EOI - Deputy Secretary, Policy & Budget

Expressions of Interest – 8 Month Opportunity

Deputy Secretary, Policy & Budget

This opportunity is open to current NSW Public Service employees only.

NSW Treasury is seeking expressions of interest from highly accomplished and strategic senior executive leaders for the role of Deputy Secretary, Policy & Budget.

• Employment Type: Fixed Term - Temporary Assignment
• Employment period: 8 months
• Grade/Band:  Public Service Senior Executive Band 3
• Location: Sydney CBD, with flexible working arrangements available
• Applications Close:  Monday 17 August 2026 at 9:59am

Important information

This opportunity is being advertised while NSW Treasury participates in a sector-wide workforce mobility matching process.

Applicants should be aware that any suitable employee identified through that mobility process will receive priority consideration in accordance with NSW Government workforce management arrangements. Consequently, the outcome of the mobility matching process may impact the progression of this recruitment process and may result in the vacancy being filled through mobility arrangements rather than by appointment from this expression of interest process.

Candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applicants should note that the outcome of the sector-wide mobility matching process will take precedence in determining how the vacancy is ultimately filled.

Role impact and contribution

The Deputy Secretary, Policy & Budget provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the NSW Government’s Budget, fiscal strategy implementation, agency stewardship and resource allocation frameworks. The role leads Treasury's primary agency relationship management function and is accountable for providing authoritative advice to the Treasurer, Expenditure Review Committee, Cabinet and Secretary on Budget priorities, expenditure decisions, funding proposals, policy reform, agency performance and fiscal sustainability.

As a key member of the Treasury Executive, you will lead a high-performing executive team responsible for delivering evidence-based policy, fiscal and performance advice that supports Government priorities, maintains fiscal discipline, strengthens public sector performance and improves outcomes for the people of New South Wales.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the development, coordination and delivery of the NSW State Budget.
• Providing authoritative advice to Ministers, Cabinet, Treasury Executive and senior decision-makers on significant budgetary, fiscal and policy matters.
• Leading Treasury's primary relationship management function across NSW Government agencies.
• Driving whole-of-government reform initiatives relating to budgeting, performance, investment prioritisation and fiscal sustainability.
• Leading engagement with Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Ministerial Offices, Cabinet Committees and other key stakeholders.
• Representing NSW Treasury in high-profile forums, negotiations, inquiries and parliamentary processes.
• Contributing to Treasury's strategic direction and broader organisational leadership as a member of the Treasury Executive.

You will join the Policy & Budget group. Read more about our Groups and Divisions here.

You can read more about the role in the role description here.

The team

The Policy & Budget Group is Treasury's primary agency relationship manager and works collaboratively with NSW Government agencies to provide high-quality advice to the Treasurer and Cabinet Committees on financial management, policy reform and resource allocation that contributes to a strong and sustainable New South Wales economy.

The Group is responsible for:

• Delivery of the NSW State Budget.
• Fiscal strategy and policy development.
• Funding and expenditure advice.
• Agency stewardship and performance monitoring.
• Business case and asset plan assessment.
• Outcomes and performance budgeting reform.
• Sector-wide financial and policy advice.

The Group comprises:

• Budget Division
• First Nations, Education, Sustainability & Service Division
• Health & Stronger Communities Division
• Strategy Reviews & Reform Division
• Transport, Arts, Regions & Planning Division

What you can bring to the role

We are seeking an exceptional executive leader who can successfully operate in a highly complex, politically sensitive and fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience leading budget, fiscal, economic, public policy or resource allocation functions within a large and complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success advising Ministers, Cabinet, Secretaries, Boards or other senior decision-makers on major policy or fiscal matters.
• Outstanding strategic thinking and judgement.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing capability.
• Deep knowledge of public sector governance, Cabinet processes, public administration and fiscal management.
• A strong track record of delivering outcomes in complex and high-pressure environments.
• The ability to lead and inspire high-performing executive teams through ambiguity, reform and change.
• Strong understanding of whole-of-government policy development and implementation.

You will be recognised as a trusted adviser, strategic thinker, credible influencer and culture builder who delivers high-quality outcomes and creates public value through leadership, collaboration and sound judgement

Why join NSW Treasury?

As NSW Government's principal financial and economic adviser, Treasury plays a central role in shaping the State's future.

This opportunity offers:

• Direct involvement in some of the State's most significant policy, fiscal and budget decisions.
• Exposure to whole-of-government strategic priorities and reform initiatives.
• The opportunity to influence long-term outcomes for the people of New South Wales.
• Collaboration with senior leaders across Government.
• The ability to lead a diverse portfolio of high-impact work and highly capable teams.
• A unique opportunity to contribute at the centre of government decision-making.

Interested in applying?

Current NSW Public Service employees interested in this opportunity should read the role description and submit their application through the application process outlined in this advertisement.

Application process

As part of the application process, please provide:

• an up-to-date resume detailing your knowledge, skills and experience in relation to the role
• responses to any pre-screening questions included as part of the application process
• participation in a behavioural-based interview and any additional assessments if shortlisted.
• confirmation that your current leader supports your application and has agreed in principle to release you should you be successful

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

NSW Treasury is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve, where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to contribute and do their best work.

We are committed to fair and equitable recruitment processes and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, people with disability, people of all ages and genders, LGBTQIA+ people, and people from diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.

We actively support workplace and recruitment adjustments to remove barriers and enable equitable participation. If you require an adjustment or assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Talent Advisor listed on the job advertisement.

As a Disability Confident Recruiter, NSW Treasury is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment and supports adjustments so candidates with disability can participate fairly at every stage. As a Level 1 Activate Carer Employer, we recognise and support employees with caring responsibilities through inclusive and flexible workplace practices.

Eligibility

This expression of interest is open to current NSW Public Service employees only.

Any questions?

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Ken Boots, Head of Talent Acquisition, NSW Treasury: ken.boots@treasury.nsw.gov.au

Close of applications: 9:59am – Monday 17 August 2026