Assistant Director, Enforcement Action

The Regulatory Action division oversees the management of compliance, investigation and enforcement to promote adherence to the FOI Act and Privacy Act. This includes the management of Commissioner-initiated and some high-risk complaint investigations, complex NDB matters, general and funded assessments (including those for CDR and digital ID), and the enforcement of privacy and FOI legislation through legal action. This branch provides the agency with expertise in enforcement, investigations, and litigation, and ensures the OAIC can regulate proactively and strategically. The Enforcement Action team supports Regulatory Action through working collaboratively with the Investigations & Compliance teams (as well as other areas of the Agency), managing enforcement litigation and regulatory action. This team is directed by the work of the Investigations and Compliance teams to guide activity and provides strategic advice to the compliance and investigation work as required. This team also contributes to legal strategy and supports the Commissioner to pursue civil penalties and take other enforcement action. This team supports the Commissioners to deliver the ongoing strategic regulation approach of the OAIC. The key duties of the position include: The Assistant Director (EL1), Enforcement Action, reports to the Director, Enforcement Action. Duties may include: Manage litigation, including the Information Commissioner’s civil penalty proceedings and other significant matters, with support from external lawyers Conducting legal research and preparing legal and strategic advice (oral and written) to assist the Investigation and Compliance teams in their regulatory activities Drafting complex determinations and other enforcement documentation Providing legal input into briefs and submissions on law reform proposals relevant to FOI and privacy law Liaising effectively with both internal stakeholders including the business areas, and with external stakeholders, including external legal service providers, Counsel and other government agencies Representing the OAIC in internal and external forums Sharing knowledge within the team, training of staff and the development of guidance material. Other duties as required. You will also support the OAIC’s shift towards a more harm-focused approach that actively engages with risk to develop legally sound solutions. Job Specific Capabilities, Skills & ExperienceWe are seeking applications from candidates who have: Legal qualifications including the ability to obtain and maintain a practicing certificate Experience operating in a regulatory environment Broad legal experience working with/in government, including litigation experience Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988 Ability to provide impartial and forthright advice Experience in leading, guiding and mentoring a team. Eligibility Section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999 requires that APS employees must be Australian citizens. There are restrictions on employment of people who have, within the previous 12 months, accepted a redundancy benefit from an APS agency or a non-APS Commonwealth employer. For the duration of your employment with the OAIC you will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance at the Negative Vetting 1 level and meet required background, identification and character checks. All duties are to be performed in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values and OAIC policies, including Workplace Diversity and Work Health and Safety. Under section 25 of the Public Service Act 1999 the OAIC may re-assign the duties of an employee from time to time. Notes Remuneration and benefits EL1 salary: $117,674 - $125,876 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation. The OAIC is committed to enabling its people to perform at their best and offers the following benefits: Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of privacy and data protection, paving the way for future career opportunities. Access to ongoing professional development, with a capability framework to guide skill enhancement. Genuine flexibility to help achieve a balance between work and home life. Additional paid leave over the Christmas to New Year period as well as access to other leave (e.g. for study or moving). Contribution to your wellbeing through subsidies for eye health, flu vaccinations and a wellbeing allowance. The OAIC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from people living with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and mature age people. Getting to know the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is an independent agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. Our primary functions are privacy, freedom of information and government information policy. Our responsibilities include conducting investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice.

Location: Perth CBD, AU

Posted Date: 2/1/2025