Principal Legal Officer

Aboriginal Engagement; West Perth; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in West Perth is seeking a Principal Legal Officer to provide legal services on Native Title Act matters. The role involves assessing future act notifications, providing legal advice, and developing strategies for negotiation. Candidates should hold a degree in law, with a strong understanding of legislative frameworks, particularly regarding Native Title and Aboriginal heritage. This permanent position offers a full-time opportunity within a supportive team focused on Aboriginal engagement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to assess complex legal issues.
• Experience providing legal advice on legislative frameworks.
• Knowledge of Native Title and Aboriginal heritage legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services on future act notifications.
• Develop engagement strategies and negotiation parameters.
• Advise on options for Government and agencies.

Skills

Legal analysis

Problem-solving

Leadership

Understanding of legislative frameworks

Education

Degree in Law

Job description

Principal Legal Officer

Position Number: DPC25072

Work Type: Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date: 2026-01-30 4:00 PM

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has established a Native Title Act Future Acts Unit (the Unit) to provide strategic oversight and leadership of Native Title Act future act matters across the Western Australian (WA) public sector. Applicants are invited to be part of this important initiative and contribute to the delivery of key strategic priority projects.

The Unit is part of the broader Aboriginal Engagement directorate within the Department and provides whole of Government strategic direction and facilitation for Government‑led Native Title Act future act negotiations. These negotiations present a critical opportunity to fulfill WA Government priorities including the clean energy transition, decarbonisation and increased economic diversification, as well as leveraging opportunities for native title holders. The Unit will be responsible for leading significant future act negotiations for the WA Government as well as providing advice and coordination across WA Government agencies.

The Unit is responsible for delivering three key functions: Future Acts Advisory and Negotiation; Future Acts Assessment and Triage and providing secretariat and administrative support for relevant committees. The team’s work involves direct engagement with native title groups and other Aboriginal communities and organisations and close collaboration with a range of WA Government agencies.

About the Role

The Principal Legal Officer undertakes early assessment of future act notifications received by the Unit and provides legal services, including preparing, researching and providing preliminary legal advice on Native Title Act future act notifications. This position also provides legal input to assist in the development of policy. The position also provides legal advice to assist in determining an appropriate level of oversight and approvals, and in the development of engagement strategies and negotiation parameters.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Identifying legal issues and risks and advising on options for Government and agencies;
• Applying a solutions‑focused and facilitative approach to assess complex legal and policy issues and develop effective resolution pathways;
• Providing clear and concise legal advice on matters that address the interrelationship between various legislative frameworks;
• Demonstrating strong leadership characteristics and the ability to anticipate problems and identify solutions.

Application Requirements

• A comprehensive CV detailing qualifications, skills, experiences and key achievements relative to the position. Please include the contact details of two referees (with at least one being your current or a recent supervisor);
• Evidence of a Degree in Law and admittance to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia OR qualification as a Legal Practitioner from outside the State whose qualifications for admission in Western Australia have been approved by the Legal Practice Board;
• A two‑page cover letter detailing your experience, skills and knowledge relating to:
  • Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice on matters that addresses the interrelationship between various legislative frameworks;
  • Sound knowledge and understanding of Native Title and Aboriginal heritage legislation, frameworks and related matters.
• Proof of identity 100‑point check;
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police Force that is less than two months from the date of issue.

Employment Status

To be eligible for appointment to permanent positions in the West Australian Public Sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia at the time of applying.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Click ‘Apply for Job’ at the bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application as late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Interview Date

Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held in the week commencing 16 February 2026. Further details will be provided prior to that date.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants who are found suitable in this process may be considered for similar vacancies that arise within the department, in accordance with the relevant Commissioner’s Instructions.