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Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The Division has responsibility for delivering a range of elements of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 year Action Plan. The Strategy and Action Plan supports Australia's national interests in Antarctica, which are to:
- maintain Antarctica's freedom from strategic and/or political confrontation
- preserve our sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory, including our sovereign rights over adjacent offshore areas
- support a strong and effective Antarctic Treaty System
- conduct world-class scientific research consistent with national priorities
- protect the Antarctic environment, having regard to its special qualities and effects on our region
- be informed about and able to influence developments in a region geographically proximate to Australia
- foster economic opportunities arising from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, consistent with our Antarctic Treaty System obligations, including the ban on mining and oil drilling.
The AAD's ongoing presence, scientific research and environmental stewardship in Antarctica, as well as our active engagement in the international forums of the Antarctic Treaty system contribute to ensuring Australia remains a leading and influential player in the cooperative management of the Antarctic region.
To achieve these outcomes the Division leads, coordinates and delivers the Australian Antarctic Program, providing policy, regulation, international liaison, and science. The Australian Antarctic Program is a highly collaborative program that works across other Australian Government agencies, a range of research organisations, other Antarctic Nations and industry. Our current priorities are outlined in the Australian Antarctic Division Three-Year Summary to June 2026 .
The Branch Head Policy and Strategy leads the Branch (40 staff) to deliver policy, regulate and oversee international engagement to support Australia's Antarctic policy objectives. including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international fora. We work collaboratively and in partnership with First Nations Peoples, communities, regions, universities, states and territories, other government departments and international partners to achieve our outcomes.
The Australian Antarctic Division has staff with diverse skills, located primarily in Tasmania, in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island. We are committed to keeping our people safe and continue to deliver on the outcomes of the Independent Review of Workplace Culture and Change at the Australian Antarctic Division. We are updating our systems, processes and procedures to ensure that they support a positive culture and are fit for purpose.
For more information about us please visit our website
The key duties of the position include
The job
As the Branch Head of Policy and Strategy in the Australian Antarctic Division, you will work across Government, department, division and with other countries to deliver strong policy outcomes in Australia's national interest
You will work as a member of the divisional executive to contribute to building a capable, strong, inclusive and respectful workforce. You will also focus on upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability and a high-performance culture.
You will lead the Policy and Strategy Branch to deliver Antarctic policy and regulatory issues including:
- Oversee statutory management activities, including for heritage, marine protected areas and threatened species relevant to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Support division planning and program management, including engagement in Departmental processes.
- Support the division's participation in whole of government processes to deliver on Australia's strategic interests in Antarctica.
- Work across government to deliver the 20 Year Strategy and Action Plan, including planning, tracking and advising on any updates to that Strategy
- Oversee the administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands external territories.
- Oversee regulation of activities in Antarctica.
- Lead the division's international engagement in Antarctic Treaty system forums, including supporting the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
