Ministerial Liaison Officer

The Role

The APS 5 Ministerial Liaison Officer (MLO) is a key enabler in ensuring effective coordination between the Department and Defence Portfolio Ministers’ Offices. The MLO directly supports the Department in meeting its ministerial, parliamentary and executive obligations through timely management of high-quality briefs, correspondence, Question Time briefs, and requests, ensuring senior executives and Ministers are well supported with accurate and relevant information for decision-making.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate ministerial and parliamentary business, ensuring timely, high-quality outcomes and compliance with required standards.
• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, facilitating timely communication.
• Monitor, prioritise and manage work requests and deliverables to meet competing priorities and achieve outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records, reporting and tracking systems to support accountability and organisational requirements.
• Analyse information, identify emerging issues and provide recommendations to support decision-making.
• Prepare and coordinate reports, briefings and status updates.
• Undertake financial and administrative activities, while contributing to continuous improvement and efficient business operations.

About our Team

The Ministerial, Parliamentary and Cabinet Branch plays a critical role in supporting Defence Portfolio Ministers and the broader Defence enterprise in its engagement with Parliament and Cabinet. We coordinate strategic outcomes aligned with Government, Ministerial and executive priorities, ensuring Defence operates with excellence, transparency, and accountability at the highest levels of decision-making.

Ministerial and Parliamentary Support and MECC Business Management Team - Ministerial and Parliamentary Support provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support to Defence Portfolio Ministers and their staff, while MECC Business Management supports to the whole MECC Division.

Defence Ministerial and Executive Support Unit - Delivers high-quality ministerial advice and supports Senior Executive Leadership.

Senate Estimates and Parliamentary Business - Coordinates Defence’s engagement with Senate Estimates, Parliamentary Committees and Inquiries.

Quality Assurance Unit - Uplifts the quality and consistency of ministerial products.

Cabinet Liaison Services and Strategic Cabinet Cell - Coordinates Cabinet business and strategic advice through the delivery of timely, high-quality Cabinet submissions.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking enthusiastic, adaptable and highly organised professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and committed to contributing to high-quality outcomes. 

Our ideal candidates will:

• Demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, building productive working relationships across a range of audiences. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when responding to changing priorities, emerging issues and tight timeframes. 
• Deliver high-quality outcomes, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and accountability. 
• Share information effectively and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment. 
• Work collaboratively and professionally, supporting team objectives while maintaining compliance with relevant policies, processes and governance requirements.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers