The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) offers a unique legal environment. As part of the Legal Division, you will have the opportunity to provide legal advice and services while working closely with policymakers and operational staff on issues impacting all Australians. These areas include biosecurity, agricultural production, trade, food, wine, fisheries, and forestry. A position within the Legal Division provides a chance to apply your legal skills to practical outcomes, supported by colleagues in a learning-focused environment.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Canberra
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is seeking a Principal Legal Officer to join their Legal Division in Canberra. This leadership position offers the opportunity to apply legal expertise across a diverse range of areas, including biosecurity, agricultural production, trade, and environmental matters. You will work closely with policymakers and operational teams, providing legal guidance on critical issues impacting Australia’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
The department’s diverse and extensive legal practice means that you will have the chance to work in a wide range of legal areas, including:
- Providing advice on regulatory systems, operations, and cost recovery to support staff with Australia’s quarantine, trade, food safety, and exports across supply chains, airports, and in the community.
- Offering practical legal advice to assist in the enforcement of biosecurity and export laws to protect Australia’s trade and health, including civil penalty litigation.
- Collaborating with policymakers to develop and progress legislation and implement effective laws.
- Managing the department’s litigation caseload and dispute resolution, including working with external law firms and counsel to provide strategic advice in support of policy and operational activities.
- Advising on employment law matters, such as investigations, work health and safety, and external review proceedings.
- Offering guidance on the department’s commercial matters, including procurement, grants, ICT contracting, intellectual property, and property.
- Managing legal issues related to data management, privacy, and freedom of information requests.
The Legal Division fosters a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages career growth and learning for all lawyers. You will work alongside dedicated colleagues to address interesting and meaningful work that directly impacts both the department and the Commonwealth.
The Job
We have both ongoing and non-ongoing opportunities for Principal Legal Officers. If you thrive in an energetic, purposeful, and collaborative legal environment, this is the role for you. DAFF is seeking Principal Legal Officers to lead various teams. This leadership role involves guiding the practice in line with the vision set by the General Counsel. You will be responsible for motivating, mentoring, and supervising your team to achieve departmental goals while fostering an inclusive, responsive, and effective work environment.
Please note, the merit pool established through this selection process, which remains valid for 18 months from the advertisement date in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies with similar responsibilities.
What Are We Looking For?
Knowledge and Experience:
- Significant experience in legal practice, with a minimum of five years post-admission experience.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is seeking a highly skilled Principal Legal Officer to join their Legal Division in Canberra. As a Principal Legal Officer, you will play a key role in providing expert legal advice across various sectors, including biosecurity, trade, agricultural production, and environmental issues. This is a permanent, full-time position that offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with policymakers and operational teams to support Australia’s vital agricultural and environmental sectors.
Key Responsibilities of the Principal Legal Officer
- Legal Advice and Support: As a Principal Legal Officer, you will provide expert legal guidance to support the department’s operations, particularly in biosecurity, agricultural production, and trade.
- Policy and Legislation Development: Collaborate closely with policymakers to assist in the development and implementation of new laws and regulations in areas of national importance.
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Lead the department’s litigation efforts and manage dispute resolution processes, working with external counsel to ensure legal compliance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Advise on regulatory systems, helping ensure compliance with Australia’s biosecurity, trade, and export regulations.
What We’re Looking for in a Principal Legal Officer
- Experience: The ideal candidate will have significant post-admission legal experience, particularly in regulatory, commercial, and public law.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities are essential for managing teams and guiding the legal division’s initiatives.
- The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is looking for a qualified Principal Legal Officer to join its Legal Division in Canberra. As a Principal Legal Officer, you will provide high-level legal advice and support on critical issues impacting Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with policymakers and operational teams, helping shape the laws and regulations that safeguard the nation’s biosecurity, trade, and agricultural production.
