Vacancy Reference No. 750581

This is a Permanent Full Time appointment (Part Time hours may be considered).

The Legal and Legislative Services team in the Department of Health is a vibrant and multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legislative officers and administrators. We are proud to provide legal and legislative advice across a wide range of sensitive and high-profile matters across the Health portfolio.

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly capable lawyer to join our dedicated team. In this leadership role, you will provide strategic oversight and professional supervision across the team, leading the delivery of high-quality legal services across the Department of Health's diverse and complex portfolio.

As a member of Legal and Legislative Services, you will be at the forefront of complex and emerging legal issues affecting the WA health system. You will lead and support work across diverse areas including health research and development, procurement and service provision, health information management, human reproductive technology and surrogacy, human tissue and transplantation, medicines and poisons, infectious disease management, and legislative reform.

You will exercise your professional judgement to provide high-level legal advice on complex, sensitive and strategically important matters. This includes advising on governance, policy initiatives, commercial arrangements, litigation matters and issues affecting the Minister, Director General and Department of Health, while providing legal guidance on legislative matters as required.

The Principal Solicitor (Specified Calling Level 5) plays a key leadership role within Legal and Legislative Services. You will provide professional guidance and supervision to legal staff, allocate and monitor workflow, contribute to workforce development, and support the achievement of strategic objectives across the Directorate. You will also provide legal oversight and guidance on legislative review and development processes where required.

You will work closely and collaboratively with senior executives, Health Service Providers, State and Commonwealth government agencies, the State Solicitor's Office, the Parliamentary Counsel's Office and other key stakeholders. The role also includes representing the Directorate on committees, working groups and other forums, and supporting the Department's participation in parliamentary processes.

Joining Legal and Legislative Services will provide you with a unique opportunity to contribute to complex legal matters of statewide significance while further developing your leadership capabilities within a supportive, collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Application Instructions: Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). Please note: Applicants must have a current, valid email address in order to apply online.



This email address will be used for communication with applicants.

If you are interested in being part of a supportive, cohesive, collaborative and dynamic team, apply now by submitting the following information and documents:

- A written statement of no more than 3 pages addressing the essential selection criteria 1-5 in the attached JDF;
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly shows your experience, talents and how you can meet the position requirements; and
- The name and contact details of two professional referees. One preferred to be your current supervisor or manager.

Suitability Criteria: Suitability recognises that there is a range of factors - along with having the skills, knowledge and abilities - that constitute merit. These factors included a person's eligibility, ability to demonstrate the right behaviours, ethical alignment and cultural fit. In addition to the Essential Criteria and Desirable Criteria outlined in the attached Job Description Form, these requirements will also be considered to determine your suitability for the role. You also need to be eligible for admission, or admitted, as a legal practitioner in Western Australia together with considerable experience in a legal environment.

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.

WA Health embraces diversity and is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service.

WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.

WA Health is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce as a part of WA Health’s Aboriginal Workforce Policy. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia.

Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility.



WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal records screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within DOH and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

- 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here.

- Access to salary packaging arrangements
- Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Flexible leave arrangements

Site Profile: The Department of Health, led by the Director General, has been established as the System Manager responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and performance of the WA public health system to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, safe and timely health services.

The WA public health system employs approximately 50,000 dedicated staff who ensure the health and wellbeing of the State’s population throughout the metropolitan, regional and remote areas of WA. The WA health system as a single health entity covers an area covering approximately 2.5 million square kilometres.

The foundations that underpin essential services to the community include supporting our workforce; robust standards for the delivery of high-quality and secure care, and optimal patient and community experience; sound financial management and clinical performance; supporting our workforce; infrastructure; and information and communications technology (ICT) delivery; and supporting and enhancing research and innovation.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted. LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

📌 Principal Solicitor (East Perth)
🏢 WA Health
📍 East Perth