About the WAEC

Western Australia is a great place to live, work and deliver elections. And it is getting better as we transform the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a contemporary leader in electoral service, modernising systems, strengthening capability and lifting the experience for voters and stakeholders.

Trust in democracy depends on fair, transparent and accountable electoral regulation. It depends on regulatory decisions being lawful, evidence-based, proportionate and supported by clear guidance, sound records and consistent practice. That is where you come in.

At WAEC, we are guided by four values: Make it Count, Check Every Box, Focus on Fairness and Achieve Together. We are committed to recruiting people whose behaviours, leadership style and approach to public service align with these values, recognising that cultural contribution is as important as technical capability.

If you want to lead regulatory operations and assurance that strengthen integrity, transparency and public confidence in Western Australia’s electoral system, this is your moment.

The Opportunity

As the Assistant Director Regulation and Assurance, you will play a key leadership role in supporting the integrity, transparency and accountability of Western Australia’s electoral regulatory framework. Reporting to the Director Legislation and Compliance, you will lead the Commission’s regulatory operations and assurance framework across areas of responsibility administered under the Electoral Act 1907 and relevant regulations.

You will provide operational leadership across the regulatory lifecycle, including guidance, monitoring, compliance, investigation, enforcement and continuous improvement. You will oversee the assessment of returns, disclosures, claims, referrals and other regulatory matters, and provide authoritative advice on complex, sensitive or high-risk regulatory operations and assurance issues.

If you are energised by leading people, strengthening regulatory practice, using intelligence and trends to guide assurance priorities, and turning complex legislative requirements into practical, risk-based and defensible ways of working, this role offers genuine scope to make a lasting impact.

The role sits within Electoral Strategy and Reform in the Legislation and Compliance directorate and reports to the Director Legislation and Compliance.

About You

You are a practical, values-driven regulatory leader who can bring structure, judgement and momentum to a complex statutory environment. You understand contemporary regulatory practice, including risk-based regulation, compliance monitoring, investigations, enforcement and assurance, and can translate legislative requirements into clear advice, workable frameworks and consistent decision-making.

You will be confident leading people, building effective regulatory services and improving practice in a changing environment. Just as importantly, you will be a trusted adviser who can work constructively with leaders, regulated parties and external bodies, provide sound advice on complex or sensitive matters, and build confidence in fair, transparent and credible regulation.

Your approach will align with WAEC’s values: making every contribution count, checking the detail, focusing on fairness and achieving outcomes together. You will bring strong judgement, analytical thinking and a constructive, solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to integrity, impartial public service and the trust WAEC is here to safeguard.

Relevant tertiary qualifications in law, public administration, regulation, investigations, audit, governance or a related discipline would be well regarded, but your ability to lead, influence and deliver practical regulatory outcomes will be key.

Specific details of the role can be found in the Position Description attached to this advert.

Want to Know More?

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Tina Wheatley, Director- Talent Solutions, Price Consulting on 0494 660 344 or tina@priceconsulting.com.au

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current resume outlining your skills, experience and capabilities aligning with the requirements of the role.
• a written response (maximum two pages) addressing the single question below.

There is no need for a separate covering letter. We want to keep this simple and give you the space to show us how you think and operate.

Question

Describe a time when you led or improved regulatory, compliance or assurance functions in a complex environment. What did you do, what improvements or developments did you make to the processes or team what changed as a result?

Select ‘Apply Now’ at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online via jobs.wa.gov.au. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close 4.00pm (AWST), Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Other Conditions and Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment with the WAEC, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. This may include Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens with unrestricted work rights, or holders of a valid visa that permits employment in Australia.

Applicants who hold a temporary visa may be required to provide evidence of their work rights and visa conditions. Any offer of employment will be subject to the applicant maintaining lawful authority to work in Australia for the duration of their employment.

The successful applicant will be required to sign a Declaration of Neutrality and a Declaration of Confidentiality, indicating that they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the confidentiality necessary to ensure the integrity of the Commission.

Given the Commission's role in safeguarding trust in democracy, the successful applicant will be required to complete pre-employment screening, which may include identity, work eligibility, criminal history, integrity and security clearance checks, as appropriate to the role.

The work-related requirements for the position will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methodologies may be used, including but not limited to screening questions, a written statement, a practical work sample, structured interviews and referee checks.