• Shape Policy
• Strengthen Advocacy
• Support Cultural Authority

BLCAC is an Aboriginal organisation committed to strengthening our Aboriginal workforce and supporting self-determination through employment.

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position, designated under special measures in accordance with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are eligible to apply.

About Bunurong Land Council

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) representing the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation.

We advocate for the protection of Bunurong cultural heritage, the care of Country, and the wellbeing of our community and workforce across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast. Our work is grounded in culture, respect and strong governance.

About the Role

We are seeking a Policy Officer to lead and coordinate BLCAC’s external policy, submissions and government engagement work.

Reporting to the CEO, this role plays a key part in shaping how BLCAC responds to government inquiries, legislative reform, public consultations and development proposals that impact Bunurong Country, culture and community.

You will work across internal teams and in partnership with the Community Engagement Officer to ensure community voices are actively sought, accurately represented and meaningfully reflected in policy positions, submissions and advocacy.

This role is part of BLCAC’s Strong Community team and works closely with Community Engagement, Community Education and Community Development functions to ensure alignment between community voice, policy positions and organisational priorities.

This is a hands-on role that combines research, writing, coordination and stakeholder engagement to support strong, culturally informed advocacy. The role requires a high level of organisation, judgement and responsiveness to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive work.

What this role focuses on:

• Coordinating policy responses, submissions and government engagement
• Ensuring community voice and cultural authority inform external policy positions
• Monitoring and responding to legislative, regulatory and development matters
• Leading responses to inquiries, reforms and statutory processes

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prepare submissions, briefing papers, policy responses and formal correspondence
• Coordinate and maintain BLCAC’s policy priorities on a cyclical basis, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and cultural authority
• Lead BLCAC’s responses to government inquiries, legislative reform processes and public consultations
• Support responses to development proposals and statutory processes impacting Bunurong Country
• Research and develop policy positions across areas such as cultural heritage, land and water management and Traditional Owner rights
• Monitor legislation, government priorities and emerging policy issues
• Work with internal teams to gather cultural, operational and technical input
• Partner with the Community Engagement Officer to ensure community perspectives are meaningfully included
• Support consultation processes (e.g. community discussions, feedback sessions, yarning circles where appropriate)
• Build and maintain relationships with government, councils and key stakeholders
• Maintain accurate tracking systems for submissions, deadlines and policy activities
• Prepare internal briefings, updates and policy advice for leadership and Board decision making
• Support internal teams to understand policy changes and their impacts
• Ensure all work aligns with cultural authority, organisational priorities and compliance requirements

What You Bring

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant qualification in public policy, law, environmental management, planning, Aboriginal studies or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated experience preparing submissions, briefing papers and formal written communication
• Ability to interpret legislation, policy frameworks and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities or community-controlled organisations (highly regarded)
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (Microsoft Office)
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain)

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Highly developed organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong written communication and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Sound judgement and decision-making capability, particularly in sensitive or complex matters
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with community stakeholders
• High level of professionalism, discretion and cultural awareness
• Initiative, adaptability and a proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and community-led decision-making

Why Join Us?

At BLCAC we are committed to building a strong Aboriginal workforce. Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and we are dedicated to providing a culturally safe and supportive workplace.

All our employees benefit from:

• A strong, culturally safe team environment
• On-the-job learning and mentoring to build skills and confidence
• Access to cultural learning and professional development opportunities
• Supportive leadership across the organisation
• Career pathways that recognise and value community knowledge as well as technical skills

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of an organisation that values culture, community and advocacy
• Contribute to policy and advocacy that protects Bunurong Country and cultural heritage
• Work in a collaborative and values-driven environment
• Support community voice to inform government engagement and decision-making
• Be part of an organisation committed to meaningful outcomes and continuous improvement

Apply Now

Join Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as our Policy Officer and play a key role in shaping policy, advocacy and outcomes that support Bunurong Country and community.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your skills, experience and interest in the role.

Note: This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position, designated under special measures in accordance with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are eligible to apply.

A position description is attached.