Leader’s Position Description
OFFICE of the LEADER of the AUSTRALIAN GREENS and SENATOR for VICTORIA, Dr RICHARD DI NATALE
Senior Parliamentary & Policy
Job Title:
Job Category:
Adviser
Adviser
Location:
Melbourne or Canberra
Travel:
Regular Inter-State Travel
Salary Range:
$90,271.00 - $127,265.00
Position Type:
Full-time
Allowances:
$28,139.00 (Parliamentary
Staff Allowance)
Reports To:
Director of Policy &
Operations
Further Information:
www.greens.org.au
Last Reviewed:
August 2016
Job Description
THE POSITION
The Senior Parliamentary & Policy Adviser (SPPA) is a senior member of the Leader’s Office policy team.
The SPPA has responsibility for management of the day-to-day parliamentary operations, supervising
and supporting the Whip’s Clerk, and working with all Greens MP’s offices, key cross-party stakeholders
and parliamentary staff. In addition to parliamentary responsibilities, the SPPA has a range of policy
responsibilities such as the management of one or more Greens portfolio areas as well as assisting
across other portfolio areas as required, which may involve support to a Senator or Member of
Parliament other than the Leaders. The PPA also plays a role in the coordination of the Party Room’s
meeting processes.
PAY and CONDITIONS
The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, and employment conditions
are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Collective Agreement 2012–2015. In
addition to your salary, generous employer-sponsored superannuation of 15% is offered.
The position is offered at an Adviser classification ($90,271.00 - $127,265.00 per annum) with an
additional Parliamentary Staff Allowance of $28,139.00 per annum for a total per annum salary range of
$118,410.00 - $155,404.00.
ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coordinate the Australian Greens parliamentary agenda.
2. Assist the Director of Policy & Operations in managing the legislative program for the Greens,
including pro-actively advising on parliamentary tactics, supporting cross-party negotiations,
facilitation of legislative initiatives and identification of strategic opportunities in the legislative
program.
3. Provide administrative and parliamentary support to the Australian Greens Party Room,
including preparation and circulation of Party Room briefs and agendas.
4. Work with the Whip and supervise the day-to-day activities and performance of the Whip’s
Clerk.
5. Advise Senators and their staff on legislative business in the chamber during sitting periods.
6. Work with the Director of Policy & Operations to establish and maintain relationships with
Senate staff and cross-party counterparts to facilitate communications on legislation and
parliamentary business.
7. Assist in the development of policy and assume ownership of particular policy and portfolio
areas as directed.
8. Manage stakeholder relationships, including organisation of and attendance at key meetings,
including relationships with ministerial and other parliamentary stakeholders.
9. Prepare opinion pieces, speaking notes, speeches and parliamentary work including private
members’ bills, amendments to legislation and Senate questions as a part of the policy and
portfolio work.
10. Assist with the co-ordination of work by policy staff in other MPs’ Offices.
11. Other duties as directed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience.
2. Understanding of the Australian political context and a sound knowledge of parliamentary
procedures and processes.
3. Highly developed research skills.
4. Exceptional time management skills and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
5. High level written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present
material appropriate to a range of audiences and demonstrated consultation, negotiation and
conflict resolution skills.
6. Astute political analysis, common sense and capacity for strategic thinking.
7. Experience or knowledge of public policy, including the role of policy and advocacy in a
parliamentary context.
8. Demonstrated ability to work with a small team in a dynamic work environment and work
independently as required.
9. A commitment to the Greens’ principles and charter.
10. An ability to work irregular hours and to travel interstate as required.
11. A legal background is desirable but not essential.
This is an ongoing position, but please note that all Leader’s Office positions are open to restructure
following an election or change of leadership.
All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement prior to the
commencement of their employment. A probationary period of 3 months, with the option of extending
by a maximum of two months, will apply.
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