The Department of Home Affairs supports a prosperous, secure and united Australia through the management of a range of functions including responsibility for Australia’s migration and citizenship programs, cyber security policy, the protection of critical infrastructure, countering terrorism, and countering foreign interference and espionage. In addition, it is responsible for strengthening multiculturalism and democratic resilience and facilitating legitimate trade and travel while maintaining the integrity of the Australian border.

Home Affairs seeks to create an environment to ensure our staff can perform to their full potential. As a Department we are focused on demonstrating exemplary leadership, progressing our game-changing agenda and ensuring collaboration is at the core of what we do. Our leaders must epitomise excellence, set high standards and inspire and invest in our people to ensure that we are well positioned to continue delivering for the community into the future.

Our work is underpinned by our partnerships with government, international and industry partners.

Contribute to building a prosperous, unified and safe Australia – work in a challenging but rewarding role that touches many parts of Australian life.

Our Senior Executive Service

Our SES leaders are transparent, accountable, and highly skilled communicators who contribute to and lead the strategic priorities and objectives of the organisation. We work as a team to solve some of the most challenging problems facing Australia. We deliver high quality impartial advice and work with domestic and international counterparts in federal, state and territory governments, and industry, to deliver for Australia and its national interests.

We are an organisation who puts our people at the centre of our thinking. We are driving an exciting transformation for our department to support our people and enable us to deliver on our vision that will build our nation and secure our future.

Our SES are role models of behaviours consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct, the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours (DRIVE) and our organisational values of excellence, integrity, openness and collaboration.

We want leaders who prioritise their people, who are resilient and collaborative, who can think creatively and deliver results in a large, complex and fast-paced environment. If that describes you, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

The Department is establishing a Technology, Data and AI Group to shape and deliver technology strategies and systems in support of Australia’s border protection, national security, immigration, cyber and critical infrastructure responsibilities.

The new Group will have four First Assistant Secretaries reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary:

• Strategy, Digital and Data Division - responsible for technology strategy, data, user research, planning, and investment
• Digital Services Division - responsible for the delivery and sustainment of digital platforms and products
• Enterprise Technology Services Division - responsible for ICT service management, technology infrastructure operations, cyber security operations, cyber advice, shared services for the Australian Secret Network and delivering complex operational technology capabilities for the ABF.
• Data & Artificial Intelligence Division (Chief Data Officer) – responsible for delivering data and AI solutions across the Home Affairs Portfolio, and for helping staff to make insightful and evidence-based decisions on policy, operations and resource allocation. 

As Deputy Secretary – Technology, Data and AI you will provide visionary leadership to position the Department at the forefront of digital transformation, data, and artificial intelligence. You will also be responsible for driving whole-of-organisation digital and data capability, championing innovation, and leading large-scale transformation programs. The role requires anticipating and capitalising on emerging technologies, fostering partnerships with industry, academia, and research organisations, and ensuring the Department harnesses technological advancements to deliver better outcomes for government and the community.



The position demands strong strategic and organisational leadership, commercial acumen, and experience in delivering enterprise technology projects in complex environments. It involves oversight of ICT governance, cybersecurity, and ethical AI frameworks, as well as engagement with domestic and international stakeholders to influence policy and build collaborative capability. 

Reporting to the Secretary, you will be required to:

• Set and lead the enterprise strategy for technology, data and AI, aligning capability to national security, border, immigration and cyber priorities and whole-of-government digital reform agendas.
• Oversee delivery and modernisation of major systems and platforms, including identity, intelligence, border processing and mission-critical ICT.
• Integrate digital, data and intelligence functions into a unified operating environment that supports interoperability across the APS, enabling secure information sharing, coordinated operational responses and consistent technology standards across agencies and to the public.
• Drive major transformation programs, ensuring operational continuity, scalable architecture and uplift in mission capability.
• Lead responsible AI and data governance, including ethical, security privacy and legislative compliance frameworks.
• Strengthen cyber resilience and technology risk management, particularly across critical systems, frontline environments and threat exposed domains.
• Build workforce and cultural capability, empowering teams, driving innovation and developing future focused digital and data talent pipelines.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Secretary, Commissioner and Ministers on emerging technologies, risks, intelligence implications and strategic opportunities.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering teams and inspiring trust and confidence. 

For general responsibilities, core capabilities and further information about the role please refer to the Candidate Information Pack.



Please email ses.recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au to request a copy of the Application Form, Privacy Notice and Candidate Information Pack.

The successful candidate must:

• be an Australian Citizen.
• obtain and maintain an AGSVA security clearance at a minimum of Negative Vetting 2.
• obtain and maintain departmental Onboarding Checks.

Please email ses.recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au to request a copy of the Application Form, Privacy Notice and Candidate Information Pack.

How to Apply

As part of your application you will need to provide:

• A completed application form – Attachment B
• A resume that outlines your career history, qualifications and achievements
• 1,000 words outlining your background, skills and experience and how they relate to the requirements of the role
• Details of two referees.

All application requirements are to be emailed to SES.Recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au by no later than 11:59 PM 28 January 2026.

If you have any queries or need assistance with the application process, or if you would like to discuss your application, please contact Charlotte Tressler, Chief Operating Officer on 02 6264 1986 or charlotte.tressler@homeaffairs.gov.au. Enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.