Legal Officer

NSW Ministry of Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 81,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Ministry of Health is seeking a Legal Officer to join the Mental Health Review Tribunal, providing specialist legal, policy and research support with a focus on forensic matters. You will deliver high-quality advice, research complex issues, and assist in governance, law reform and statutory compliance.

The role involves close collaboration with Tribunal members, registry staff, and external legal stakeholders to ensure fair and informed decision-making in accordance with relevant

Qualifications

• Strong legal research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of statutory interpretation and administrative law principles.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare legal advice, briefs, reports and policy documents.
• Strong judgement and the ability to provide accurate, balanced and practical legal advice.
• A high level of professionalism, integrity and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality work within tight timeframes.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across a range of professional groups.
• Resilience, adaptability and confidence working in a challenging and evolving environment.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to supporting positive team outcomes.
• An interest in mental health law, forensic mental health, public policy and law reform, together with a commitment to serving the public interest.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• An interest in public policy, mental health, law reform and improving outcomes for the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and policy advice across a diverse range of matters.
• Support the management of forensic matters, including evidentiary guidance, hearing preparation and procedural requirements.
• Deliver high-quality legal advice and conducts complex legal research.
• Assist the Tribunal to meet statutory obligations and support fair decision-making.
• Support responses to Ministerial correspondence, information requests and law reform consultations.
• Collaborate with the Tribunal President and Deputy Presidents.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Administrative law

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Time management

Judgement and discretion

Public policy interest

Collaboration

Integrity and professionalism

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or equivalent

Job description

Employment Type: Full Time Ongoing
Position Classification:Crown Award Legal Officer Grade I - III
Remuneration: $81,702 - $138,492 p.a. (pro rata) plus super and annual leave loading
Location: 580 George St Sydney
Requisition ID: REQ698391
Closing Date: 25 October 2026 (11:59PM)

Join a growing, high-functioning and dynamic organisation

We are searching for enthusiastic and motivated Legal Officer to join the Mental Health Review Tribunal. This new position will provide specialist legal, policy and research support to the Tribunal, with a particular focus on matters arising within the Tribunal's Forensic Division. The role delivers high-quality legal advice, conducts complex legal research, supports governance and law reform initiatives, and assists the Tribunal to effectively manage forensic matters while meeting its statutory obligations and supporting fair, informed decision-making. The role may also provide advice on legal issues to the Registrar and Deputy Registrar

About this role
As a Legal Officer, you will work closely with the Tribunal Executive, Registry staff and external legal stakeholders to provide legal and policy advice across a diverse range of matters. A key focus of the role is supporting the management of forensic matters, including providing guidance on evidentiary issues, hearing preparation and procedural requirements. You will help ensure that matters before the Tribunal are managed efficiently, fairly and in accordance with relevant legislation and legal principles.

You will undertake detailed legal research and analysis on complex and often sensitive issues relating to mental health law, forensic mental health, administrative decision-making and legislative reform. The role contributes to the development of guidelines, legal resources and policy positions, while also supporting responses to Ministerial correspondence, requests for information and consultations on law reform and public policy initiatives. You will work closely with the Tribunal President and the full time Deputy Presidents in performing the role.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, mental health and public administration. You will contribute to projects that have a direct impact on the operation of the mental health system in New South Wales, while working collaboratively with Tribunal Members, government agencies, legal practitioners and health professionals to support the Tribunal's important statutory functions

To review the role description, please click here.

About You
The ideal applicant will demonstrate:

• Strong legal research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of statutory interpretation and administrative law principles.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare legal advice, briefs, reports and policy documents.
• Strong judgement and the ability to provide accurate, balanced and practical legal advice.
• A high level of professionalism, integrity and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality work within tight timeframes.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across a range of professional groups.
• Resilience, adaptability and confidence working in a challenging and evolving environment.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to supporting positive team outcomes.
• An interest in mental health law, forensic mental health, public policy and law reform, together with a commitment to serving the public interest.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• An interest in public policy, mental health, law reform and improving outcomes for the community.

The Tribunal
Working for the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal offers the opportunity to contribute to work that has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of people receiving mental health care across New South Wales. As part of a small, specialist organisation, you will gain exposure to complex legal, policy and mental health issues while working alongside experienced professionals from health, legal and clinical disciplines.

The Tribunal provides a collaborative and supportive environment where staff are encouraged to innovate, develop their expertise and contribute to continuous improvement. In return, you will enjoy the benefits of public sector employment, opportunities for professional growth and the satisfaction of supporting a fair, independent and person-centred decision-making framework that promotes the rights, wellbeing and recovery of some of the community's most vulnerable members.

For role related queries please contact Alisa Kelley, Registrar **************@health.nsw.gov.au or 1800 815 ***

If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Lisa Byrne on **********@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ698391.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Mental Health Review Tribunal we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
• Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role

Applications Close: 25 October 2026 (11:59PM)