Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative – Family, Care and Early Years now has the following vacancies:

Principal Solicitor (New Positions)

1x Full-time, 38 hours a week

1x Part- time, 19 hours a week

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About the Role

As the Principal Solicitor you will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team and work aside programs who support Aboriginal children and families who are involved in the Child Protection system. A brief overview follows:

Galnya Yarka (ACAC Section 18): Rumbalara hold the responsibility of Case Management of Boorai’s on Child Protection Orders. Galnya Yarka practice in a way that is grounded in culture, acknowledging that culture is strength and culture is safety. Galnya Yarka work with Boorai’s on Children’s Court Orders with the intent to make decisions that ultimately lead to no further contact within the Child Protection System.

Community Protecting Boorai’s (CBP): Rumbalara hold the responsibility of what is currently known as ‘Investigation’. CBP provides direct responsibility of the investigations of Aboriginal children (Boorai’s) who may be at risk, provide a response that is grounded in culture. The intention of CBP is to use the earliest point of intervention possible with the aim to reduce placing an Aboriginal child (Boorai’s) in care or the need for court orders unless it is necessary.

The Principal Solicitor will provide Galnya Yarka and Community Protecting Boorai’s expert legal advice in relation to functions and powers of the Children’s Youth and Families Act. The Principal Solicitor will also represent Community Protecting Boorai’s and Galnya Yarka appearing in Children Court Matters,



representing Rumbalara who are the Delegate of The Department of Families Fairness and Housing Secretary, performing duties once performed by Child Protection.

In addition, the Principal Solicitor will be responsible for reviewing new legislation and considering the impact and addressing program needs ensuring Managers and Practitioners are continually acting in line with any changes of legislation. The Principal Solicitor alongside the Practice Leader will continue to provide program support, training and reflective yarns growing the programs capacity in confidence and preparation for Children’s Court. Specific to this role in Goulburn, majority of the court appearances appear before ‘Marram-Ngala Ganbu’ of the Shepparton Children’s Court. Building a strong relationship within this court will be paramount.

About You

To be successful for this position, you should possess the following qualifications and qualities:

- You are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

- The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014.

- Good understanding of Aboriginal history and past practices that have impacted on Aboriginal families.

- Experience in administrative law and/or litigation, and strong statutory interpretation skills, are required.

- Experience in Children Youth and Families Act (2005) and specifically Child Protection Matters





- Organised file preparation and document keeping in relation to sensitive legal proceedings.

What We Offer:

- Salary packaging of $15,900 available for Part- or Full-time employees.

- Competitive pay and conditions based on the SCHADS Award – Level 7 (based of qualification and experience).

- Opportunities for additional incentives, which may include Christmas bonus days, recognition of NAIDOC Day, annual CPI-based Award wage increases where applicable, and relocation assistance where applicable.

- Professional development opportunities and support to help you grow in your career.

- Access to a free and confidential Employment Assistance Program and more.

- Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support your work where applicable.

- Fleet cars to carry out daily tasks where applicable.

You will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening check, including providing a copy of your Confirmation of Aboriginality.

To apply, please submit the following:

1. A current resume.

2. A cover letter that includes:

- Stating who your mob/clan is.

- A summary of your relevant experience and/or qualifications.

- Your response to the Key Selection Criteria. Refer to the position description.

Significant: Please ensure your cover letter and your responses to the Key Selection Criteria are combined into one document and attached in the Cover Letter section of the portal.

Please apply though this link - https://rum.chris21.com/RUM_MER21p/Home/Index#!/

If you experience any technical difficulties using our online portal, please contact our Human Resources Staff on (03) 5820 0***.

Applications close: Tuesday 1st of December 2026

This is an “Indigenous Only” role under Special Measures of the EEO Act 2010, Section 12.

📌 Principal Solicitor (Mooroopna)
🏢 Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative
📍 Mooroopna