Each week we scour the iWorkForNSW board to surface the roles that are genuinely worth your time. This edition focuses on Departmental Liaison Officers (DLOs) and related ministerial support jobs across the NSW Government. These highly sought‑after roles sit at the heart of decision‑making, giving you rare access to ministers, senior executives and the inner workings of government. Whether you are already in the public sector or considering a move from private industry, understanding how DLO positions work will help you decide if this is your next career move.
Becoming a DLO is a springboard to future opportunities because you learn how policy is shaped, how ministers think and what it takes to deliver in a political environment. Many people take on a DLO assignment for 12–18 months before returning to their departments in higher‑graded roles, armed with insight and connections they could not have obtained elsewhere.
The best approach to landing a government role is to apply for every opportunity you can. Our Shortlist Plan means you are no longer limited by time or capacity on applications. It’s designed so you never miss an opening when you’re ready to step up, ensuring perfectly tailored application every time.
What Is a Departmental Liaison Officer?
A Departmental Liaison Officer is essentially the connective tissue between a minister’s office and their department. Sitting within the minister’s office, the DLO conveys information and advice between senior executives, key ministerial staff and the minister. They ensure requests are processed, documents are delivered and emerging issues are escalated quickly. Because DLOs operate at the intersection of politics and public administration, they must be diplomatic, discreet and able to make sense of a constant flow of briefs, correspondence and urgent tasks.
These roles are demanding and transactional. You are often the middle person between ministers who want something yesterday and executives who are balancing competing priorities. Everything feels urgent. Yet the camaraderie is high as you’re in the trenches with other DLOs and ministerial staffers, forging relationships and playing your part in keeping government moving. If you can handle the pace, it’s a rewarding way to develop quickly.
How Does the DLO Role Fit into Government?
Think of the DLO as the hub of a wheel. On one side is the minister and their politically appointed staff. On the other is the department that implements government policy. DLOs sit in the minister’s office but remain apolitical. Their job is to facilitate the flow of information, requests and decisions so that ministers are informed and departments know what is expected.
Most departments also have ministerial coordination or government relations teams back in the agency. These teams collate requests, draft briefs and manage formal correspondence. A DLO is like the scout at the front line: they know what’s coming down the pipeline and can give early warning to the ministerial coordination team. To help illustrate where DLOs fit, we’ve included several roles from both sides – departmental teams and ministerial offices – so you can see the broader ecosystem.
Do You Need Government Experience?
Senior DLO positions (Grade 9/10 and above) will favour those with extensive public‑sector experience. This is because you need to understand government protocols, Cabinet processes and the machinery of government. However, there are roles that are ideal for external candidates from the private sector. The Assistant Departmental Liaison Officer Talent Pool opportunity below is an excellent entry point. If you’ve worked in complex or highly regulated industries and can juggle competing tasks while providing strategic advice, you have transferrable skills. Later in this article we explain how to position your private‑sector experience for a DLO application.
Jump to a Role
- DLO roles
- Ministerial services roles
- Political staff role
Current Opportunities
Below are the live roles worth your attention. Pay attention to the application requirements – some ads specify page limits for your CV and cover letter, and others include targeted questions you must answer. If no clear guidance is provided, plan on preparing a three‑page CV and a two‑page cover letter, and start your application early so you can preview the online form.
1) Assistant Departmental Liaison Officer – Talent Pool (DPHI)
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is creating a talent pool of Assistant Departmental Liaison Officers. This full‑time role (Clerk Grade 5/6) pays $99,938–$110,271 plus super and requires five days per week in the Sydney CBD. You’ll ensure the Minister’s office runs smoothly: managing enquiries, coordinating advice, tracking documents, maintaining processes and keeping communication flowing so the Minister receives high‑quality information at the right time. The role offers exposure to how policy is shaped and provides a springboard into higher‑graded positions once you return to the department.
- Submit your application via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (recommend ~3 pages).
- Cover letter (recommend 2 pages) outlining your skills, experience and why you’re interested. Use our free template to get started.
- No targeted questions are specified, but preview the online form for additional instructions.
This is the perfect entry point if you don’t have government experience. Paint a picture of working in complex or highly regulated organisations where you provided strategic advice while juggling multiple tasks. Emphasise:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- High‑level administrative ability and capacity to prioritise competing demands.
- Proven ability to drive outcomes while involving stakeholders and fostering buy‑in.
- Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.
- Resilience and adaptability in dynamic, fast‑paced environments.
- Meticulous attention to detail amid high‑volume workloads.
2) Departmental Liaison Officer – Talent Pool (DPHI)
DPHI is also building a pool of Departmental Liaison Officers. These full‑time positions (Clerk Grade 7/8) pay $113,574–$125,720 plus super. Working five days per week in the Sydney CBD, you’ll provide administration and support services to ensure the Minister’s office operates effectively. You’ll need to thrive in a high‑pressure, high‑volume environment, build networks across government and deliver superior services while handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
- Submit your application via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (~3 pages).
- Cover letter (~2 pages) detailing how your experience aligns with the role. Use our cover letter template for structure.
- No targeted questions specified. Preview the online form for further instructions.
Show that you’re comfortable working in high‑pressure settings with competing priorities. Provide examples of managing multiple deadlines, delivering high‑quality briefs and coordinating communication between executives and senior stakeholders. Illustrate your ability to remain calm under pressure, maintain confidentiality and build trusted relationships across diverse teams.
3) Senior Departmental Liaison Officer – Talent Pool (DPHI)
For those with substantive government experience, DPHI’s Senior Departmental Liaison Officer positions (Clerk Grade 9/10) offer a salary of $129,464–$142,665 plus super. Working in the Minister’s office full‑time, you’ll provide authoritative advice and responses on issues affecting the Department, deliver high‑quality briefs, proactively engage stakeholders and maintain superior support across sensitive topics. Knowledge of the machinery of government, ministerial correspondence and parliamentary procedures is essential.
- Apply via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (~3 pages) summarising your public‑sector achievements.
- Cover letter (~2 pages) explaining why you’re interested and how you meet the capability requirements.
Demonstrate your deep understanding of government processes and ability to work with senior stakeholders. Provide examples of drafting Cabinet submissions, managing ministerial correspondence, coordinating parliamentary material and advising on complex policy issues. Highlight your ability to anticipate risks, exercise sound judgement and maintain composure in busy environments.
4) Principal Departmental Liaison Officer & Executive Officer – Talent Pool (DPHI)
DPHI is recruiting a combined talent pool for two senior roles within the Office of the Secretary: Principal Departmental Liaison Officer and Executive Officer. These high‑impact positions (Clerk Grade 11/12) pay $149,739–$173,174 plus super and may include flexible working arrangements. You’ll support the Secretary and senior leadership by bringing together information across teams, spotting issues, coordinating multiple moving parts and helping leaders stay ahead. Success requires impeccable judgement, clear communication and the ability to work calmly under intense pressure. Knowledge of government protocols, Cabinet processes and ministerial expectations is essential.
- Submit an application via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (~3 pages) demonstrating your senior leadership experience.
- Cover letter (~2 pages) outlining why you’re interested and how you meet the capability requirements.
- Contact details may be provided in the job ad for confidential enquiries.
Showcase your ability to navigate complex organisational landscapes. Describe times when you distilled large volumes of information into concise briefs for executives, engaged senior leaders across government and proactively identified emerging issues. Demonstrate knowledge of Cabinet and Parliamentary processes and your capacity to lead teams under pressure.
5) Government Relations Coordinator – NSW State Emergency Service
The NSW State Emergency Service is seeking a Government Relations Coordinator on a temporary full‑time contract from April 2026 to September 2026. This Clerk Grade 7/8 role (salary band $113,574–$125,720 plus super, maximum total remuneration package around $142k) is based in Wollongong with hybrid work options. You’ll deliver high‑quality responses to complex government and stakeholder requests, coordinate briefings and correspondence, and manage key projects. The role supports the SES Executive and the Minister for Emergency Services, requiring you to plan and prioritise under pressure, maintain integrity and exercise sound judgement.
- Cover letter (max 1 page) responding to the essential requirements.
- Responses to two targeted questions (max 1 page each):
- Describe a time when you managed competing priorities under tight deadlines. What was the situation and what did you do to deliver high‑quality work?
- Describe a time you analysed complex or sensitive information for a senior leader. How did you approach the analysis and what was the outcome?
- Resume (max 4 pages).
Provide evidence of supporting executives in high‑pressure environments. Detail your experience coordinating briefings and government correspondence, delivering clear recommendations and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Highlight your judgement and professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues and tight deadlines.
6) Senior Minister & Parliamentary Liaison Officer – DCCEEW
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water is recruiting a Senior Minister and Parliamentary Liaison Officer. This ongoing full‑time role pays $134,421–$148,239 plus super and offers hybrid working from Parramatta and home. You will draft, coordinate and review parliamentary and ministerial documents – including notes, speeches, briefing materials and correspondence – ensuring they are comprehensive, accurate and risk‑assessed. The role also leads projects such as Budget Estimates and parliamentary sitting periods, manages high volumes of requests and works across divisions to meet the Minister’s expectations.
- Submit your application via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (~3 pages).
- Cover letter (~2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability.
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Emphasise your ability to thrive in high‑volume, fast‑moving environments. Provide examples of drafting complex briefings, speeches and parliamentary notes, prioritising competing requests and exercising sound judgement. Demonstrate extensive project management experience, your understanding of the machinery of government and your ability to advise ministers or senior executives on politically sensitive issues.
7) Senior Business Partner Executive & Ministerial Services – NSW Ambulance
NSW Ambulance is seeking a permanent full‑time Senior Business Partner, Executive and Ministerial Services. Based at Sydney Olympic Park with flexible working, the role pays $132,236–$150,222 plus 12 % super. You’ll manage and coordinate briefings, correspondence and initiatives that support the Executive Leadership Team, liaising across the organisation and triaging multiple urgent requests. Success requires excellent stakeholder management, the ability to prioritise conflicting demands and a commitment to maintaining high standards in a small, fast‑paced team.
- Respond to two targeted questions (max 4,000 characters each):
- Provide examples of building and maintaining effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure high‑quality outcomes.
- Describe an instance where you identified complex or conflicting information that had not been previously recognised. How did you analyse the information and what was the outcome?
- Include a current CV.
- Additional assessments may be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
Focus on your ability to liaise professionally with stakeholders, triage and prioritise multiple urgent pieces of work and communicate effectively within a tight‑knit team. Provide examples of supporting executive decision‑making, identifying and resolving conflicting information and maintaining momentum on critical projects.
8) Administrative Ministerial Officer / Assistant Appointments Officer – DCJ
The Department of Communities and Justice needs an Administrative Ministerial Officer / Assistant Appointments Officer. This Clerk Grade 3/4 role pays $84,659–$92,701 plus super and leave loading and is based in Parramatta with flexible arrangements. You’ll support the Division Support and Public Accountability team by registering and managing records in TRIM and MiniApp, preparing routine correspondence and reports, analysing and prioritising ministerial correspondence, coordinating documentation, assisting with appointment processes and contributing to continuous improvement. The role requires experience using electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS), strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Up‑to‑date CV (max 5 pages).
- Cover letter (max 3 pages) addressing two targeted questions:
- Describe a time you handled sensitive material and ensured discretion and confidentiality.
- Describe a project that required engagement with various stakeholders or resources. What actions did you take to ensure a positive outcome?
Provide examples demonstrating meticulous record‑keeping, attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines. Highlight your experience using EDRMS systems, your communication skills and how you prioritise competing tasks. If you’ve supported appointment processes or maintained sensitive records, explain the steps you took to uphold governance and privacy.
9) Briefings Officer – Multicultural NSW
Multicultural NSW is recruiting a Briefings Officer on a temporary full‑time contract up to 12 months (Clerk Grade 7/8) based in Parramatta. The salary range is $113,574–$125,720 plus super and leave loading. You’ll prepare and coordinate ministerial briefs, parliamentary responses and executive correspondence; liaise with business units to source accurate information; ensure materials meet policy and procedural standards; and manage tight deadlines. This role also acts as a central coordination point between the minister’s office and the agency, analysing and collating information to deliver accurate evidence‑based advice and supporting process improvements and staff capability development.
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how you meet the role’s requirements.
- Up‑to‑date resume (max 5 pages).
- No targeted questions specified. Preview the online form for additional instructions.
Emphasise your understanding of government protocols and parliamentary procedures. Provide examples of preparing briefs, speeches, correspondence and executive advice. Highlight your research and analytical skills, ability to write clearly and concisely and meticulous attention to detail. If you’ve worked across diverse cultural communities or on policy initiatives impacting multicultural stakeholders, mention how those experiences will help you succeed in this role.
10) Media Adviser – Minister’s Office
The Office of the Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism (the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP) is seeking a Media Adviser. Salary is negotiable depending on experience. In this politically appointed role, you’ll drive media stories, shape ministerial speeches, support key priorities and lead the minister’s social media presence to ensure messaging is clear, timely and aligned with government priorities. The work is varied, often outside standard office hours, and demands exceptional writing skills and strategic judgement.
- Apply online via I Work for NSW.
- Resume (max 5 pages).
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing how you meet the role’s requirements.
Demonstrate your ability to develop engaging content for media releases, speeches and social media. Provide examples of creating strategic campaigns, managing media relations and aligning messaging with policy objectives. Show your understanding of current public policy issues and ability to work flexibly outside standard hours.
How to Stand Out Without Government Experience
If you’re looking at DLO roles from outside government, don’t be discouraged. Successful candidates often come from complex industries like finance, insurance, consulting or regulated utilities. Your goal is to connect your experience to what government needs: excellent administration, policy‑aware advice, strategic thinking and the ability to juggle competing demands. Here are some tips:
- Frame your experience in a government context: Instead of focusing on commercial outcomes, emphasise how your work improved processes, engaged stakeholders and navigated regulatory environments.
- Demonstrate public‑value thinking: Show that you understand the bigger picture and can align your work with community outcomes and public policy goals.
- Highlight transferrable skills: Include examples of complex diary and document management, drafting high‑level correspondence, organising meetings and working across teams.
- Balance strategic and tactical work: DLOs need to dive into detail while keeping sight of broader objectives. Illustrate how you manage both perspectives.
Why These Roles Are Advertised as Talent Pools
DLO roles are critical and cannot stay vacant for long. Departments often run bulk recruitment campaigns to fill a talent pool that can be tapped when vacancies arise. These pools ensure there are pre‑vetted candidates ready to step into roles at short notice. DLO appointments are temporary – typically 12–18 months – to maintain an apolitical workforce and to prevent staff from becoming too closely aligned with a particular minister. If you’re placed in a talent pool, you may not start immediately, but you’ll be among the first considered when an opportunity arises.
Ready to Get Shortlisted?
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- Cover letters, pitches and statements of claim
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We don’t focus on a single application. We focus on one goal: getting you shortlisted. Each submission is tailored, fully personalised and continuously optimised so you can apply for multiple roles without limits.