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How to Become a Health Policy Advisor: Australian Careers in Health

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What is a Health Policy Advisor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Health Policy Advisor?

A Health Policy Advisor shapes the policies that guide healthcare systems across Australia. They work with government agencies, health organisations, and community groups. Their goal is to ensure health policies are fair, effective, and based on evidence.

In this role, advisors research and analyse current health policies and spot gaps or problems. They consult with a wide range of stakeholders, from frontline health workers to senior officials. Briefing papers and policy reports are a core part of the work.

Day-to-day tasks include assessing the financial impacts of proposed policies. Advisors also check how policy changes might affect different communities. They monitor existing policies for compliance and results.

This career suits those passionate about public health. It offers real influence over policies that promote health equity. Health Policy Advisors help improve access to quality care for all Australians.

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Career snapshots For Health Policy Advisors

Health Policy Advisors hold a professional role in Australia’s healthcare and government sectors. Based on data for Policy Analysts from Jobs and Skills Australia (2025), around 15,500 people work in this occupation nationally. The workforce is predominantly female, with women making up about 66% of the occupation. The median age is 38 years.

Most roles are full-time. About 78% of workers hold full-time positions and average 41 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The average weekly earnings are around $1,936, or approximately $100,000 per year. Future demand is rated as Strong. This is driven by health reform and the growing complexity of Australia’s health system.

What will I do?

A Health Policy Advisor develops and checks policies that guide Australia’s healthcare services and public health programs. They work with government agencies, health groups, and communities to ensure policies are practical, fair, and based on evidence.

  • Liaises with stakeholders – Talks with program managers, healthcare providers, and community groups to find policy needs and priorities.
  • Reviews existing policies – Checks current policies and laws for gaps, old rules, and areas needing improvement.
  • Conducts research – Looks at social, economic, and health trends to inform the development of effective policy options.
  • Writes up policy options – Prepares briefing papers and recommendations that outline possible policy changes and their likely effects.
  • Checks policy impacts – Reviews the costs, community effects, and workability of proposed policy changes.

What skills do I need?

Health Policy Advisors need a mix of analytical, research, and communication skills. They must be able to gather data, assess its quality, and turn it into clear recommendations for decision-makers.

Strong written and verbal communication is essential. Advisors regularly write briefing papers, reports, and policy documents. They also present findings to senior officials and diverse stakeholder groups. The ability to explain complex ideas in plain language is a key part of the role.

Collaboration skills matter too. Policy work rarely happens in isolation. Advisors work with health economists, clinicians, researchers, and community groups to build evidence-based policy positions. A good understanding of Australia’s health system and relevant legislation underpins all of this work.

Skills/attributes

  • Policy research and analysis
  • Evidence synthesis and critical thinking
  • Written communication and report writing
  • Stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • Understanding of health systems and legislation
  • Quantitative and qualitative data skills
  • Financial and impact assessment
  • Project management
  • Negotiation and consensus-building
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability in a changing policy environment
  • Commitment to ethics and public interest

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.