About the position:

The Independent Complaints Officer was established by separate resolutions of both Houses in March 2022. The Officer’s primary responsibility is to receive and investigate complaints made by members, members’ staff, parliamentary department staff, contractors, interns, trainees, and volunteers.

Complaints may involve matters such as minor misconduct (including conflicts of interest or incorrect or misuse of entitlements) as well as allegations of bullying or harassment arising during the current parliamentary term. The Officer’s jurisdiction does not extend to matters occurring during parliamentary proceedings, such as sittings of the Houses or committee meetings.  That is the Officer cannot receive complaints which arise during parliamentary proceedings.

The Independent Complaints Officer is an Officer of the Parliament and operates independently of and separate from the Executive Government. The appointee may engage expert assistance to support the conduct of investigations.

The appointment is for a fixed term, commencing as soon as practicable. The position is part time, the hours of work will vary depending on the volume of investigations, with the Officer engaged on a fixed annual retainer. The terms of engagement will be reviewed after the first 12 months of operation.

About us:

Based in NSW Parliament, the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is a specialist service department working to support the operation of the Parliament of NSW by providing logistical support and advice to members, the Departments of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly and the people of New South Wales. Our office is found close to public transport in the heart of Macquarie Street CBD, next to the State Library and Sydney’s Botanic Gardens.

Enabling the Parliament, serving New South Wales: We demonstrate and foster in others a commitment to the five values of the Department of Parliamentary Services: collaboration, innovation, excellence, integrity and service.

Our commitment to diversity: We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, mature-age people, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this role.

About you

You are a highly professional and discreet individual who demonstrates the highest standards of impartiality, confidentiality, and sensitivity. With proven expertise in managing investigations efficiently and discreetly, you provide balanced, practical recommendations where complaints are substantiated.

Your success in this role will draw on your ability to foster strong, respectful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders including the Presiding Officers, departmental heads, the Privileges Committees of both Houses, and relevant external agencies.

You will bring extensive experience at a senior level within government, legal, financial, or professional services, coupled with a sound understanding of the parliamentary environment and the unique pressures faced by those who work within it.

Further information to assist you with applying for this position:

• Independent Complaints Officer - Position Description
• Legislative Assembly Resolution
• Legislative Council Resolution 
• Department of Parliamentary Services website
• NSW Parliament pre-employment requirements

How to apply:

To express interest please forward a brief covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your experience and capacity to undertake this role, along with your resume, by Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

Electronic attachments must be MS Word compatible or in pdf format.

 Technical assistance: Should you encounter any technical problems, please contact ‘I work for NSW’ or the helpdesk on 1800 562 679 (Monday - Friday).

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• an Australian Citizen
• a permanent resident of Australia; or
• a New Zealand citizen.

Come and explore the Parliament online and click on our “360-degree Virtual Tour”:

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

Job Reference: 492522

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday, 18 November 2025 [11.55pm]