- $124,393 - $140,315 + up to 15.4% Superannuation
- Australia Wide

The Role
Are you someone who enjoys turning complex ideas into clear, practical outcomes? Do you thrive in an environment where precision, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Senior Legislative Drafter, you'll play an important role in shaping the legislative framework that supports Defence people and enables the delivery of Defence employment conditions across Australia. Working at the intersection of policy, law and implementation, you'll help ensure legislative instruments accurately reflect policy intent while remaining legally robust and accessible.

This is a role for someone who enjoys intellectual challenge, values attention to detail and takes satisfaction in producing high-quality work that makes a real difference.

In this role, you will:

- Draft, review and maintain legislative instruments under the Defence Act 1903, Public Service Act 1999 and other employment-related legislative frameworks.
- Provide trusted technical advice on legislative drafting and interpretation matters.
- Work closely with policy teams and stakeholders to transform complex policy into effective legislation.
- Prepare briefs, submissions and other written products for senior decision-makers.
- Contribute to ongoing legislative reform and modernisation initiatives.
- Support and mentor developing drafters, helping to build capability across the team.
- Coordinate workflow priorities, oversee quality assurance activities and contribute to the leadership of the broader directorate.

About our Team
The Legislative Drafting Team is a small,



specialised group of professionals who are passionate about delivering quality outcomes and supporting Defence's people through clear and effective legislation. Although we're a team of up to five drafters, our impact reaches across the organisation.

We work closely with policy officers, service designers, web developers and communications professionals as part of a broader multidisciplinary team. This creates a unique environment where you'll gain exposure to a wide range of disciplines and develop a broader understanding of how legislation, policy, digital products and communication intersect.

Our culture is supportive, inclusive and collaborative. We believe the best outcomes come from sharing knowledge, respecting different perspectives and working together to solve complex problems. Team members are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and challenge existing approaches in a constructive way.

While the team is headquartered in Canberra, we embrace flexible working arrangements and support colleagues working remotely across Australia. We value outcomes over location and are committed to helping our people balance meaningful careers with other commitments and interests.

Our Ideal Candidate




We're looking for someone who combines strong technical capability with a collaborative mindset and genuine enthusiasm for legislative drafting.

You may already have experience drafting legislative instruments, or you may bring transferable skills from legal, policy or workplace relations environments. Most importantly, you're someone who enjoys learning, communicates effectively and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.

You will bring:

- Strong drafting, writing and analytical skills.
- The ability to interpret complex legislation, policy and stakeholder requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Sound judgement and a practical approach to problem solving.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to communicate clearly with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to share knowledge with others.

You will thrive in this role if you:

- Enjoy working through complex issues and finding practical solutions.
- Build positive relationships with people at all levels.
- Value teamwork and contribute to an inclusive, respectful culture.
- Are comfortable balancing competing priorities and navigating change.
- Bring curiosity, initiative and a positive attitude to your work.

This is an opportunity to do rewarding work in a supportive and collegiate workplace where your contribution matters. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals, tackle interesting and challenging issues, and help shape the future of Defence pay and conditions legislation.

Information Pack (PDF Version) Opens in new window

📌 EL 1 - Senior Legislative Drafter (Australia)
🏢 Australian Department Of Defence
📍 Australia