If you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference in the community, are looking for a great role and team, and generous superannuation and conditions...then keep reading!
We are seeking highly motivated and capable legal professionals to join the Office of Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) as an APS6 Lawyer providing legal advice and support relating to the OFWO's criminal jurisdiction.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity in the Commonwealth to support a criminal investigation function and contribute directly to its development and success.
Full-time and part-time hours are available.
Offers will be based on candidate performance and operational requirements.
About the OFWO
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act **** (Cth) (Fair Work Act).
Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act and other legislation to achieve our purpose:
provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws
inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
take appropriate enforcement action
perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically.
Since 1 January ****, intentional underpayment of employee wages or entitlements is a criminal offence contrary to s 327A(1) of the Fair Work Act.
The OFWO's Criminal Investigations Branch is responsible for investigating allegations of intentional underpayments and preparing briefs of evidence for referral to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).
What our employees say about us
We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.
What we offer you
We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:
Great training and development opportunities
Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family
A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
Rewards and recognition initiatives.
We Value Diversity
OFWO has been accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace since ****.
We are also members of the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity.




We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen.
The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance.
The successful candidate must hold a degree in Law from an Australian university (or overseas equivalent qualification) and be admitted, or eligible for admission, to the Supreme Court in your State and the High Court of Australia.
The successful candidate will need to have (or be able to obtain) a practising certificate.
About the Team
The Legal Enforcement Branch 1 is a busy team of legal professionals responsible for advising on investigations and litigation relating to Commonwealth workplace relations laws.
We work with internal stakeholders to identify and progress compliance and enforcement outcomes.
We also contribute to a range of innovative continuous improvement projects within the Agency.
You will be joining a small team within the Branch who are responsible for providing legal advice about the OFWO's criminal jurisdiction and criminal investigations, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including the CDPP.
Typical Duties
As an APS6 Lawyer, you will have the opportunity to:
• provide legal advice to the Criminal Investigations Branch regarding criminal investigations, including the use of investigative powers (incl. compulsory powers), evidence, information disclosure and prosecution disclosure
• learn about and advise on workplace relations issues in the context of the OFWO's criminal investigations
• provide legal advice regarding cooperation agreements pursuant to section 717B of the Fair Work Act
• engage with stakeholders to develop guidance and educative material, as well as investigative documents and processes, to achieve quality outcomes and support the OFWO in maturing its criminal investigation capability




• assist with activities to build capability across the Branch and Agency in legal issues relating to criminal investigations and the intersection between OFWO's civil and criminal jurisdictions
Please note:Operational needs will require you to work part of the week in your local office.
Requests for flexibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Selection criteria
Essential
The successful APS6 Lawyer will have experience in criminal law or within a government regulatory environment and demonstrate:
The ability to prepare clear, practical written legal advice that reflects sound legal reasoning and robust strategic judgement
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with internal stakeholders
Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work autonomously
Sound problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify appropriate solutions and seek guidance from supervising lawyers.
Applicants must have a minimum ofthree (3) years post-admission experience.
Highly Desirable
Experience in Commonwealth criminal law or regulatory environments, or
Experience in workplace relations law.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via our online application system through the OFWO website.
If you have any questions about this recruitment exercise, please email ******.
*Please ensure you check your junk mail throughout the recruitment process, as sometimes our emails sent from our online system end up in junk mail folders.
*
Applications close11:00pm (AEST) Sunday 19 July ****
RecruitAbility Scheme applies to this vacancy
Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be progressed to further assessment if you declare you have a disability (according to definition below), opt into the scheme, and meet the minimum requirements for the position.
The RecruitAbility scheme disability definition is 'a limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least 6 months and restricts everyday activities'.
This also includes episodic conditions.
For more information visit: .
More Information
Working with us and tips on applying, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/careers
OFWO's purpose and functions, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/our-role-and-purpose
Office locations, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/offices

📌 Lawyer (Criminal Jurisdiction) (Adelaide)
🏢 Fair
📍 Adelaide