Senior Government Lawyer

We are seeking experienced Senior Government Lawyers to provide advice on a range of legal matters to support Safe Work Australia (the Agency) to deliver its statutory functions and to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and Australian Government policies.



As part of a dynamic and high-profile team you will be responsible for providing in-house legal services and corporate support to the Agency. The role will enable you to work closely with policy and corporate teams across the Agency.



The positions are located within the Legal Section and the role will provide you with the opportunity to:

manage a caseload of matters and provide strategic, high quality and timely legal advice across a range of practice areas
undertake legal research and statutory interpretation to support the development of work health and safety (WHS) and workers' compensation policy
lead the Agency’s legislative development projects, including instructing drafters and liaising with relevant stakeholders
prepare briefing material for the Executive and other stakeholders on legal developments affecting the Agency, including practical options for implementation
review and determine Codes of Practice, guidance, policies and procedures to ensure legal accuracy and compliance
supervise and mentor junior lawyers, including second counselling
support the General Counsel as needed, including opportunities to act during periods of leave and leading practice management activities
monitor case law for any developments that may be relevant to the operation of the model WHS laws, workers' compensation or to the Agency’s operations more generally
monitor legislation and policy developments to identify and keep up to date on public sector governance issues, and
support the section’s broader priorities, including building capability in the Agency through legal training and contributing to practice management improvements.


Education and experience

Essential: A degree in laws from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas qualification, which is appropriate to the duties of the position; and
Essential: Admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
Desirable: 3-5 years Post Admission Experience (PAE), or other relevant legal experience (eg legal and legislative policy experience).