Closes: 09 November 2026

Classification: Senior Officer Grade A
Salary: $172,246 plus superannuation
Position No: 70982
Directorate: Justice and Community Safety
Advertised (Gazettal date): 26 October 2026
Contact Officer: Helen Banks on [email protected] or (02) 6207 1197

Details:

About the Role

The ACT Courts and Tribunal (ACTCT) is seeking a highly capable and culturally grounded leader to join the organisation as Senior Director, Circle Sentencing. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead the delivery of Circle Sentencing programs across the ACT Courts and play a key role in improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As the Senior Director, you will lead a dedicated team and work closely with Elders, Respected Persons, the Judiciary, legal practitioners, community organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure Circle Sentencing programs are culturally safe, trauma-informed and effective. You will provide strategic advice to ACTCT executives, champion continuous improvement and guide organisational efforts to strengthen cultural capability and responsiveness across the justice system.

This is a highly influential leadership role requiring exceptional relationship-building, communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You will draw on your lived experience, cultural knowledge and leadership capability to foster positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users and support ACTCT in delivering culturally responsive services.

This is an identified position and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is considered essential and confirmation of cultural identity may be requested.

About ACT Courts and Tribunal

The ACT Courts and Tribunal (ACTCT) supports the administration of justice in the ACT by delivering high-quality services to judicial officers, tribunal members, court users and the wider community. Through a range of registry, court support, forensic, corporate and strategic services, ACTCT plays a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the Supreme Court, Magistrates Court and ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

What You'll Do

As the Senior Director, Circle Sentencing, you will lead the delivery of Circle Sentencing programs across the Supreme Court, Magistrates Court and Children's Court, ensuring programs are culturally appropriate,



trauma-informed and aligned with legislative and operational requirements. You will develop and maintain robust relationships with Elders and Respected Persons participating in Circle Sentencing, providing support and guidance to strengthen their involvement in the program. You will provide expert advice to ACTCT executives on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice matters, contribute to organisational priorities and lead initiatives that enhance cultural capability across ACTCT. The role also involves building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, judicial officers, legal practitioners and community organisations, while leading a team and fostering a positive, safe and respectful workplace culture.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a strategic and culturally informed leader with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, justice issues and culturally responsive service delivery. You will have demonstrated experience leading teams in complex environments, providing high-level advice and managing competing priorities while delivering quality outcomes. Your ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people will be critical to your success. You will bring a strong understanding of the factors contributing to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system and experience working within culturally considered, trauma-informed and restorative approaches. Most importantly, you will draw on your lived experience, cultural knowledge and community connections to provide culturally authoritative leadership and advice.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.





Eligibility/Other Requirements:

- Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to - Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

- Computer literacy skills are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for using an electronic case management system, IT systems, email and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.

- The successful candidate will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check.

Notes: This is an identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience, and cultural capability is considered essential and confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be requested.

A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

How to Apply: Please submit a written application of no more than two pages outlining your skills and experience against the professional skills and knowledge and behavioural capabilities outlined in the Position Description, along with a current curriculum vitae including contact details of two professional referees.

Applications should be submitted .

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

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Note

This is an identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience, and cultural capability is considered essential and confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be requested.

📌 Senior Director, Circle sentencing | Full-time Permanent (Canberra)
🏢 Justice and Community Safety
📍 Canberra