather, Manager DLO Programs on Belinda.Sheather@dphi.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.

Advertised: 21 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 04 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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