Director, Dispute Resolution & Assistance

at; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Cairns is seeking a Director for Dispute Resolution & Assistance. The role involves managing a team, providing expert advice, and ensuring compliance with the Native Title Act 1993. Candidates should have relevant tertiary studies and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers a salary between $133,382 and $154,359 per annum plus superannuation, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of native title and the Native Title Act 1993.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in mediation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Dispute Resolution & Assistance team.
• Provide expert advice and work allocation.
• Ensure compliance with NNTT processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Management of staff

Knowledge of native title

Problem solving abilities

Education

Relevant tertiary studies in law or social sciences

Job description

$133,382 to $154,359 per annum plus superannuation

Reporting to the Registrar, the Director, Dispute Resolution & Assistance is responsible for managing the Dispute Resolution & Assistance team, including line management, supervision and review of all work and decisions, providing expert advice, work allocation and maintaining the database of future act notices and agreements received under s 41A of the Native Title Act (1993).

The Dispute Resolution & Assistance team supports the President, Members and the Registrar in the performance of their functions under the future act provisions and s60AAA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). The Dispute Resolution & Assistance team provides case management, client liaison, technical and administrative support to the President, Members and the Registrar in relation to post-determination assistance requests, future act mediations, expedited procedure objection inquiries, and inquiries into future act determination applications.

The Dispute Resolution and Assistance team also provide high-level advice, assistance and information services to internal and external stakeholders in relation to the operation of s60AAA, the future act regime and the NNTT’s processes and procedures relating to future acts. These activities include the processing of future act notices and the recording of agreements, as well as the provision of information to assist stakeholders to comply with their obligations under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain expert knowledge of the functions of the Tribunal and the Registrar in relation to s60AAA and future acts and provide information, advice and guidance as required.
• Ensure compliance with NNTT processes and procedures and foster a consistent approach to service delivery.
• Establish a culture of service delivery that is flexible, responsive, professional and accountable.
• Take responsibility for the efficient management of future act applications and plan for effective delivery of services ensuring they are consistent with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), regulations and administrative law principles.
• Develop policies and systems for the management of requests under s60AAA and be responsive to the emerging needs of this new jurisdiction.
• Maintain ongoing liaison with the President, Members and the Registrar, including providing strategic advice about areas of team responsibility and reporting on team performance.
• Prepare reports and statistical analysis on service delivery for internal and external reporting.
• Monitor and respond to changes in the broader native title, Aboriginal cultural heritage and industry sectors insofar as they relate to the NNTT’s s60AAA and future act functions.
• Manage the performance of staff, promote team cohesion, and positively manage change and uncertainty in the workplace.
• Ensure content quality assurance by exercising general oversight of work performance, standards and consistency of practice.
• Lead national projects and initiatives as required, including the ongoing review of practices and procedures to ensure work is conducted in a timely and effective manner.
• Assist with and undertake administrative decision-making arising under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and other legislation.
• Possessing and demonstrating an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Possessing and demonstrating an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of native title, the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and Tribunal functions.
• Demonstrated ability to apply legislative, procedural and administrative frameworks to high‑level decision‑making and problem solving.
• High‑level communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and motivate team members and to deliver information in a succinct and concise manner.
• Proven ability to respond effectively to a changing environment and to identify and act upon opportunities for improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a team ‘service culture’ that is client‑centred and effectively meets the needs of clients (internal / external)
• Demonstrating and modelling APS values and appropriate, professional conduct.

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary studies in law or social sciences, or equivalent experience would be an advantage.

Experience in mediation, including accreditation as a mediator, is highly desirable.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.

First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter‑generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

Employment with the Court

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

• Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
• Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
• Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae and a two‑page response detailing your skills, attributes, and experience relevant to the selection criteria.

Applications Close: Friday 21 November 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEDT).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.