Zena Bailly
Bondi,NSW
Summary
Extensive government experience, including political and specialist roles within local, state and federal governments. Skilled in solution-focused, creative problem solving, while maintaining a radar for risk and impact. Strong written and oral communication skills and experience across diverse forums for a range of audiences. Ability to work calmly under pressure to tight deadlines and prioritise workload in a shifting and independent workplace. Ability to develop and maintain productive professional relationships. Comprehensive understanding of the role of government and of parliamentary processes and tactics, including the passage of legislation, parliamentary committees, and house proceedings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Chief of Staff
Hon. Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport & Roads
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Supported the Minister in all duties, including preparation for parliament, events, and meetings
- Collected advice from a wide variety of sources and drafted concise notes for consideration
- Regularly met with TfNSW officials on all matters within the portfolio, and actioned accordingly
- Drove policy initiatives, including tracking and monitoring of identified priorities
- Managed the office staff, regularly giving guidance and direction
- Developed relationships with numerous stakeholders, within parliament, the bureaucracy, all levels of government and external peaks
- Enhanced team productivity by streamlining communication and collaboration processes.
- Spearheaded policy development initiatives, leading to improved operational efficiency.
- Organized high-level meetings involving multiple stakeholders while managing agendas, logistics, communication materials.
Senior Manager to the Chief of Staff
TfNSW
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Supported Chief of Staff in all responsibilities, including identifying and addressing emerging issues and risks and supporting the team of 50+ staff
- Role included high level understanding of the entire transport cluster and relationships with key personnel
- Duties also include Secretariat for the Executive Committee meeting held by the Secretary and attended by all Deputy Secretaries
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
Senior Ministerial Adviser
Office of the Hon. Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Reporting directly to the Minister for Planning and providing strategic advice on a range of matters
- Ability to quickly analyse issues and information and deliver timely, concise strategic advice
- Providing advice to DELWP on behalf of the Minister, including direction on policy development and implementation
- Developing and maintaining productive professional relationships with government and external stakeholders
- Overseeing the development and implementation of government commitments, from creation through to the passage of legislation in Parliament
- Providing advice to Members of Parliament during legislative debates and committee hearings
Senior Policy Officer
Victorian Planning Authority
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic advice in the lead up to and following the 2018 State Election
- Helped position the organisation within the context of relevant election commitments
- Developed briefing packs for the incoming government
- Seconded back to the Minister’s Office upon return from Maternity Leave
Urban Planner
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Analysed, assessed and processed Planning Permit Applications within the Central City, Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, Greater Dandenong and Alpine Resorts areas
- Managed planning applications, demonstrating strong long-term planning, file management and negotiation skills
- Actively managed and maintained productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Prepared briefs for the Minister of Planning regarding planning applications
- Responded to requests for Possible Parliamentary Questions in a timely manner
- Provided departmental advice regarding imminent planning applications and emergent issues within current applications
Urban Planner
Maribyrnong City Council
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Analysed, assessed and processed Planning Permit Applications, Secondary Consents, Section 72 Amendments, Condition 1 Plans, Demolition Consent requests, and Report and Consent applications
- Prepared clear, concise technical reports with recommendations for delegation
- Liaised with internal and external departments on planning matters
- Resolved application issues through mediation and negotiation to achieve good planning outcomes for the greater community
- Represented Council at the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal and the Building Appeal Board
Constituency Assistant
Office of the Hon. Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, Speaker of the House of Commons
01.2008 - 01.2011
Education
Masters of Urban Planning -
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The University of Calgary
Skills
- Policy development
- Political nuance
- Urban Planning
- Collaborative mindset
- Problem-solving abilities
- Clear Communication
- Effective Decision-Making
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Staff
Hon. Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport & Roads
05.2023 - 08.2024
Senior Ministerial Adviser
Office of the Hon. Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Policy Officer
Victorian Planning Authority
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Manager to the Chief of Staff
TfNSW
01.2016 - 01.2022
Urban Planner
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
01.2015 - 01.2016
Urban Planner
Maribyrnong City Council
01.2012 - 01.2015
Constituency Assistant
Office of the Hon. Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, Speaker of the House of Commons
01.2008 - 01.2011
Masters of Urban Planning -
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The University of Calgary
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