Lead Governance and Compliance | Diamantina Shire Council Careers

Job title: Governance Manager

Location: Bedourie/Birdsville

Salary: Contract, Above Award Salary Package Circa $115k to $130k p.a

Exciting opportunity for a dynamic and diplomatic Governance Manager who can lead and effectively manage Council’s governance and frameworks while enjoying and immersing in the outback culture. Explore the region while you work without the excessive cost of living crisis and the busyness of city life.

 

● Key governance leadership role

● Exciting opportunity to shape and lead the frameworks, systems and culture that safeguard integrity and support good decision-making.

● Enjoy the quiet and authentic outback lifestyle in a tight community

● Great package that includes heavily subsidised housing, relocation package, six weeks annual leave and many more!

 

Closing date: 15 October 2025. The position may close earlier should a suitable candidate be appointed prior to the closing date.

 

About the role:
 

The Governance Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Council’s governance and administrative systems in accordance with the Local Government Act, relevant regulations, and Australian governance standards. This role ensures the effective coordination of Council meetings, robust risk management practices, and efficient digital and physical record-keeping—supporting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Manager provides high-level strategic governance advice to the CEO, Council, and senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making that is aligned with legislative obligations and best practices. The role plays a key part in enhancing organisational capability, performance, and compliance, while fostering a culture of integrity and continuous improvement across the organisation.
 

Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Council’s governance and administration frameworks in line with relevant legislation and Australian standards.
• Oversee Council’s compliance with statutory obligations, including the preparation and coordination of Council meeting documentation (agendas, minutes, reports).
• Maintain and review Council’s Corporate Plan, Operational Plan, and Performance Reporting Frameworks to meet corporate and legislative requirements.
• Provide support to Council’s Local Disaster Management Group, including coordinating meetings.
• Update Council’s Local Disaster Management plan and Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP) as required, in liaison with the Local Disaster Coordinator.
• Oversee Council’s Records Management System and Policies, making recommendations for improvements. Complete compliance returns and other regulatory submissions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Develop and maintain compliance registers, including financial delegations, local laws, and Councillors’ registers of interest and conflict of interest.

Policy, Risk and Quality Management

• Develop and manage Council’s policies, procedures, and statutory registers through the Governance Framework.

Complaints Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Oversee the end-to-end complaints handling process, ensuring timely, fair, and consistent resolution in line with legislation and policy.

Audit and Reporting

• Support the Audit Committee by providing governance-related information and documentation.

Experience and qualifications
 

• Tertiary qualification in Business Management, Public Policy, Law or related discipline; or less formal qualifications coupled with equivalent experience, expertise and competence
• Minimum 3 years of previous experience in a governance management role within local government or a comparable regulatory or public sector environment
• ‘C’ Class Queensland Driver's Licence or higher
• Pre-employment health assessment and National Police Check, as required, prior to the appointment.

Desirable (not essential):

• Post-graduate qualifications in Business, Governance, Public Administration or Leadership
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate

View the Position Description outlining full details of the Position Objective, Key Responsibilities and Key Selection Criteria, including Qualifications.

Benefits

At Diamantina, we’re building a strong culture that supports our team and serves our community, offering a unique experience to apply your skills and develop your career in the bush while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. What’s on offer for this role can include

• Contract of up to 3 years, above-award salary package
• 6 weeks of annual leave
• Affordable housing – comfortable, partially furnished up to 3-bedroom homes available at a heavily subsidised rent (approx. $150/week)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Great and thriving outback community

How to apply

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, apply via SEEK. 

Please contact hr@diamantina.qld.gov.au or call 0476 076 635 to speak with Ally Gilhang, Human Resources and Safety Manager, for any questions related to your application. 

We will be in touch if you are shortlisted.

Closing date: 15 October 2025. Recruitment may close earlier should a suitable candidate be appointed before the closing period.

About Diamantina Shire Council

The Diamantina Shire, situated in the far west of Queensland, is a vast and iconic outback region renowned for its rugged beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Covering over 94,000 square kilometres, it is home to the towns of Birdsville, Bedourie, and Betoota, and offers an authentic Australian outback experience.

Travellers are drawn to the Diamantina for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Diamantina River, expansive gibber plains, and the Simpson Desert's towering dunes. The region hosts iconic events, including the Birdsville Races, the Big Red Bash music festival, and Bedourie’s Camel Races, drawing visitors from around the globe. Adventure seekers can explore 4WD tracks, camp under star-filled skies, and discover vibrant flora and fauna, including some rare species.

The Diamantina also holds significant Indigenous and pioneering history, with opportunities to learn about the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi people and the area's role in Australia’s cattle industry. Whether you're chasing remote beauty, outback hospitality, or cultural enrichment, the Diamantina Shire offers a truly unique travel experience for work and play. For more information, please visit www.thediamantina.com.au