Senior Legal Advisor

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government seeks a qualified legal professional for the First Peoples – State Relations Group in Melbourne. The role provides authoritative legal and policy advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage governance, including registration and object management, for Ministers and senior executives.

You will prepare complex briefs and lead policy projects, with a focus on self-determination, cultural rights and treaty initiatives. Australian citizenship and security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Victorian legislation and legal practice relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage and Traditional Owner corporations.
• Ability to analyse complex information and inform policy development with evidence.
• Excellent written briefs, advice, determinations and reports.
• Strategic thinking to identify risks, opportunities and implications.
• Ability to prioritise, set objectives and adapt plans to achieve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal and policy advice on governance, registration and monitoring of Registered Aboriginal Parties.
• Prepare briefings, reports, submissions and legal documents for the Council, government and Ministers.
• Lead and contribute to legal/policy projects supporting the Council’s functions and research applications.
• Manage legal proceedings and provide strategic recommendations on complex matters.

Skills

Legal expertise

Policy analysis

Written communication

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Practising certificate (Australian Legal Practitioner)

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 13009

At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, we drive meaningful outcomes delivering real impact across Government and for Victorians. As a part of a central VPS agency supporting the Premier and Portfolio Ministers,you’llbe part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values flexibility and innovation.

About the Group

The First Peoples – State Relations Group supports an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples, applying a strong understanding of self-determination to our work practices and in providing clear and robust advice to the Minister for First Peoples, Premier, Cabinet and Senior Executives.

The First Peoples – State Relations Group is responsible for nation leading work in the areas of cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth. We recognise Victoria’s First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. We are committed to building ongoing, just and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State as a priority focus.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide authoritative legal and policy advice on complex issues relating to the Council’s governance, registration and monitoring of Registered Aboriginal Parties, and the management of Aboriginal objects and ancestral remains.
• Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, submissions, legal documents and correspondence for the Council, government, Ministers and departmental Secretaries.
• Lead and contribute to legal and policy projects supporting the Council’s legislative functions, including research and analysis of applications from Aboriginal groups seeking registration.
• Manage legal proceedings before relevant tribunals and courts and provide strategic recommendations on complex legal and policy matters arising from the Council’s functions.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

• Extensive knowledge of Victorian legislation and legal practice relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage and Traditional Owner corporations.
• Demonstrated ability to critically analyse complex information and establish robust evidence bases to inform policy development and decision-making.
• Highly developed written communication skills, with the ability to prepare complex legal briefs, advice, determinations, correspondence and reports clearly and accurately.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify emerging issues, risks, opportunities and their broader organisational and external implications.
• Demonstrated ability to establish clear objectives, prioritise competing demands and adapt plans and priorities to achieve organisational outcomes.

Mandatory requirements

Successful candidate must hold or be eligible to hold a current practising certificate as an Australian Legal Practitioner.

Specialist Skills

Litigation experience and extensive post-admission legal experience gained in an in-house legal department, law firm, regulator or government agency will be highly regarded.

This role is an ongoing position.

You must be an Australian citizen, as this role requires a security clearance.

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.

Applications close Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 11.59pm