Here at DETSI, you'll be inspired to make Queensland better. We enable long-term, sustainable decisions for the environment & the economy & are committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nation people.

We're looking for a Principal Policy and Legislation Officer in the Environment and Conservation Policy and Legislation (ECPAL) Branch to contribute to the development of policies, projects, strategies and legislation for environmental management and the conservation of nature.

The branch oversees the following:
• Environmental Protection Act 1994
• Environmental Offsets Act 2014
• Nature Conservation Act 1992
• Queensland Heritage Act 1992
• Queensland State of the Environment Report
• Conserving Nature – A Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Queensland
• South-East Queensland Koala Strategy

Job details

Policy and Legislation Officers specialise in turning policy into strategies and legislation and developing communication and stakeholder engagement products specifically related to these key deliverables. Policy and Legislation Officers are involved in all aspects of policy and legislation project work, including:

• problem identification and analysis
• options analysis (specifically whether legislative amendments are required to solve the problem)
• solution design and recommendation (specifically how potential solutions could fit into the existing legislative framework)
• stakeholder consultation
• high-level briefing
• environment and conservation strategy development and reporting
• legislative amendment projects including all elements of Cabinet and Parliamentary processes
• implementation planning and overview.

You will manage the day-to-day planning, operation and problem solving for policy, strategy and legislation projects to ensure that timeframes and objectives are met. This includes the development of project plans, discussion papers, cabinet submissions, draft legislation, executive and ministerial briefs and other communication materials.

You will also be responsible for the coordination and provision of strategic policy analysis and advice to other areas of the department, government, and external stakeholders.

Principal Policy and Legislation Officers in ECPAL are agile and will be required to work on projects within all ECPAL teams. Experience with government strategies, legislation reform, and related government processes, and technical knowledge of nature conservation, heritage conservation, natural resource management or environmental management will be highly regarded.

As the Principal Policy and Legislation Officer, you will:

• Lead research and analysis of environment and conservation policy and legislation problems to identify achievable solutions.
• Prepare policy, strategy and legislative solutions in agreed format considering government policy agenda, departmental priorities and budgetary constraints.
• Lead the preparation of legislation products such as drafting instructions, bills or regulations, explanatory notes and other Cabinet and Parliamentary supporting documentation.
• Lead the development of products including discussion papers, consultation strategies, briefing notes, submissions, reports, regulatory impact statements, slide decks, correspondence and presentations.
• Liaise and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders on a range of policy issues within a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure environmental outcomes are achieved and standards are maintained.
• Manage projects to completion by identifying risks and managing expectations.
• Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

How to apply:

We are open to assessing your suitability in a way that works for you. For more information on options for adjustments, visit https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/our-department/employment/why-work-with-us.

To apply for this role, please provide us information about:

• your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities and how they align with the requirements in for the role
• why you are interested in this opportunity
• why you are the best-suited person for this role.

You can provide these in:

• A succinct resume (4 pages maximum), highlighting key achievements and experience relevant to the role; and
• A short statement (2 x A4 pages maximum), including brief examples or evidence of your skills, experiences, and personal qualities relevant to the role.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/684861/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

There are two permanent positons available.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 684861 26 Role Description (Word, 620KB)