Local Engagement Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities

Local Engagement Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

• Several casual positions available
• Recruiting for roles throughout all of Australia 
• Work flexibly across weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
• $42.65 per hour (inclusive of 25% casual loading), plus superannuation

We are currently only accepting applications for Local Engagement Officers within the following areas:

• Mallee, VIC
• Katherine and Surrounds, NT
• Kimberley, WA
• Mount Isa and Surrounds, QLD
• Pilbara, WA

All other locations have now closed

Join us as a Local Engagement Officer and help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard, respected, and counted!

Refer to the updated Maps for details on roles available in your designated region.

We are seeking people with strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and experience engaging with local networks. As a Local Engagement Officer, you will be the ABS’s direct link to communities. You’ll support engagement and Census collection activities, helping to ensure participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This is your opportunity to make a real difference—contributing to accurate representation in national data that shapes services and policies for generations to come.

About the Census

The Census of Population and Housing (the Census) is the most comprehensive snapshot of Australia and tells the story of how we are changing. It helps us understand what we need now, and into the future.

The Census is run every five years. It’s one of the largest and most important collections to count the number of people and houses in Australia. The Census asks questions about your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education. It’s used to estimate Australia’s population, distribute government funds, and plan services for individuals, families and communities.

The next Census will be held in early August 2026.

About the Role

The Local Engagement Officer role is critical to ensure the ABS delivers on its commitment to improve the quality and relevance of Census data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. 

Local Engagement Officers contribute to their community and Australia. They don't just help the Census to collect data and make statistics. They support the collection of Census data, which informs services for their community and helps build a better future for everyone.

Local Engagement Officers will represent the ABS and be its direct link with community groups and key stakeholders. You will work a mix of weekdays, evenings and weekend and will be responsible for supporting engagement and Census collection activities with population sectors including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

As a Local Engagement Officer, you will:

• Interact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to raise awareness and respond to questions about the Census. This may include facilitating information and fill-in-the-form sessions where required.
• Be responsible for engaging with venues in the organisation of Census Pop-up Hubs (including Work Health and Safety (WHS) checks).
• Recruit, train and manage local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working as field staff, and ensure they are well equipped to survey individuals, particularly those who reside in areas with low Census participation. 
• Participate in training and receive and distribute field materials as needed.
• Complete all relevant administrative duties, including completing and approving timesheets for your team.
• Look after your own health and safety and make sure that your actions do not make other people and feel uncomfortable or unsafe, especially staff working in remote areas.
• Gain appropriate community permissions to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including those who may be experiencing housing insecurity or living in non-traditional accommodation, through respectful and inclusive engagement.
• Work independently and travel across various work areas that you are responsible for. 
• Work both from home and in the field, using your own vehicle to move around the work area.
• Follow up when Census forms are not returned.

Key Capabilities and Experience:

• Lived experience and/or experience working with and supporting:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a strong understanding of cultural sensitivities and community needs. 
• Experience working with people with a disability, youth or older people is also desirable, as is working in local councils, community services and other related areas.
• Experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the ability to build trust and foster relationships with local communities. 
• Self-motivated, able to work and make decisions independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Good attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy.
• Skills in administration, including using IT applications and following set procedures.
• Ability to lead and manage a team in a busy, high-volume environment operating with tight deadlines and working variable hours.
• Ability to organise, promote and run local events, liaise with venue providers and conduct WHS assessments on the safety and suitability of event venues.
• An ability to use electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
• An ability to manage deliveries, distribution and return of Census materials from multiple locations.

Other information

These roles are available across multiple regions, and in the application form, you will be asked to nominate the region where you would like to apply. 

You only need to submit one application to be considered for the Local Engagement Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities position. 

Read more about this role in the attached Application Information Kit.

Have more questions? Call our Recruitment Support Line On 1300 100 557.