Policy Officer

Location: Sydney CBD (Downing Centre)

Employment Type: Temporary full-time (12 month contract)

Salary ranging from: $81,702 - $138,492pa. + Super + Leave Loading

Your role

The Chief Judge of the Local Court is supported by an executive office to monitor the workload of the Local Court of NSW, allocate judicial resources and to schedule court sittings at locations throughout NSW.

As Policy Officer you will research and develop policy on legal, legislative or administrative issues as directed by the Chief Judge.

What you’ll do

As part of the Local Court Executive Office, you will provide high level support to the Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judges.

You’ll lead and report on projects as directed by the Chief Judge, respond to requests for consultation, in coordination with the Deputy Chief Judges and Chief Judge on behalf of the Local Court.

Coordinate and participate in meetings with stakeholders and effectively represent the interests of the Chief Judge and the Local Court on committees.

Prepare a range of project related documents including forms, draft practice notes, correspondence, briefing notes and research aids.

You will also undertake work involving legal and social research to develop proposals for legislative or policy reform to issues of judicial, government or community concern.

What we’re looking for

• Tertiary Qualifications in Law and admitted (or eligible to be admitted) to the legal profession under the Legal Profession Act 2004 or a corresponding law.

• Represent the Local Court Executive Office and the Department on committees, working parties and client meetings.

• Ability to quickly develop a thorough understanding of the legislation and legal principles that govern the procedures of the Local Court.

• Ability to prepare advice on legal, legislative and administrative matters.

Download the Role Description

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

· A challenging and rewarding career

· Flexible, autonomous work environment

· Competitive pay and conditions

· Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

· Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date resume (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close 14th September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Yasmin Hunter on 0411 136 347 | Yasmin.Hunter@justice.nsw.gov.au

If you have any questions about the application process or would like to request a recruitment adjustment (for example submitting your application in a different format), please call Dean on 02 9765 3526 or email the recruiter

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.