Role Title: Principal Official Visitor, Official Visitors Program
Join the team at the Official Visitors Program for an exciting opportunity to protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of people receiving mental health care and treatment in NSW.
About us
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We offer robust development and growth support to all our employees, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to thrive in your career.
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Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and creativity.
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Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
About the Official Visitors Program
The vision of The Official Visitors Program is to ensure mental health treatment and care is always given in a humane and dignified way. The Official Visitors Program is an independent oversight body in NSW established under the Mental Health Act (2007). Its primary purpose is to protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of people receiving mental health care and treatment. The Principal Official Visitor and approximately 80 Official Visitors are directly appointed by the Minister for Mental Health under the NSW Mental Health Act (2007). The Principal Official Visitor oversees the work of Official Visitors providing high-level oversight and coordination to the program. The Official Visitors attend every declared mental health facility in NSW and operate a phoneline. Official Visitors speak directly with consumers, carers and staff. Their designated functions include advocacy, inspection and reporting to promote the resolution of issues arising in the mental health system.
About this role
The Principal Official Visitor is appointed for a term of up to four years by the Minister for Mental Health under the Mental Health Act 2007 and by the Minister for Health under the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007, with the option for reappointment at the end of each term. The role has statutory responsibility for overseeing the Official Visitors Programs for mental health services and involuntary drug and alcohol treatment (IDAT) services, ensuring the effective operation of the Programs and compliance with the requirements and intent of the respective Acts.
The Principal Official Visitor provides strategic leadership and direction to the Programs and is accountable to the Ministers for Mental Health and Health through regular reporting. The position coordinates, supports and guides approximately 80 Official Visitors to carry out their legislative functions in complex health, mental health and IDAT settings, including monitoring the care, treatment and conditions of people subject to involuntary treatment.
A core function of the role is to identify, assess and escalate issues of concern arising from Official Visitor inspections and reports, and to advocate for improvements at both individual and system levels to safeguard the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of consumers. The Principal Official Visitor maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the NSW mental health and drug and alcohol systems, including service providers, government agencies, and oversight bodies.
The role also contributes to state-wide initiatives and quality improvement projects, builds and maintains a contemporary public profile for the Official Visitors Programs, and oversees the collection, analysis and reporting of visit data to provide timely, evidence-based advice to Ministers and the broader system.
This is a statutory appointment. It requires deep experience in human services, sound judgement, and a strong public voice. The Principal Official Visitor must balance independence and collaboration, lead a diverse group of Official Visitors, and stay focused on people experiencing mental health care in a complex and political environment.
Remuneration: Amount consistent with the salary payable to a Clerk Grade 11, 1st year of service, with annual incremental increases available up to the salary payable to a maximum of Clerk Grade 12, 4th year of service, as set out under the Crown Employees (Public Sector – Salaries 2024) Award.
What you'll be doing
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Provide strategic direction to the Official Visitors Program
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Lead systemic and individual advocacy efforts across NSW
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Report directly to the Minister for Mental Health
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Oversee the work of up to 80 Official Visitors in partnership with the Program Manager
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Build and maintain effective relationships with LHD executives, Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders
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Shape and promote a strong public profile for the Program
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Ensure data from visits is collected and analysed to inform timely, evidence-based reporting
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:
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Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience
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Extensive knowledge of NSW mental health legislation, policy, and systems
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Senior leadership experience in human services
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Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and communicate with impact
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Strong understanding of the challenges facing people accessing mental health care
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Capacity to lead a diverse statewide team with independence and integrity
How to apply
Please review the role description before submitting your application. To apply, please provide:
- An up-to-date resume (maximum of 5 pages), and
- A cover letter outlining how you meet the essential requirements of the role.
Please email your complete application to nswh-boardappointments@health.nsw.gov.au before the closing date. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a privacy declaration and undergo background checks.
Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.
Closing Date: 3 April 2026
Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!
