El1 - Lawyer, Legal Services (Public Law) Branch

Contact Officer:
Christie McClure on 02 6236 6835, ******
Jo Foti on 02 6136 6296, ******
Closing Date:
11.59pm AEDT, Friday 25 October 2024
Our Department Values
Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.
The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women's progression into senior leadership.
A little bit about us
The Department is responsible for the design and delivery of the Australian Government's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications and arts policies and programs. The Department's work touches every Australian community and underpins our economy and society.
Our focus is on connecting Australians, enriching communities, and empowering our regions. We do this by providing policy advice to government, and delivering programs, services, and research for the benefit of all Australians.
The Department's Legal, Legislation Liaison and Privacy Division provides high quality, practical, technically excellent and timely legal advice, support and services for the Department and Ministers' offices. The work is varied across the diverse subject matter of the portfolio, intellectually stimulating and rewarding. The team is dynamic, collaborative and supportive.
The opportunities we have available
We are growing our public law advisory service to support the Department's legislative program and advise on policies and programs, regulatory and administrative law. We are looking for talented lawyers with strong technical legal skills, excellent written and interpersonal skills and experience in the development of legislation.
This is an opportunity to advance your career or gain experience in the Australian Public Service, working alongside exceptional professional lawyers on high profile current issues. You will have access to the brightest legal minds, training opportunities and professional networks to support your career aspirations.
We may establish a merit pool for future vacancies.
What will you do?
You will work in the Department's Public Law Team supporting the design and development of complex primary and secondary legislation, in online safety, civil aviation, telecommunications, vehicle safety and efficiency, arts and cultural affairs, and non-self-governing territories. You will also have exposure to a broad range of public law matters including advising on regulatory law, administrative decision making, statutory interpretation, policies and programs and managing civil litigation. You will support your EL2 supervisor in managing client relationships, and will mentor and supervise junior lawyers. You will be a valued member of a high performing public law team and your work will have real impact on the wellbeing of every Australian and the prosperity of the nation.
Operating under broad direction, your key responsibilities will include:
providing legal advice and support on complex legislation design and development
preparing complex legal instruments for portfolio Ministers, the Secretary and other rule-makers
advising on a range of complex legal issues including statutory interpretation and administrative law
advising on other legal obligations and issues as they arise e.g. tort, corporate law, government finance law, and information law
managing litigation and dispute resolution matters, including judicial and merits reviews
effectively managing the use of external legal service providers in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017 and other requirements
participating in legal reviews of portfolio legislation and public reports
contributing to Divisional and Team priorities and cultivating a positive work environment and culture
engaging with external stakeholders including the Office of Legal Services Coordination, the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and other government lawyers
supervising and mentoring junior lawyers in the provision of legal advice and other legal services
dealing with sensitive topics in a professional manner
contributing to business improvement, reporting and capability building in the Division.
Who are we looking for?
Selection Criteria
General criteria
supports strategic direction
achieves results
supports productive working relationships
displays personal drive and integrity
communicates with influence
Job specific criteria (EL1)
have a tertiary degree in Law from an Australian tertiary institution (or comparable overseas qualification)
be admitted as a legal practitioner of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory or meet the necessary requirements to be admitted
hold or be eligible to obtain a Practising Certificate
have at least 3-5 years prior experience working as a lawyer (either in-house or externally)
have advanced technical legal skills and experience in providing advice and supporting legislation projects
have the capacity to develop a sound knowledge of portfolio subject matters quickly.
For more information on the general selection criteria applicable to EL1, see Leadership pathway: Individual profile EL1
RecruitAbility minimum requirements
All of our roles are advertised under the RecruitAbility scheme unless Affirmative Measures – disability.
RecruitAbility minimum requirements are those listed under the ' Who are we looking for? ' section of the advertisement.
RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.
Opt into the scheme
Declare they have a disability, and
Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme
More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au).
What else can we offer?
Your life
Find your purpose.
We provide the environment you need through excellent conditions and a supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
Our values are to be: respectful, informed, collaborative, adaptive, accountable. Through our commitment to these values, we maintain a fulfilling and supportive environment that promotes the wellbeing of our people.
We offer job security, flexible work arrangements as agreed with your supervisor, regional and city work locations, generous leave and superannuation entitlements.
Access to join our 6 staff-led diversity networks which promote a culture of inclusion to enhance work performance and the wellbeing of all staff.
Your contribution
Our collaborative and supportive culture fosters high performing teams where you are valued for your expertise, experiences and point of view.
We provide the environment you need through excellent conditions and a supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
We provide a respectful and inclusive working environment.
Our people feel a sense of belonging and are acknowledged for the contributions they make towards our objectives to deliver for the Australian community.
Your development
Commence or enhance your career pathway and build your knowledge, skills and experience through our commitment to learning and development and professional opportunities.
Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Work with and learn from talented and highly experienced lawyers who have a passion for what they do.
Your passion
Our breadth of work provides unmatched opportunities to apply and develop your subject matter expertise while discovering new interests across our diverse portfolio.
You can contribute to work that enriches our communities, empowers our regions, and connects Australians.
We offer you the unique opportunity to experience a range of exciting work areas, all with one thing in common – improving the lives of everyday Australians.
Help plan for the global digital economy, design liveable future-facing cities, or create the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow. You can also help empower our regional communities, promote our thriving arts sector, or protect and celebrate the culture, heritage and languages of First Nations people.
We have a direct role in ensuring our infrastructure, communication and transport sectors remain efficient, safe, sustainable and accessible in today's rapidly changing environment.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
Citizenship:
To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
Health Assessment:
the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the Department's preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance:
the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at AGSVA Baseline level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at
11.59pm AEDT, Friday 25 October 2024 .
In applying for this position you are asked to:
provide a covering letter of no more than
3 pages
explaining your interest and the skills and experience you will bring to the organisation and the position, having regard to the eligibility requirements, selection criteria and responsibilities.
provide a CV of no more than
3 pages .
In your application, please indicate which classification/s you would like to be considered for.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.
Your application should be received through the department's online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at ****** to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email ******
Timeline and assessment
A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.
If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.
Anticipated timeline for recruitment milestone dates: the APSC has set the target of recruitment processes being completed and offers made to successful candidates within 42 days.
Applications open: Thursday 26th September 2024
Applications close: Friday, 25th October 2024
Application shortlisting: Commencing week beginning 28th October
Further assessments: Interviews held during week of 4th November
Selection report finalised: 15th November
Offers and announcements: Week beginning 18th November
The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.
Work with us. Apply now!
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