General Counsel – Senior Legal Leader

About the role

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the department, providing independent, high‑level legal advice to Ministers, the Director‑General, the Executive Leadership Team and senior officers. The role ensures that legal services support the department’s strategic objectives while upholding ethical standards and cultural capability.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver timely, strategic legal advice on complex policy, statutory interpretation, judicial review, administrative law and corporate governance matters.
• Represent the Director‑General and the department in courts, tribunals, inquests and other legal proceedings.
• Manage the Legal Services branch, including budgeting, staffing, and the development of effective legal advice databases.
• Oversee external legal support, coordinating with Crown Law, the Solicitor General and private firms in line with government procurement protocols.
• Provide guidance on anti‑discrimination, human rights, privacy, employment and contract issues across all business units.
• Promote cultural capability and ensure compliance with the Human Rights Act 2019 and related community partnerships.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with extensive experience in government or public‑sector legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to provide independent legal opinions free from non‑legal direction.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing legal teams and external counsel.
• Commitment to cultural capability and inclusive practice, particularly concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Required skills

• Statutory interpretation and administrative law expertise.
• Litigation management and representation in courts/tribunals.
• Corporate governance, compliance and contract law knowledge.
• Experience with anti‑discrimination, human rights and privacy legislation.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape legal strategy at a senior level within a government department.
• Leadership of a dedicated legal team with access to significant resources.
• Engagement with high‑impact policy and legislative matters.