GBK is seeking a passionate and experienced Native Title Lawyer to join a multidisciplinary team and work cooperatively with our Traditional Owners of the Torres and Endeavour Straits.ABOUT GBKGur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) is a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation that holds the important role as the peak body of all Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in the Torres and Endeavour Straits. Our work focuses on developing sustainable partnerships with native title holders and stakeholders to achieve economic, social and cultural development.
As the Native Title Representative Body for the Torres and Endeavour Straits region, GBK assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with all aspects of native title under the Native Title Act. We also work with PBCs to achieve grants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander freehold under the Aboriginal Land Act (Qld) and the Torres Strait Islander Land Act (Qld).
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITYThe Legal Officer role works as a member of GBK's Native Title Services team. The role's focus is to provide timely legal services and advice within GBK, and on behalf of the organisation to support the rights and interests of native title legislation and its application.
Reporting to the Principal Legal Officer (PLO), the Legal Officer works across the organisation to support decision-making, policy development and implementation, as well as providing timely high-level litigation and/or legal advice, briefings, and correspondence on complex areas of law and policy issues to ensure efficient and effective legal services.
Key Responsibilities In this role, you will be responsible, under the supervision of the PLO, for:
Providing GBK, native title claimants and our constituent PBCs with legal advice and support as directed by the PLOPreparing, managing and conducting native title claimant and compensation applications in the Federal Court, including briefing expert consultants and Counsel where necessary to assist with proceedingsTaking statements, performing analysis and producing reports to inform and progress native title and compensation claims, ILUA and Cultural Heritage agreement negotiations and assisting our native title clients to respond to future act noticesProviding advocacy and representation to native title claim groups in legal proceedings before the Federal Court and Queensland CourtsProviding high-level support to the PLO on developing GBK board briefing papers, fact sheets and explainers on the interaction of native title rights and interests with other legislative regimes, including the Torres Strait Treaty and State and Commonwealth Fisheries legislationProviding guidance and assistance to other GBK employees on legal issues and legal practice as directed by the PLOThe Ideal Candidate will have:
Completed tertiary-level Legal qualifications and be admitted (or be eligible to be admitted) as a legal practitioner in QueenslandA practising certificate in Queensland (or be eligible to hold a practicing certificate)Professional experience working with the Native Title Act 1993 and other relevant legislation of at least three yearsA high degree of technical knowledge on the Native Title Act and related legislation and an ability to quickly acquire expertise in other legislative regimes affecting the Indigenous peoples of our regionA sound understanding of the rules and procedures of the Federal Court of Australia, the National Native Title Tribunal, and State courts having jurisdiction in matters affecting native title and Queensland land rights legislationSound knowledge and a sincere understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture, issues and aspirations of First Nations People and commitment to the principles of advocacy and self-determination for First Nations PeopleStrong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills with an ability to represent and negotiateUnderstanding of legal ethical responsibilities including the importance and maintenance of information barriers and confidentialityA genuine interest in working cooperatively with the First Nation groups of Kemer Kemer Meriam, Gudamaluialgal, Maluialgal, Kulkalgal and KaiwalagalPlease note, the willingness to travel to remote First Nations communities in light air crafts is an essential requirement of this position.
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons to apply for this role. Benefits include: Competitive remuneration and generous salary packaging (PBI)Relocation assistance negotiableFlexible working arrangements including working from home or based in our offices in Cairns and Thursday IslandAdvancement opportunities in a small but growing organisationWorking for a highly-regarded employer and respected community-led organisationAPPLY NOWHit that pink "Quick Apply" buttonUpload a PDF of your current resume and a short letter about you and why you'd be perfect for this position.We are looking forward to meeting you!
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