Department of Justice
Principal Legislation and Policy Officer
Statement of Duties – May 2016
Title
Principal Legislation and Policy Officer
Number
356736
Award
Tasmanian State Service Award
Classification
General Stream Band 7
Output Group
Legal Services Planning Policy Unit
Full Time Equivalent
1.0 FTE
Division
Office of Strategic Legislation and Policy
Branch
Planning Unit
Supervisor
Assistant Director, Office of Strategic Legislation and Policy
Direct Reports
0
Location
Hobart
Terms of Employment
Fixed Term Full Time 73.50 hours per fortnight for a period of 12
months. Some interstate and intrastate travel may be applicable.
Position category and funding
Code code: A686
The Department of Justice
Aim
A safe, fair and just Tasmania.
Purpose
To support the Tasmanian Government to promote the rule of law by
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ensuring an effective, efficient and accessible justice system
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protecting and respecting rights
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improving laws
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influencing positive behaviour and enforcing responsibilities
Visit the Department of Justice website for more information.
Divisional Information
The Department contributes to a just and safe society by providing systems and services for the
promotion and maintenance of rights and responsibilities, and the resolution of disputes, for the benefit
of the Tasmanian Community.
The Office of Strategic Legislation and Policy provides the following services  expert advice on the development of and review of legislation
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management of the Department’s legislative review program
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high level policy advice associated with legal reforms and obligations
Visit the website for more information.
The Planning Unit provides the following services –
 expert advice on the development and review of legislation and policy related to Tasmania’s
planning system and planning laws
 delivery of projects relating to planning reform
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high level policy advice associated with the planning system and planning reforms
About the position
Objective
As a member of the Office of Strategic Legislation and Policy, provide high level policy and procedural
advice and manage complex projects in relation to the Minister for Planning and Local Government’s
legislative and policy program and portfolio responsibilities.
Duties
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Develop and implement legislative and policy proposals including the preparation of Cabinet
Minutes, Briefing Papers and instructions to Parliamentary Counsel.
Manage and/or coordinate major legislative and policy projects.
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Liaise and consult within the agency and with other government departments at local, state, and
territory and Commonwealth level, as well as with private enterprise, the non-government
sector, professional associations and other key stakeholders to ensure their input into strategic
legislation and policy development.
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Advise on emerging issues and provide high level advice to the Assistant Director, Secretary and
Minister in relation to legislative and policy issues.
Prepare high level documents for the Secretary, Minister for Planning and Local Government and
other Ministers including correspondence, Minutes, Cabinet Minutes, Parliamentary papers,
Executive Council papers, Second Reading Speeches and project and policy documents.
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Represent the Department and be a strong advocate for Departmental and Government policy
across a wide range of forums in complex and often sensitive negotiations.
Level of responsibility
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Expected to exercise considerable independence and autonomy of action in achieving
desired outcomes within the Government and Departmental strategic legislative and
policy agenda.
Responsible for maintaining a relevant personal professional development program.
Direction and supervision received
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The Assistant Director will give guidance and direction on more complex matters.
The occupant is also required to respond directly to requests for advice from other
senior managers and the Minister’s office in relation to projects under management.
Selection criteria
The following specific selection criteria must be addressed by candidates by describing their relevant
personal and professional skills and abilities; qualifications, training and competencies; past achievements;
and potential for development. The position objective and duties can also be used to assist in addressing
the selection criteria.
1.
Comprehensive understanding and practical experience of the processes involved in the
development, implementation and review of legislation and policy and an appreciation of the
political and social context in which those processes operate.
High level experience in the management of issues and facilitation of large or complex projects,
particularly in a legal or policy context.
High level strategic, conceptual, research, analytical and creative skills, and the ability to develop
and make sound judgements. High level written skills with the capacity to develop and formulate
high-level documents and market options to stakeholders.
High level interpersonal skills, including communication, consultation, negotiation, and conflict
resolution skills, and the demonstrated capacity to represent the Agency in a variety of forums.
Proven self-management skills and the ability to plan, organise and prioritise work and operate
within prescribed timeframes.
High levels of adaptability and flexibility, including an ability to deal with pressure, ambiguity and
change, to modify systems of practice and to adapt to new situations.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Working environment
Employment in the State Service is governed by the State Service Act 2000. Both employees and officers
are required to uphold and comply with the State Service Principles (Section 7) and the Code of
Conduct (section 9). In particular the expectations are as follows:
Department of Justice state service employees:
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treat all users of our services with respect and courtesy;
listen to what users of our services have to say;
personalise services to the needs and circumstances of each user of our services where practical;
always do what they say they are going to do, or update the appropriate people promptly if
things change, offering an explanation for the change;
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respond to enquiries promptly and efficiently; and
consult the public and users of our services about their service needs.
The minimum standard of behaviour expected of all Department of Justice employees is to:
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Consider people equally without prejudice or favour.
Act professionally with honesty, consistency and impartiality.
Take responsibility for situations, showing leadership and courage.
Place the public interest over personal interest.
Appreciate difference and welcome learning from others.
Uphold the law, institutions of government and democratic principles.
Communicate intentions clearly and invite teamwork and collaboration.
Provide transparency to enable public scrutiny.
Be fiscally responsible and focus on efficient, effective and prudent use of resources.
Further information about employee expectations is on the Department of Justice Intranet site under
Statement of Intent.
The department is committed to high standards of performance in the application of contemporary
management practices and principles including workplace health and safety and workplace diversity. The
department recognises and uses the diversity of the community it serves. In doing this it acknowledges
the individual differences that can contribute to the capacity of a person to perform the inherent
requirements of the duties. All employees are expected to participate in maintaining safe working
conditions and practices and to promote and uphold the principle of fair and equitable access to
employment/promotion, personal development and training and the elimination of workplace harassment
and discrimination.
All employees are responsible for participating actively and constructively in discussions regarding
performance and for the implementation of agreed outcomes in accordance with the Performance
Management policies and strategies of the Department.
Smoking is prohibited in State Government workplaces and vehicles.
Requirements
Essential requirements
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Nil
Desirable requirements
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Tertiary qualification in law, public policy, planning or other relevant discipline