Senior Economist/Analyst

This role sits in the Tax and Gambling Policy team which is the primary team responsible for providing expert policy analysis and costings to the Victorian Government on state taxes worth $25 billion a year. This work is the cornerstone of the State Budget and contributes toward improving the performance of the Victorian economy, supporting and improving the wellbeing of Victorians

About us

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.  

Revenue Group

The Revenue Group is responsible for providing analysis and advice to Government on the following issues:

• Tax policy, including the composition and performance of state taxes, policy options and opportunities to improve the State's tax mix.
• Gambling policy, including advice on economic, tax and legislative issues in relation to lotteries, gaming machines, casino, keno and wagering.
• Intergovernmental financial relations, particularly in relation to the distribution and design of Commonwealth funding to states and territories.
• Revenue forecasting, including projections of Victoria's GST revenue and state own source revenues.

This role will sit in the Tax and Gambling Policy team which is the primary team responsible for providing expert policy analysis and costings to the Victorian Government on state taxes worth $25 billion a year. This work is the cornerstone of the State Budget and contributes toward improving the performance of the Victorian economy, supporting and improving the wellbeing of Victorians. 

The Tax and Gambling Policy team are the primary Victorian Government advisory group responsible for developing and delivering state revenue policy and designing gambling markets. The group strives to improve the performance of the Victorian economy and improve the wellbeing of Victorians.

Based on economic principles, the team provides advice which draws on analysis and research to provide innovative approaches to tax reform. The team also have extensive engagement with important stakeholders in revenue administration, industry, and across Government.   

The work is fast-paced, influential and covers the full policy cycle including policy development and implementation, modelling the impacts of tax changes, conducting research and advising on legislation.   

About the role

Reporting to the Manager, Tax and Gambling Policy, the responsibilities of this role are to:  

• Undertake quantitative and qualitative research and analysis to identify the economic, financial and/or commercial implications of policy initiatives.
• Provide authoritative, strategic and practical advice to the Treasurer, DTF executives and other stakeholders on economic, financial and/or commercial issues of policy significance to the Victorian economy and government to inform decision making.
• Contribute to the implementation of policy options, including the design and passage of state taxation legislation and conduct of consultation processes.
• Communicate and consult in an effective and influential manner with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the management of complex projects and tax reforms including providing input to/coordinating relevant reports, reviews and publications. 

About you

We are seeking applications from candidates with demonstrable experience in:   

• High level policy skills : A sound understanding of major economic and social trends and policy directions to identify innovative solutions to complex public policy issues.
• Analytical ability : Demonstrated quantitative skills to analyse a broad range of information and complex datasets, including the development of modelling to identify issues and to assess the economic and financial implications of policy ideas.
• Teamwork : Ability to work collaboratively or on a self-directed basis and support others to pursue common goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills : Clearly articulate complex issues and describe potential solutions persuasively and effectively.
• Stakeholder Management : Ability to identify, build and maintain strong networks and relationships with government and external stakeholders to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Conceptual and problem-solving skills : Demonstrated capacity to solve complex and ambiguous problems.

Experience and qualifications 

• Tertiary qualifications in economics, econometrics, public policy, commerce, statistics, law, accounting, or a related field are required.
• Experience using STATA, R or a similar program would be beneficial but is not essential.

About our culture

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.    

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.