About the branch The Corporate Branch is responsible for the corporate functions of the agency including financial management, legal services, human resources (HR), ICT, security and property. The Branch works closely with internal stakeholders and shared service providers to ensure the agency operates effectively, remains compliant with legislative and policy obligations, and is equipped to support the evolving needs of PWSS.

About the team

Our in-house legal team is small but responsible for providing legal review and advice across all aspects of the PWSS. The team may draw on the assistance of external legal advice where required. The team is also responsible for ensuring the agency is compliant with the Privacy Act 1988.

About the role The Senior Legal Officer is responsible for the provision of high-quality legal advice in relation to a wide range of government legal issues under the direction, guidance and support of the General Counsel. They will work in a quick paced and complex environment where they undertake legal work with a high degree of sensitivity and complexity. They will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to understand their policy objectives, including their strategic and operating environments, so they can draft sound legal advice and effectively communicate legal risks and issues.

- Drafting high-quality legal advice for internal clients. In particular, managing legal matters relating to privacy, information law, commercial law, employment law and work health and safety.
- Coordinating requests for external legal advice, ensuring procurement requirements are followed.




- Developing and maintaining strategic internal and external relationships, representing the agency in external forums and working with external legal professionals
- Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to understand their policy objectives, including their strategic and operating environments, to draft sound legal advice and effectively communicate legal risks and issues.
- Ensuring compliance with the legal service directions.
- Supervising a member of the team, including providing performance feedback and development opportunities, setting priorities, managing workflows, and providing guidance.
- Contribute to the broader Corporate Branch and actively participate in planning and strategic initiatives.
- Other duties as required.

- The role may be offered as either ongoing or non-ongoing subject to business needs and/or candidate preference. Where a non-ongoing position is offered, the role will be filled as a specified term vacancy for an initial period of up to 12 months.
- Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing.
- Candidates must be independent, impartial, and apolitical, and must be seen as such.



A private interest disclosure form must be completed prior to an offer being made to disclose any material personal interests that may or may appear to influence a candidate’s ability to discharge their responsibilities as an APS employee.
- Successful applicants will be required to undergo the process to obtain and maintain or continue to hold the required security clearance level for the role as indicated. All PWSS staff are required to have a minimum baseline security clearance prior to commencement.
- Successful applicants will be required to undergo a mandatory National Co-ordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).
- The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service is committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, mature-aged employees and carers.
- Demonstrated experience in a similar role is required, preferably within the APS or public sector. Small agency experience would be advantageous.
- Candidates must have at least a Bachelor of Laws degree (or equivalent) from a recognised Australian tertiary education provider.
- Admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia and be eligible to hold a practicing certificate is required.
- Candidates must have substantial contemporary, relevant knowledge and experience in administrative law and statutory interpretation.

📌 Senior Legal Officer (Australia)
🏢 PWSS
📍 Australia