Position overview

The Assistant Director of Government Relations provides high-level strategic advice, leadership, and coordination to support Canberra Health Services Executives with Whole of Government processes, including Cabinet and Assembly. Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, the position is responsible for managing complex and sensitive Government Business and ensuring effective governance, quality assurance, and compliance with Whole of Government requirements.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring accuracy, integrity and timeliness of advice and documentation provided to senior executives and other Government directorates, while maintaining strong working relationships across Canberra Health Services and other Government directorates. The Assistant Director also provides operational leadership within the Government Relations team when required and supports effective information management, confidentiality, and organisational accountability.

The position is embedded within the broader Health Services Support Unit and sits under the Chief Executive Officer division. The team encompasses Executive support, Government Relations, Consumer Feedback and the Office of the Network Professional Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Provide high-level strategic advice to Canberra Health Services Executives and Senior staff on the functions of Government, as well as Cabinet and Assembly-related matters.
2. Lead and coordinate the development of complex and sensitive Government documentation, including Cabinet submissions, executive briefings, correspondence, and policy advice on portfolio issues.
3. Critically review and provide quality assurance on all Cabinet and Assembly material to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance with the Cabinet Handbook, Assembly Handbook, and organisational standards.
4. Manage Cabinet and Assembly processes for Canberra Health Services, including circulation of material across directorates, coordination of responses, preparation of directorate comments, and monitoring of actions and outcomes.
5. Oversee correspondence and document management systems (including TRIM), ensuring effective version control, reporting on Government requests, and timely tracking of outstanding actions.
6. Provide leadership within the Government Relations team when required, including day-to-day operational management, stakeholder liaison with cross Government directorates, and managing sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Behavioral Capabilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Strategic Thinking

• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex and sensitive information and provide sound strategic advice in a Government environment.
• Strong understanding of whole of Government decision making processes, Cabinet and Assembly workflows.

Communication and Influence

• Highly developed written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality Cabinet, Assembly, and Executive level documentation.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior Executives and cross-Government stakeholders.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective systems for tracking, reporting and document management.

Professional Expertise

• Extensive experience in Government business, Assembly, Cabinet, policy, executive support, or governance within a public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, confidentiality requirements and whole of Government protocols

Leadership and Teamwork

• Demonstrated leadership capability, including guiding team members and contributing to a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Ability to work collaboratively across directorates and build productive working relationships.

Accountability and Integrity

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in managing sensitive information and confidential matters.
• Strong commitment to ethical behaviour, compliance, and public sector values.

Organisational and Delivery Focus

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to mange competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• N/A

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of the HP Records Management System (TRIM).

Desirable

• Knowledge, acquired either through formal studies or work experience in relation to Ministerial, Cabinet, Assembly and Machinery of Government Processes.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Understanding of complex Government business, including Cabinet and Assembly processes, with the ability to analyse issues, identify risks and provide sound advice aligned to whole of Government frameworks.
2. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to produce clear, accurate and high-quality Cabinet, Assembly and Executive documentation and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
3. Proven capability to lead and support teams, manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across Government to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.
4. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion and sound judgement in managing sensitive information, supported by strong organisational capability, effective use of records management systems, and a commitment to public sector values and governance.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.