Principal Legal Officer - Employment

Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Principal Legal Officer in Sydney will provide expert legal services in government law with a strong emphasis on employment matters. You will serve as a trusted adviser to the in-house DCITHS Legal Team, handling contracts of employment, dispute resolution, misconduct and performance issues.

This full-time temporary role (until 30 June 2027) offers hybrid work arrangements and a salary in the Clerk Grade 11/12 range, with superannuation, within a department that supports NSW’s creative

Qualifications

• The Principal Legal Officer provides expert legal advice across government law with a focus on employment law.
• Advise on contracts of employment, dispute resolution, misconduct and performance matters.
• Ensure compliance with the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 and related rules.

Responsibilities

• Deliver practical, solutions-focused employment law advice for the in-house team.
• Support contracts of employment, dispute resolution and performance management processes.
• Provide guidance on Work Health and Safety, discrimination and industrial matters.

Skills

employment law

legal advice

contracts of employment

dispute resolution

in-house team

industrial matters

Education

Admitted as Solicitor or Barrister NSW

NSW Practising Certificate eligible

Job description

Principal Legal Officer, Employment Law Join DCITHS Legal Team, within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport. This is a Clerk Grade 11/12 role with a salary range of $154,231 - $178,369 per annum plus superannuation. Full-time temporary role (until 30 June 2027) based in Sydney NSW, hybrid working arrangements may be available within business operational needs.

About The Role

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for providing expert, independent, professional legal advice and legal services in all aspects of government law with a specific focus on employment law to support the efficient operation and delivery of business outcomes.

Essential Requirement

Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practicing Certificate.

About You

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Legal Officer to join a small high performing in house legal team. This role will focus on employment law. You will be providing practical and solutions-focused advice and legal support. Which may include advising on contracts of employment, dispute resolution, employee misconduct and performance management, compliance with the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 and Rules, unfair dismissal claims, Work Health and Safety legislation, discrimination claims and industrial matters.

To learn more about the role, please click here to download the role description.

Contact For enquiries relating to the role please contact Rebecca Jeyasingam, Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Services - [e-mail] For enquiries relating to the recruitment process or reasonable adjustments please contact James Changkaeomanee, Talent Partner - [e-mail]

Recruitment will recommence on Monday 11 January 2027 and candidates will receive an update on their application from this date onward.

Working at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS)

At DCITHS we unite the state's key creative industries, Cultural Institutions, hospitality, entertainment, sports and tourism entities. Collaborating with our stakeholders, we grow industries, create vibrant places, support wellbeing and enrich the cultural and creative life of NSW by:

• driving visitation, participation and attendance for diverse events and experiences
• enabling dynamic precincts, venues and creative industries
• creating connection between people and their communities
• providing inspiring, safe and accessible experiences and facilities for individuals and groups

At DCITHS, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact James Changkaeomanee, Talent Acquisition Partner at [e-mail] or on 02 9228 3637.

For more information on reasonable adjustments and types of alternate formats available through the recruitment process you can visit 'Adjustments for Individual needs' at I work for NSW.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles for this role or similar roles that may become available over the next 18 months.