The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the national regulatory scheme for health professionals. The purpose of health practitioner regulation is to protect the public by ensuring that only health practitioners who have the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.
We are looking for a Senior Policy and Project Officer to join our team for a fixed term opportunity of approximately 18 months. Our preferred location is Melbourne, however we are willing to accept applications from candidates in other Ahpra locations.
The Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance directorate plays a critical role in protecting the public by delivering whole‑of‑National Scheme policy, engagement and regulatory governance functions that are effective, high quality and nationally consistent.
As part of this directorate, the National Boards Secretariat team works closely with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia to support its regulatory role, including the development of registration standards, codes, guidelines and strategic projects that underpin safe and effective professional practice.
The Senior Policy and Project Officer, Physiotherapy works closely with the Executive Officer and Secretariat team to support the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and its Committees. The role has a strong focus on policy leadership, governance support and project oversight, ensuring the Board’s policy, project and engagement deliverables are delivered on time, within scope and budget.
In this role you will:
- Support the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and its Committees to deliver regulatory and engagement priorities under the National Law.
- Oversee and manage the Board’s policy and project portfolio, including schedules, budgets, sub-contracts and deliverables.
- Provide authoritative specialist advice to guide the National Board in the development of policy, standards, codes and guidelines. Prepare agenda and policy papers, consultation materials, communications/engagement plans, stakeholder briefing materials and correspondence for and on behalf of the National Board and Executive officer.
- Provide regular reporting on project progress, risks and outcomes.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to inform policy development and assess impacts.
- Provide timely, practical advice on new and emerging policies, standards and guidelines.
- Undertake research and analysis to support evidence‑based regulatory decision‑making.
- Lead the development and provision of consistent, defensible and high-quality advice on governance and secretariat matters to the National Board, its committees and advisory groups.
As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:
- Degree in health, regulation, policy, law, or equivalent and/or relevant experience.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including resolving critical and sensitive issues.
- Experience in policy development and implementation, ideally experience in interpreting and applying legislative, policy and procedural requirements as they relate to a regulatory environment or public‑sector context.
- Demonstrated project management experience, managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Expertise in the delivery of governance and secretariat functions, preferably within a complex regulatory environment.
For further information, please see the role description: 
Senior Policy and Project Officer, Physiotherapy (CL7)
What we offer:
- A friendly and supportive working culture
- Discounts on Private Health Insurance
- Great work/life balance hybrid working arrangement
- Central location and sophisticated open plan workspaces in a 5 star rated building
- Attractive salary of $135,031 per annum plus superannuation
To apply:
- Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
- Your application must include a current resume and cover letter addressing the 'Qualifications & Experience" section of the Role Description (2 page maximum)
- Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process
- Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 18 February 2026
- For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact Recruitment via email recruitment@ahpra.gov.au
Please note applications will be screened and shortlisted during the advertising period. Should we receive suitable candidates during this time, the advertising period will cease.
Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.
Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including the Flexible working policy
Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continued connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past and present.
With respect, no agencies please
