Director, Dispute Resolution & Assistance (EL2 Legal)

National Native Title Tribunal

Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide or potential other locations $173,816 – $180,629 + 15.4% super | Ongoing or Non‑ongoing | Full‑time The National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) is seeking an experienced legal leader (Australian Law Degree required) to oversee its Dispute Resolution & Assistance team. This senior role sits at the heart of the Tribunal’s statutory functions under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and offers the opportunity to influence national native title practice, legal policy and stakeholder engagement.

The Opportunity As Director, you will lead a high‑performing team delivering future act services, post‑determination assistance, s60AAA functions and broader native title support. You will provide authoritative legal, procedural and strategic advice to the President, Members, Registrar and Executive, ensuring consistency, integrity and compliance across all work.

You will also shape legal policy reform, contribute to legislative analysis, and drive business improvement initiatives that strengthen the Tribunal’s operations and service delivery.

You - This role suits a senior legal practitioner with native title expertise, exceptional judgement, and the ability to build strong relationships across First Nations stakeholders, government, industry and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and manage the Dispute Resolution & Assistance team, including supervision, capability uplift and quality assurance.
- Provide expert legal and strategic advice on future acts, s60AAA, post‑determination assistance and native title matters.
- Maintain knowledge of the Native Title Act 1993,



associated regulations and relevant case law.
- Oversee consistent and productive management of future act notices, inquiries, mediations and determination applications.
- Develop policies, systems and procedures supporting s60AAA functions.
- Lead legal reform and business improvement projects, including research, stakeholder consultation and preparation of submissions.
- Ensure procedural fairness, legal accuracy and compliance with administrative law principles.
- Prepare reports, analysis and briefings for executive oversight and continuous improvement.
- Monitor developments across native title, cultural heritage and industry sectors relevant to NNTT functions.

About You You will bring:

- Expert knowledge of native title law, the Native Title Act 1993, administrative law and statutory decision‑making.
- Proven leadership experience in complex legal, statutory or operational environments.
- Highly developed communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Experience in policy reform, business improvement and change leadership.
- Commitment to capability building, knowledge sharing and consistent practice.
- Legal qualifications and eligibility for admission as an Australian legal practitioner.

Eligibility

- Australian Law Degree
- Police Records Check and security clearances may apply.
- APS probation conditions apply.

H****ow to apply: contact Rachel Townes-Vigh - Senior Recruitment at Elias Recruitment | [email protected] | [0439 936 199](tel:0439 936 199) for chat about the role and to obtain a copy of the position description in order to APPLY for the role.

📌 Director, Dispute Resolution & Assistance (Brisbane)
🏢 Elias Recruitment Pty
📍 Brisbane