Principal Policy Officer

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) acknowleadges the Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and communities in which we operate. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal people and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.

About the department

CITS is a diverse agency that supports all Western Australians by giving them opportunities to reach their potential and live their very best lives. Staff in our department work across the portfolios of creative industries; sport and recreation; tourism and multicultural interests.  We’re also responsible for supporting major events and infrastructure projects throughout WA:

• We support a sustainable arts and cultural sector that facilitates social and economic wellbeing by building capacity of the sector, the provision of funding and grants, progressing infrastructure projects, providing research, policy, information and support.
  
• We help maintain a strong and diverse sport and recreation sector by removing barriers to participation, providing funding and support for the sector through grants, infrastructure and major capital projects.
  
• We promote and support multiculturalism, through the Office of Multicultural Interests, which strengthens communities to ensure WA is a vibrant and effective multicultural society.
  
• We champion WA’s tourism industry and promote Western Australia as an incredible destination.
  
• We support the people of WA, including First Nations peoples, to connect to their culture and history through Aboriginal History Western Australia, and the State Records Office.

Why work with us?

Our diverse organisation is supported by talented people from all walks of life and many different backgrounds who are supported to genuinely contribute to inclusivity in the workplace.

If you want to work in an inspirational organisation where you have a voice and can contribute to the things that matter to you, then join our awesome team!

We are proudly an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace equity. We support diversity and inclusion in the public sector because it makes us stronger as an organisation, and better able to meet our community’s needs.  We strongly encourage people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and youth to apply.

CITS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

For further information on CITS, visit our website. You can also keep up to date on CITS achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.

About Strategy and Performance Accountability

Strategy and Performance Accountability partners collaboratively with all business areas to deliver agency‑wide strategic priorities ensuring a unified evidence-informed approach.  We provide strategic insight and lead the agency in upholding corporate, legislative, and social obligations, and support business areas to do the same through capability building and guidance. In addition to our internal partners, we work closely with key stakeholders, portfolio statutory authorities and across government to deliver shared outcomes. 

About the role

Are you an experienced policy professional looking for an opportunity to influence strategic outcomes across government?

We are seeking two highly motivated and accomplished Principal Policy Officers to join our Strategic Policy Team within the Strategy and Performance Accountability Division. In this role, you will play a key part in the development of policy, legislative reform, and strategic initiatives that support the Department's priorities and Government objectives.

The Principal Policy Officer contributes to the strategic direction of the Department by providing high-level policy advice and leadership on a broad range of complex and sensitive issues. The role is responsible for leading strategic policy development, coordinating strategic projects, preparing high-quality briefing materials, and contributing to legislative and regulatory reform across the Department's portfolio areas.

Working closely with senior executives and a diverse range of stakeholders, you will provide expert analysis and strategic advice to support informed decision-making and the delivery of government priorities.

We currently have:

• One permanent, full-time position (75 hours per fortnight); and
• One fixed-term, full-time position (75 hours per fortnight) until 30 June 2028, with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.

If you are ready to apply your policy expertise to shape strategic outcomes and contribute to meaningful change, we encourage you to submit your application today.

For further job-related information, please contact Emma Timms, Director Strategic Policy on 0413 055 *** (only contact for information about the role).

What’s in it for you?

The opportunity for career and leadership development in a collaborative environment that values diversity and recognises and respects contributions from all. In addition to flexible working options, generous leave entitlements and access to a broad range of wellbeing benefits. 

For further information on these benefits visit our Careers page.

Location

This role is based at 246 Vincent St, Leederville.

How to apply for this position

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and must provide:

• A comprehensive CV
• A two A4 page (maximum) outline on your skills and knowledge in relation to the Essential Selection Criteria that are listed on the attached Job Description Form
• Contact details of two referees, with a preference of one from a current/most recent line manager

For further details on how to apply please read ‘Information for Applicants’.

Please note that all of the Essential Selection Criteria may be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

To submit your application, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button.

Pre-employment conditions

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must be an Australian citizen, have permanent resident status in Australia or have a visa that allows you to live and work in Australia for the period of your employment contract.         
Successful applicants will be required to complete the below prior to commencement:

• A current (within 6 months) National Police Clearance Certificate will be required prior to commencement of employment.
• Pre employment Conflict of Interest form. Please see attached Conflict of Interest guide for further information.

Further information

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Recruitment and Establishment on 08 6552 75***or ***************@cits.wa.gov.au 

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:

TTY/voice calls: 133 677

Speak & Listen: 1300 555 ***

SMS relay: 0423 677 ***

To avoid last minute congestion of the system which may result in your application being received after the closing time and therefore not be eligible, please endeavour to submit your application well before the closing time as late applications will not be accepted.

While this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for ‘similar’ vacancies within CITS and/or the wider public sector which arise within 12 months of the recruitment process being endorsed. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Future vacancies may be considered to fill fixed term, permanent, part-time or full-time roles.

Surplus employees may be refereed and considered throughout this process.

Closing date: Monday, 31 August 2026 at 4.00 pm (AWST)