The Australian Government has made changes to functions overseen by the Attorney-General's Department and Department of Home Affairs. These changes involve the transfers of:

  • identity and biometrics functions into the Attorney-General's Department
  • protective security policy and government and major event security functions to the Department of Home Affairs.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission – Chief Executive Officer

Information about ACIC

The ACIC is established under the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 with roles and functions underpinned by supporting legislation in each state and territory. The agency’s purpose is to protect Australia from criminal threats through coordinating a strategic response and collecting, assessing and disseminating intelligence and policing information.

The ACIC works closely with a broad range of national and international partners to achieve its purpose. The role of the ACIC includes reducing the serious and organised crime threats of most harm to Australians and the national interest, and providing national policing information systems and services, to achieve a vision of an Australia hostile to criminal exploitation. The ACIC is the conduit for sharing criminal information and intelligence between all state, territory and Commonwealth law enforcement agencies. The agency also supports employment and entitlement decisions through delivery of background checking services.

The ACIC supports and closely collaborates with the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), to ensure that criminological research and evidence remain central to law enforcement.

The ACIC has a presence in every state and territory and in several international locations. The national office is located in Canberra. Further information about the ACIC is available on the ACIC website.

Role of the CEO

The CEO is appointed by the Governor-General and is responsible for overseeing the management and administration of the ACIC, managing the ACIC’s relationships with Ministers, working collaboratively with ACIC Board member agencies, and providing leadership, strategic direction and strong governance for the agency.

The CEO leads a national agency of close to 800 core staff (including seconded officers from state and territory law enforcement and other Commonwealth agencies) and an operating budget of over $400 million.

The Australian Institute of Criminology

The AIC is established under the Criminology Research Act 1971 and is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC informs crime and justice policy and practice in Australia by undertaking, funding and disseminating policy-relevant research of national significance, by generating a crime and justice evidence base, and by establishing a national knowledge centre.  The AIC also administers the Criminology Research Grants program which is funded by Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

The CEO of the ACIC is also appointed as the Director of the AIC. With the support of the AIC, and in consultation with AIC’s Advisory Council, the Director’s functions include:

  • conducting criminological research, including the collection of information and statistics on crime and justice matters,
  • communicating the results of that research, including through the publication of research material and seminars and courses of training or instruction,
  • providing information and advice on the administration of criminal justice to the Commonwealth Government and state and territory governments, and
  • collaborating both within and outside Australia with governments, institutions and authorities, and with bodies and persons, on research and training in connection with the administration of criminal justice.

A full list of the Director’s responsibilities can be found in the Criminology Research Act. Further information about AIC is available on the AIC website.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Positive Vetting security clearance granted by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency. To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, candidates must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background.
  • Willingness to disclose all interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that may conflict with the performance of duties.
  • Willingness to travel interstate and overseas as required.

Selection Criteria

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, and in accordance with the guidelines on merit-based selection of APS agency heads and statutory office holders, applicants will need to demonstrate their capability against the following criteria:

  • Demonstrates high level leadership and vision
    • sets a strategic vision and inspires others to achieve this
    • innovative in dealing with issues
    • articulates a clear direction for their organisation
  • Manages large and/or complex operations
    • achieves results within the context of organisational and/or Government policy
    • strong people management skills
    • strong financial management, ensuring efficient, effective and ethical use of resources
    • understanding of and commitment to quality organisational governance
  • Works with others to meet objectives
    • operates collaboratively with others to meet organisational objectives
    • cultivates productive relationships
    • listens to people and values different perspectives
  • High level of judgement
  • Demonstrates a high standard of professional and personal integrity and capacity to promote these in an organisation.

Applicants will also need to have:

  • a strong background in intelligence or law enforcement at a senior executive level and sound knowledge of the environment within which the ACIC operates
  • the ability to make a significant contribution to national efforts to combat serious and organised crime through a commitment to coordination and strategic partnerships with other agencies, the private sector and international partners.

Terms and conditions

The successful applicant will be appointed as ACIC CEO on a full-time basis for a period of up to five years and AIC Director on a part-time basis for the same period. The position is based in Canberra. Remuneration and allowances are those set by the Remuneration Tribunal for the position of ACIC CEO. Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Full‑time Public Office) Determination 2022 can be viewed on the Remuneration Tribunal website. Applicants who presently receive a Commonwealth or State or Territory parliamentary pension or superannuation, or other related payments, should seek appropriate advice about remuneration.

How to apply

Applications must include:

  • an expression of interest, of no more than 4 pages, including a statement of claims against the eligibility and selection criteria as outlined
  • a resume of no more than 6 pages outlining qualifications, experience and expertise
  • the names and contact details of at least two referees who have direct and relevant experience of the applicant’s work. Applicants will be notified prior to referees being contacted.

Applications should be emailed to admin@amandaorourke.com.au, quoting Reference Number 1109, by 11.59 pm AEDT on Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Contact

Further information about the position may be obtained by contacting Amanda O’Rourke on 0452 199 031.

Assessment process

Applicants will be initially assessed by a panel on their written application. Shortlisted applicants will be further assessed by the panel at interview.

Communication

All advice and communication will be sent to applicants via email. Please ensure the email address provided is correct.

Related links

Statutory appointments