Policy and Regulatory Advisor

Company Description

About Cannabis Council Australia

Cannabis Council Australia (CCA) is the national peak body for medicinal cannabis, representing a growing number of licensed producers, prescribers, pharmacists and other health professionals. Established in 2023, CCA’s mission is to unite the medicinal cannabis sector in raising industry standards which it does by leading coordinated, national advocacy. We are committed to driving sustainable regulatory reform across the entire medicinal cannabis sector, positioning medicinal cannabis as a legitimate and essential healthcare option.

CCA has been leading engagement with the Commonwealth government, regulators and health peak bodies in advancing medicinal cannabis reform.

Job Description

The Policy and Regulatory Adviser plays a pivotal role in CCA’s mission to advance the medicinal cannabis sector through strategic policy analysis, regulatory monitoring, and advocacy initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of medicinal cannabis policy in Australia while working at the forefront of an evolving healthcare landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Regulatory Monitoring

• Monitor and analyse policy and regulatory developments relevant to the medicinal cannabis sector across federal and state and territory jurisdictions
• Track legislative changes, regulatory updates, and emerging policy trends that impact sector operations and patient access
• Maintain comprehensive intelligence on regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and implementation timelines
• Prepare regular briefings and alerts for internal stakeholders and CCA Supporters on significant policy developments

Submissions and Consultation Responses

• Working with the CCA Reform Working Group, prepare high-quality submissions to government consultations on policy and regulatory matters affecting the medicinal cannabis sector
• Coordinate input from members, Supporters and technical experts to ensure submissions reflect sector-wide perspectives and evidence-based recommendations
• Manage consultation response timelines and support strategic positioning of Cannabis Council Australia's views
• Maintain a forward calendar of upcoming consultations and policy development processes

Advocacy and Strategic Communications Support

• Working with the CCA Reform Working Group, develop comprehensive position statements and briefing papers that articulate Cannabis Council Australia's policy positions and recommendations
• Prepare materials to support advocacy meetings with government officials, parliamentarians, regulators, and key stakeholders
• Create compelling policy arguments supported by evidence, data, and sector insights
• Support the development of advocacy strategies and campaign materials that advance the organisation's policy objectives

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government, regulatory bodies, healthcare sector, and allied organisations
• Support senior leadership in high-level stakeholder meetings and negotiations

Qualifications

About you:

• Proactive and agile work method with ability to respond quickly to emerging policy developments
• Self-starter with strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
• Critical thinking capability combined with attention to detail in policy analysis and document preparation
• Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively across diverse teams and external partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in health and industry policy development, analysis, and implementation
• Experience in health advocacy, preferably within healthcare, pharmaceutical, or related regulatory environments
• Strong understanding of Australian government processes, regulatory frameworks, and policy development cycles
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive arguments
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences including government officials, industry leaders, and technical experts
• Proven stakeholder relations experience with ability to build consensus and manage competing interests
• Experience in preparing high-quality submissions, briefing papers, and policy documents

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, health sciences, or related field
• Policy development in an industry association or peak body environment
• Experience working within or closely with regulatory and administrative agencies, particularly in health or pharmaceutical sectors
• Understanding of healthcare regulatory frameworks and healthcare policy landscape
• Government relations experience an advantage

Additional Information

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to shape policy for an emerging and important healthcare sector in a collaborative and mission-driven work environment 
• Work alongside government relations experts to translate policy into regulatory reform
• Variety in that this role informs policy, government relations and communications outputs
• The freedom of a full-time, work-from-home role.
• Access to co-working spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and select regional cities.
• Being part of one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients.

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We are committed to facilitating a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.