Career guide
How to Become a Public Policy Officer in Australia
What does a Public Policy Officer do?
Public policy officers develop, analyse, and implement government policies across Commonwealth and state agencies. They research complex issues, consult stakeholders, draft policy proposals, write ministerial briefs, and contribute to legislative change. Policy roles are available across health, education, environment, defence, immigration, employment, and economic policy.
Key responsibilities
- Research and analyse policy issues and options
- Consult with stakeholders and subject matter experts
- Draft policy papers, briefs, and submissions
- Contribute to legislation, regulations, and guidelines
- Monitor policy implementation and outcomes
- Provide advice to senior officials and ministers
Qualifications for this role
Nationally recognised qualifications most commonly held by Public Policy Officers in Australia.
Typical career progression
- 1APS 4–5 Policy Officer → APS 6 Senior Policy Officer
- 2APS 6 → EL1 Assistant Director (Policy)
- 3EL1 → EL2 Director (Policy)
- 4EL2 → SES Band 1 First Assistant Secretary
Skills in demand
AI impact on this role: Medium
AI tools are improving policy research, document summarisation, and consultation analysis. However, the judgement, stakeholder management, and ministerial accountability involved in public policy remain deeply human functions.
Salary data: APS Remuneration Survey 2025. Figures are indicative and vary by employer, state, sector, and experience level.
Study to become a Public Policy Officer
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