General Counsel

Defence Housing Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15.4% superannuation

Generous leave entitlements

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Program

ADF partner employment conditions

Job summary

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is seeking a General Counsel to lead the in-house Legal Services team. You will shape strategic legal outcomes, provide practical advice, and oversee the delivery of high-quality services across a broad range of matters including governance, commercial, property, and employment.

The role offers substantial independence and an opportunity to impact organisational outcomes. The engagement may be ongoing or for up to 12 months with the potential for extension or

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in Australia.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience delivering high-quality legal services in large organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop DHA's Legal Services team.
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality legal services across matters.
• Provide practical, solution-focused advice on complex/high-risk issues.

Skills

Legal leadership

Governance

Commercial law

Litigation management

Education

Bachelor of Laws

Job description

DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members.

To find out more about DHA, please refer to our website or read our latest Annual Report.

About your team

DHA’s in-house Legal Services team plays a key role in helping the organisation deliver its core business with confidence while proactively managing legal risk. Providing practical, independent and strategic advice, the team works across a diverse range of matters including commercial, property, construction, tenancy, employment, governance, administrative and public law. The team also manages litigation, disputes and external legal services, offering a varied and rewarding legal environment where your expertise can make a real impact.

About the role

As General Counsel, you’ll play a key leadership role within DHA’s Legal Services team, supporting senior executives and helping shape strategic outcomes. You’ll lead and develop legal professionals, oversee the delivery of high-quality legal services, and provide practical, solutions-focused advice on complex and high-risk matters.

With substantial professional independence, you’ll use your legal expertise and commercial judgement to turn complex legal risks into clear, practical advice that supports confident decision‑making and positive organisational outcomes.

This is either an Ongoing, or Non-ongoing Engagement for a period of up to 12 months with possibility of extension or permanency.

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible working options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

Order of Merit

A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature-aged employees and carers.

Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen and can obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level.

Any questions? Please contact Peter Edwards - Chief General Counsel