EMPLOYMENT

We are seeking candidates who want to contribute to important national policy that improves the health and safety of workers and other people in the workplace. As an Assistant Director at Safe Work Australia, you will lead nationally significant projects, and be responsible for delivering on complex policy matters, utilising strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. The Chemicals Policy section leads national policy to protect the health and safety of workers from the adverse health effects of airborne contaminants and hazardous chemicals. Key areas of focus include supporting the transition to new workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants, air monitoring requirements for hazardous chemicals and updating the Hazardous Chemicals Information System. The section is responsible for developing and updating guidance material to support the relevant requirements for hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants in the model work health and safety laws. The Occupational Diseases and Hygiene Policy section leads national policy to protect workers from health impacts of exposure to a range of work health and safety hazards. Key focus areas currently include improving the health monitoring of workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, managing the risks of biological hazards at work, and reviewing the requirements for workers exposed to lead. The section also leads national policy on noise, vibration and radiation, and works closely with other sections on the prevention of occupational lung disease. The key duties of the position include Assistant Directors at Safe Work Australia: lead and build capability in a small team of APS level staff, develop high quality, evidence-based policy advice to address complex and emerging WHS and workers' compensation policy issues, demonstrate high level written and oral communication skills, and develop and maintain constructive relationships with key stakeholders. The role will be based in the Policy and Engagement Group. The Group is responsible for: coordinating and developing national policies in relation to WHS and workers' compensation matters, supporting implementation of the model WHS legislation and reform of the legislative framework, providing policy advice on the model WHS laws in relation to high-risk workplaces, hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases, including infectious diseases, silicosis and asbestosis, support the collection, analysis and dissemination of national WHS and workers' compensation data, and research that will address identified knowledge gaps, and undertake policy consultation and engagement activities.