Director, General Counsel and Principal Legal Officer

Job Details

Job Title: Director, General Counsel and Principal Legal Officer

Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 1 August 2025

Contact: General Counsel - Jason Lucas, 02 6277 8687, Jason.Lucas@aph.gov.au Principal Legal officer - Andrew Banfield, 02 6277 2506, Andrew.Banfield@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is seeking a flexible, dynamic and collaborative leader to join the People, Performance and Strategy section as a General Counsel.

The role provides advice and assistance on matters in line with the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, the Legal Services Directions 2017 and other relevant legislation and regulations.

We are also recruiting for a Principal Legal Officer for the Law and Bills Digest Section (LBD), within the Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library. 

The Parliamentary Library provides high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary and representational roles. We are looking for a Principal Legal Officer who is well-informed, motivated, adaptable and able to provide excellent client service. The successful applicant will work in a team and be expected to display sound judgement and sensitivity while working in the parliamentary environment. You will be required to work directly with clients  in a collaborative environment. You must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality in accordance with Library policies. The Principal Legal Officer will have opportunities for training and development

These positions are at the Parliamentary Executive Level 2 (PEL2). Any merit pool created from this recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing or non-ongoing positions that may arise over the next 18 months.

Who we are looking for

General Counsel:

We are looking for a General Counsel with relevant qualifications and experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced, challenging environment who can apply their knowledge and skills to complex legal issues with implications for the department and broader relationships across the parliamentary departments. They will find workable solutions to problems and provide well considered advice to the executive team.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is highly motivated and outcome driven and will lead the section in line with the department’s values. You will be self-aware, have the courage to embrace change, and have a positive mindset with respect to considering and acknowledging diverse ideas and perspectives.

Principal Legal Officer:

The Principal Legal Officer will be responsible for quality assurance and clearance of client advice relating to legal issues of relevance to the Parliament, as well as conducting legal research on complex matters.

The Principal Legal Officer should have high level written and oral communication skills and strong research and analytical abilities. The successful applicant will have a strong client focus, and be able to work across a range of areas of law. You must be able to produce accurate and comprehensive advice by agreed deadlines and manage competing priorities. It is an advantage to have an understanding of the parliamentary environment.

We are looking for people with relevant qualifications, expertise and experience. The ability and willingness to develop knowledge in new policy areas is also essential. The Principal Legal Officer is required to have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) qualification (as a minimum). 

The Principal Legal Officer will be expected to participate in Section and corporate activities such as meetings, planning events, workshops and training.

Job Specific Requirements:

General Counsel 

• A Degree in Law and current Practising Certificate in an Australian State or Territory.
• Expertise and experience in government, privacy, health and safety, and employment law.
• Post-admission experience as a lawyer working in an in-house legal role.
• Australian citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain security clearance up to Negative Vetting 2 (Top Secret).

Principal Legal Officer

• Applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement - General Counsel

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2 

Branch: People Performance and Strategy 

Section: Legal Coordination Services 

Immediate supervisor: Assistant Secretary People, Performance and Strategy

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Model integrity, accountability, objectivity and independence by discharging the role in a manner consistent with the law, the Legal Services Directions 2017 and obligations as a legal practitioner.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive and manage legal issues, assisting the department to achieve its objectives in ways that comply with the law.
• Support the Secretary to ensure compliance with obligations under relevant legislation such as the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 by having appropriate systems and practices in place.
• Drive innovation in the delivery of legal services, including by proactively engaging with stakeholders to incorporate the identification and management of legal issues into program decision making.
• Undertake a leadership role in the conduct of the department’s investigations in collaboration with the executive, the team, third party providers and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Identify legal and policy issues affecting the department and, in consultation with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and executive team, develop effective responses.
• Communicate with influence within and beyond the department in the conduct of meetings and delivery of verbal advice, and in the preparation of written materials such as legal advice, drafting instructions, supporting materials and submissions.
• Uphold the Parliamentary Service Values and the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours to the highest standards.
• Facilitate consistency and integrity in approaches and decisions to align with the department’s strategic objectives and expected outcomes.
• Foster and maintain an environment that embodies effective risk management, strong governance and compliance, continuous improvement and a strong service delivery focus.
• Adhere to and continually develop the frameworks of policies, practices and ethical standards required to shape organisational culture consistent with the department’s strategic objectives and values.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

Selection Criteria: General Counsel

1. In-depth knowledge of legislative frameworks applicable to government departments, such as the:
   o    Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013
   o    Legal Services Directions 2017, and
   o    Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
   
   
2. An understanding of the institution of parliament and role of parliamentary democracy.
   
   
3. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to provide insightful, transparent, trusted and impartial advice to diverse audiences in a complex environment.
   
   
4. Strong strategic judgement, political acuity, and ability to manage ambiguity to resolve complex issues as they evolve.
   
   
5. Demonstrated delivery of quality results, within budget, tight time limits and across multiple groups.
   
   
6. Demonstrated high standards of integrity and professionalism, with a strong understanding of the Parliamentary Service Values and the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours., 

Duty Statement: Principal Legal Officer

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2 

Branch: Research Branch

Section: Laws and Bills Digest  

Immediate supervisor: Assistant Secretary Research Branch

Under limited direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. They will provide high quality legal analysis and advice to Parliamentary clients in line with the organisation’s goals. The duties will include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following:

• Review research on legal issues prepared in response to requests from parliamentary clients and provide high quality analysis and advice to clients.
• Undertake review of Bills Digests prior to publication, to ensure consistently high quality publications that meet client needs and maintain the Library’s high standards of scholarship and integrity.
• Continue to develop professional networks, competence and expertise, especially in new areas.
• Contribute to team and organisational activities and provide assistance and support to other officers, including supervising, mentoring and/or coaching other staff as required.
• Contribute to planning and project work as required.

Selection Criteria: Principal Legal Officer

1. Ability to perform complex legal research and analysis
   o    Conducts high-quality research and analysis, and provides advice on complex issues
   o    Uses diverse information and database services
   o    Works quickly while maintaining accuracy
   
   
2. Cultivates productive working relationships
   o    Develops internal and external relationships to support work objectives 
   o    Facilitates cooperation and works collaboratively 
   o    Values individual differences and diversity 
   o    Works constructively to resolve conflict 
   
   
3. Personal and professional qualities
   o    Works under limited supervision and manages competing priorities 
   o    Possesses strong client service ethic
   o    Demonstrates probity and accountability, initiative, resilience and good judgement
   o    Prepared to develop new areas of expertise, and committed to professional development
   
   
4. Communication skills
   o    High-level writing skills and the ability to write research and analysis products in various formats and styles
   o    Able to communicate clearly and appropriately, including listening, understanding and adapting to audience 
   o    Negotiates persuasively
   o    Tailors responses according to client requirements
   
   
5. Understanding of the parliamentary and political environment
   o    Knowledge of the context, role and operations of Parliament
   o    Understands the role and function of key Parliamentary bodies and processes
   o    Deals sensitively, impartially and objectively with controversial issues

How to apply

Please upload a Two page pitch Approximity 1000 words describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.