Manager Freedom of Information

Lead DWER’s Freedom of Information Team  

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re not just hiring, we’re building the future. As Western Australia embarks on a bold agenda to remain the strongest economy in the nation, we play a critical role in delivering on government priorities: supporting sustainable development across the state, enabling renewable energy, protecting our environment, and securing our water future. 

We are an influential and future-focused organisation, working at the intersection of science, policy, and community. We’re guided by good science, cultural knowledge, and a values-based culture that reflects who we are and how we go about our work. 

If you're driven to make a real impact, whether it's supporting industry transformation, driving innovation in environmental regulation, enabling clean energy, or restoring waterways we invite you to bring your talent, your ideas, and your commitment to a team that’s delivering for today and planning for tomorrow. 

Be part of something bigger. Be part of DWER. 

We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference 

Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au 

The Opportunity:  

This is a permanent opportunity.  

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to fill the position of Manager Freedom of Information within the Strategy and Performance Portfolio. 

Reporting to the Assistant Director – Governance, Risk and Audit, this role leads the Freedom of Information Services Section and is responsible for the delivery of services relating to the release of information to external parties, including applications under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act). The position oversees the Department's information release function, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements while supporting transparency, accountability and effective decision-making. 

As the Department's subject matter expert, you will provide high-level advice to senior leaders, delegated decision-makers and stakeholders on complex and sensitive matters involving access to information and records. You will oversee the coordination and processing of FOI applications, legal discovery requests and subpoenas, review draft Notice of Decisions, represent the Department in matters before the Information Commissioner, and lead the development of policies, guidelines and reporting frameworks that support best practice information governance. 

About You:  

We are looking for a capable and influential leader with experience managing information release functions within a complex legislative environment. You will have demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying the FOI Act and privacy-related legislation, managing sensitive matters, and delivering quality outcomes within demanding timeframes. Your ability to communicate effectively, build productive relationships, provide sound advice and navigate complex issues will be essential to your success. 

You will bring strong leadership skills and a proven ability to develop capability, foster a values-driven culture and drive continuous improvement. Your analytical thinking, sound judgement and strategic approach will enable you to identify opportunities for service enhancement and ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with organisational objectives. Knowledge of public sector legislation, frameworks and governance requirements will be highly regarded. 

At DWER, every employee is a leader. This role aligns with the Public Sector Commission's Leading Others leadership expectations and requires a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, building trust and delivering outcomes that make a difference for the community. 

Work Related Requirements: 

1. Leadership and Capability Development 
   Demonstrated experience leading, developing and coaching staff, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and building individual and team capability to achieve organisational outcomes. 
2. Freedom of Information Expertise 
   Well-developed knowledge and experience in applying the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), including the management of applications, exemptions, third-party consultation processes, internal reviews, and statutory decision-making requirements. 
3. Strategic Thinking and Risk Management 
   Demonstrated ability to identify and assess emerging risks, analyse complex information, exercise sound judgement, and implement effective, evidence-based strategies to support risk mitigation, continuous improvement and informed decision making. 
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Influence 
   Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships, collaborate and negotiate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, and influence outcomes while managing sensitive or complex issues constructively. 
5. Planning and Delivery 
   Highly developed organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet statutory and organisational deadlines, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment. 

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we are committed to fostering a modern workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration, and wellbeing.  

Our flexible work arrangements include options for alternative work locations and adaptable schedules, designed to accommodate a variety of professional and personal needs. 

We recognise that effective work can happen in different settings, and our approach reflects this, enabling staff to contribute meaningfully while maintaining balance and resilience 

We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce that promotes an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. We value the unique diversity of experience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth bring to our workforce. 

Join us and be part of a department that values innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of work. 

For further information about the opportunity, we encourage you to contact Emilee Rippon, Assistant Director - Governance, Risk and Audit on (08) 6364 7411 or via email *************@dwer.wa.gov.au during business hours. 

How to apply 

If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this opportunity, please apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above or below) and provide the following in Word or PDF format: 

• A comprehensive CV that details your experience relevant to this opportunity; 

• A two (2) page cover letter outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in context of the work-related requirements. 

• Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager) 

Please Note: 

• To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.  

• DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check. 

For technical difficulties while applying online or information about the application process, please contact us for assistance on (08) 6364 7800 or at ***********@dwer.wa.gov.au – email address not to be used for submission of applications. 

Access Needs 

We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on: 

• TTY/voice calls – 133 677 

• Speak & Listen – 1300 555 *** 

• SMS relay – 0423 677 *** 

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at ***********@dwer.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6364 7800. 

This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next six (6) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations. 

CLOSING DATE: 4PM 3 September 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time) 

 
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.